Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls Recipe – Easy & Crispy

Try this Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls Recipe for a delicious, crispy snack or side. Quick, simple, and perfect for any dinner or gathering.

Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls Recipe is a fun and easy way to turn simple mashed potatoes into a crunchy, cheesy treat everyone will love. Using your air fryer means you get perfectly crispy balls without deep frying, making it healthier and quicker. Whether you’re hosting a game day or need a tasty side for dinner, this recipe is a winner.

Why You’ll Love It

This Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls Recipe combines creamy mashed potatoes with gooey cheddar cheese and a crunchy panko coating, delivering comfort food with a crispy twist. The air fryer cooks them evenly and quickly, cutting down on oil and mess compared to deep frying. Plus, they’re easy to prepare ahead and reheat perfectly. You can serve these as a snack, appetizer, or a side dish, making them incredibly versatile.

Ingredients

• 3 cups mashed potatoes (leftover or freshly made)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 eggs, beaten (for binding and breading)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (can substitute gluten-free flour)
• 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs (for extra crispiness)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Cooking spray or oil mist for the air fryer basket

For substitutions, use vegan cheese and flax eggs to make these balls dairy-free and vegan. Gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs can be swapped if needed.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Mix the mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, Parmesan, eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl until fully combined.
2. Form the mixture into evenly sized balls, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter.
3. Set up a breading station: one bowl with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs.
4. Coat each potato ball in flour, then dip in egg, and finally roll in breadcrumbs until well coated.
5. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and spray the basket lightly with cooking spray.
6. Place the potato balls in a single layer inside the basket. Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray.
7. Cook for 12 to 15 minutes, turning halfway through, until the balls are golden brown and crispy.
8. Carefully remove and serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.

Expert Tips

Make sure your mashed potatoes are not too wet to prevent soggy balls. Use leftover mashed potatoes that are a bit dry or cook fresh potatoes well and drain excess moisture. For extra cheesy flavor, add small cubes of cheese inside each ball before breading. If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs work but won’t be as crispy. Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket—cook in batches if needed for even crispiness. Reheat leftovers in the air fryer for best texture.

Storage

Store leftover potato balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore their crispiness. For longer storage, freeze the uncooked balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the air frying time.

Variations

• Vegan: Use vegan mashed potatoes, vegan cheese, and replace eggs with flax egg or aquafaba for binding.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute the flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free options.
• Dairy-Free: Omit cheeses or replace with dairy-free cheese alternatives.
• Added Flavors: Mix in chopped herbs like chives or parsley for extra freshness.
• Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika in the coating for a mild kick.

FAQ

Can I use leftover mashed potatoes for the Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls Recipe?

Yes! Leftover mashed potatoes work perfectly and are often drier than freshly made ones, which helps the balls hold better shape.

What type of cheese works best?

Cheddar cheese is ideal for its meltiness and flavor, but feel free to add Parmesan or mozzarella for different tastes and textures.

How do I prevent the balls from falling apart?

Make sure the potatoes are not too wet and that eggs are well mixed into the base. Firmly coat each ball in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs to help them stay intact.

Can I bake these instead of using an air fryer?

Yes, bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway to crisp all sides.

Are these suitable as an easy weeknight dinner side?

Absolutely! They pair well with many mains and can be found in our Easy Weeknight Dinners collection for more inspiration.

Try the Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls Recipe today and share your results—we love to hear your feedback! Save, rate, or comment if you enjoyed it.