Sometimes, you stumble upon a recipe that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, and let me tell you, Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls are that cozy embrace. Imagine sinking your teeth into a crispy golden exterior that gives way to creamy, cheesy goodness. tasty fruity cake sweet dessert option The aroma wafts through the air, tantalizing your taste buds, and the sound of crunching as you bite into them is music to your ears! For more inspiration, check out this Easy Tater Tot Casserole recipe.
These delightful morsels have a special place in my heart. I remember one rainy afternoon, my friends and I were huddled at home, debating what to snack on while binge-watching our favorite show. The fridge was looking bare, but with some leftover mashed potatoes and cheese, we created these little nuggets of joy. Every ball was met with cheers of delight and maybe even a happy dance or two! For more inspiration, check out this Hamburger Potato Casserole recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls are simple to make and perfect for snacking
- Their cheesy flavor bursts with every bite while the crispy outside offers satisfying crunch
- They are visually appealing, making them great for parties or family gatherings
- Plus, they’re incredibly versatile—enjoy them as appetizers or a side dish!
My friends couldn’t stop raving about how addictive they were; it felt like we had discovered gold at the end of the potato rainbow.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Mashed Potatoes: Use leftover mashed potatoes for a quick prep; the creamier, the better for that soft interior.
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Shredded Cheese: Choose your favorite cheese—cheddar melts beautifully and adds incredible flavor.
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Eggs: One egg helps bind everything together while adding richness to each ball.
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Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs create an extra crunch; feel free to season them for added flavor!
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Green Onions: Chopped green onions add freshness and color—plus they taste amazing!
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Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors in this recipe.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Potato Mixture: In a large bowl, combine your leftover mashed potatoes with shredded cheese, chopped green onions, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is evenly incorporated.
Add an Egg for Binding: Crack an egg into the mixture and stir well. This will help keep your cheesy potato balls intact during cooking.
Shape Your Balls: With clean hands (or slightly damp hands), scoop out portions of the mixture and roll them into balls about 1-2 inches in diameter. Don’t be shy!
Dredge in Breadcrumbs: Roll each ball in breadcrumbs until fully coated. chocolate dessert roll This coating will give them that irresistible crunch when cooked.
Preheat Your Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes before adding your cheesy balls inside for optimal crispiness.
Cook Until Golden Brown: Place potato balls in the air fryer basket without overcrowding them. Cook for 12-15 minutes or until golden-brown and crispy on all sides. Flip halfway through for even cooking.
And just like that, you’re moments away from enjoying your delicious Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls! The anticipation builds as you catch whiffs of cheesy goodness filling your kitchen. delicious cheesy pasta dish You might even want to grab some dipping sauces because trust me—you’ll want to savor every single bite!
You Must Know
- These Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls are a delightful twist on classic comfort food, transforming leftovers into crispy, gooey bites
- The aroma of melting cheese will have everyone gathering around your kitchen, eagerly anticipating the first bite
- Perfect for snack time or as a party appetizer!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing your mashed potatoes and letting them cool slightly. While they cool, preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Form balls from the cold mashed potatoes, stuffing them with cheese, then air fry until golden brown.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to mix in herbs like chives or garlic powder to elevate your cheesy mashed potato balls. You can substitute different cheeses such as cheddar or mozzarella for a unique flavor profile.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover cheesy mashed potato balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about five minutes to restore their crispiness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Ensure your mashed potatoes are well-seasoned before forming into balls; bland potatoes make bland bites
- Freeze the formed balls for 30 minutes before cooking for an even better texture when frying
- Serve with dipping sauces like ranch or marinara for extra flavor!
I remember the first time I made these cheesy delights; my friends couldn’t get enough. Their delighted faces and requests for seconds made me realize I had created a crowd-pleaser!
FAQ
Can I use store-bought mashed potatoes?
Yes, using store-bought mash saves time but season them well for flavor.
What other fillings can I add?
Consider adding cooked bacon bits or jalapeños for added deliciousness.
How do I prevent them from falling apart?
Chill the potato balls before air frying; this helps them hold their shape better.
Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls are the ultimate comfort food, perfect for snacking or entertaining. These golden, crispy bites boast a creamy center filled with gooey cheese, making them irresistibly delicious. With a quick prep time and simple ingredients, you’ll be savoring these delightful treats in no time. Whether you’re using leftover mashed potatoes or whipping up a fresh batch, these cheesy balls are sure to impress family and friends alike!
Ingredients
- 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, green onions, salt, and pepper until well mixed.
- Add the egg and stir until fully incorporated.
- Shape the mixture into 1-2 inch balls.
- Roll each ball in panko breadcrumbs until coated.
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes.
- Place potato balls in the basket and cook for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown, flipping halfway through.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack/Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 balls (90g)
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Chill the formed balls for 30 minutes before cooking to help them maintain shape. Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or add herbs for extra flavor. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces such as ranch or marinara.
