Name: Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups mashed potato (1kg); 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (120g); 5 green onions; 2 eggs; ½ cup flour (70g); 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (50g)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving a snack that’s both irresistibly crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, then you simply must try these Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls! Each bite is golden and crunchy, giving way to a cheesy, fluffy middle loaded with green onions. Whether you’re turning leftovers into something spectacular or prepping them fresh, these crowd-pleasers are dangerously addictive — and surprisingly simple to make.

Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls lies in their simplicity. Every ingredient serves a delicious purpose, coming together to create those iconic layers of flavor and crunch. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one matters:

Mashed Potato: The creamy base. Use cold mashed potatoes so the balls hold their shape — leftover mash works perfectly!
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully for gooey pockets in every bite. Sharp cheddar adds great depth, but feel free to experiment with your favorites.
Green Onions: Brings a gentle zing and a pop of color that wakes up the whole mixture.
Eggs: Acts as a binder and helps the coating stick like a dream.
Flour: The first step in the breading to ensure the egg sticks, locking in the creamy middle.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These Japanese-style crumbs make the outside extra-crispy, giving these balls their trademark crunch.

How to Make Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls

Step 1: Mix Up Your Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cold mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, and finely chopped green onions. Stir everything until it’s well blended and you see those beautiful specs of green and orange throughout. The cheese melts into the potatoes as they cook, making the centers irresistibly savory.

Step 2: Roll Into Balls

Using about two tablespoons of mixture per ball, scoop and gently roll the filling between your palms until you have smooth, even spheres. Don’t worry if it’s a bit sticky — just take your time and line the shaped balls up on a parchment-lined baking sheet to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Set Up the Breading Station

Grab three shallow bowls. In the first, add the flour; in the second, beat the eggs until smooth; and in the third, pour in the panko breadcrumbs. It might feel a bit like an assembly line, but this step gives Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls their signature coating, so it’s worth setting up properly.

Step 4: Coat the Potato Balls

One by one, gently roll each potato ball in the flour, then dip into the beaten egg, and finally roll in the panko until well-coated. The triple layer ensures the balls fry up extra crunchy and keeps all that cheesy, creamy goodness tucked safely inside.

Step 5: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 375°F and let it preheat. A hot air fryer helps jumpstart that golden crust, so don’t skip this step. Oiling the basket lightly will prevent sticking and promote even crispiness as well.

Step 6: Arrange and Spray

Lay your breaded potato balls in a single, even layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they aren’t touching. Depending on your air fryer size, you’ll likely need to cook them in batches. Mist the tops lightly with oil to give them that irresistible golden crunch as they fry.

Step 7: Air Fry to Perfection

Cook the Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls at 375°F for 10 to 15 minutes, gently turning them halfway through for even color and crunch. They’re ready when golden brown with a satisfying crispy exterior— try to resist eating them right out of the basket!

How to Serve Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls

Garnishes

A little garnish takes these bites from snack to show-stopper. Sprinkle with extra chopped green onions or fresh parsley for color. A dusting of parmesan or a dollop of sour cream on the side also makes these Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls pop.

Side Dishes

Pair these beauties with a vibrant salad for a light lunch, or nestle them beside grilled veggies and your favorite protein. They also fit perfectly on appetizer platters, joining other snackable favorites like wings or sliders.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack the balls on a rustic wooden board with toothpicks for easy grabbing at parties. Or serve them up in mini bowls with assorted dipping sauces like spicy mayo, ranch, or even a tangy marinara to make every bite a new adventure.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow have extra Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls (lucky you!), pop them in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to three days. They’ll keep their flavor and texture beautifully with minimal fuss.

Freezing

Want a stash for later? Line up the uncooked, breaded balls on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They hold well for up to two months, making them perfect for impromptu snacks or last-minute guests.

Reheating

Bring back that just-cooked crunch by reheating the balls in the air fryer for 3 to 5 minutes at 350°F. Skip the microwave if you can; the air fryer keeps them crispy on the outside and warm on the inside.

FAQs

Can I use instant mashed potatoes for this recipe?

Absolutely! Instant mashed potatoes work well and can speed things up — just make sure they’re thick and cooled so the balls hold together nicely.

What type of cheese is best to use?

Sharp cheddar melts beautifully and gives great flavor, but Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack make fun, melty swaps. If you like a bolder taste, mix in some crumbled feta or blue cheese.

How do I make these gluten-free?

Easy swap: use gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers. The results are just as crispy and delicious!

Can I bake these instead of air frying?

Yes! Bake them in a preheated oven at 425°F on a parchment-lined tray for 15-20 minutes, turning once. They’ll get lovely color, though the air fryer achieves the crunchiest finish.

What sauces pair best with Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls?

These are fantastic with just about anything: ranch, spicy mayo, garlic aioli, or even tangy ketchup. For a zesty twist, try them with a creamy buffalo dip or herbed yogurt sauce.

Final Thoughts

There’s something about Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls that makes every gathering extra festive. Whether you’re serving them up as an appetizer, a party treat, or just as a way to revive leftover mash, they never fail to impress. Give this recipe a go and watch everyone reach for seconds — you may want to make a double batch!

Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 24 reviews

Author: Mariam
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: Makes about 20 potato balls 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls are crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside, and packed with cheesy goodness. Perfect as a snack or side dish, they are sure to be a hit with the whole family.

Ingredients

Scale

Mashed Potato Balls:

4 cups mashed potato (1kg)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (120g)
5 green onions

Breading:

2 eggs
½ cup flour (70g)
1 cup panko breadcrumbs (50g)

Instructions

Mix the ingredients: In a bowl, combine the mashed potato, cheese, and green onions.
Form the balls: Scoop 2 tablespoons of the mixture and roll into balls, then place on a parchment-lined baking tin.
Prepare the breading: Beat the eggs in one bowl, place the flour in another, and the panko breadcrumbs in a third.
Coat the balls: Dip each mashed potato ball into the flour, then the egg, and finally coat with the breadcrumbs.
Preheat the air fryer: Set the air fryer to 375°F.
Cook the potato balls: Oil the air fryer basket, place the balls in a single layer without touching, spray with oil, and air fry at 375°F for 10-15 minutes until golden and crispy, turning halfway through cooking.

Notes

You can customize these potato balls by adding different cheeses or seasonings to the mashed potato mixture.
Make sure to oil the air fryer basket to prevent sticking.
Cooking times may vary depending on the air fryer model.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
Method: Air Fry
Cuisine: American