The aroma of Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls fills the kitchen, making it nearly impossible to resist. Crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, these delightful bites are a savory hug for your taste buds. For more inspiration, check out this dinner recipes for easy meals recipe.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>How to Make Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I freeze Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls?
- How do I make the mashed potatoes creamy?
- What dipping sauces pair well with these balls?
- 📖 Recipe Card
Picture this: it’s a chilly Sunday afternoon, and as I unwrap a batch of these golden treasures from the air fryer, my family gathers around. It feels like magic as we share laughter and stories over these cheesy delights that are best enjoyed with friends or during cozy movie nights.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls are easy to whip up, perfect for any occasion
- Their crispy exterior contrasts beautifully with the creamy center
- Versatile enough to serve as appetizers or snacks, they make everyone smile
- The delightful flavor will keep you reaching for more!
I remember serving these at a family gathering once, and watching my cousin’s eyes light up was priceless.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Mashed Potatoes: Use leftover mashed potatoes if you have them; they add great flavor and save time.
Shredded Cheese: Go for sharp cheddar for a bold flavor that melts beautifully.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These light breadcrumbs create a satisfying crunch on the outside while keeping everything inside nice and cheesy.
Eggs: A couple of eggs help bind everything together, ensuring your balls hold their shape during cooking.
Green Onions: Finely chopped green onions add a fresh bite that brightens up the richness of the cheese.
Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance all the flavors—don’t skip them!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls
Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients—mashed potatoes, cheese, eggs, and seasonings should be at room temperature for better mixing.
Mix Everything Together: In a large bowl, combine mashed potatoes, shredded cheese, chopped green onions, eggs, salt, and pepper. Stir until fully combined; let your inner chef shine!
Shape the Balls: With clean hands (or gloves if you’re fancy), scoop out about two tablespoons of mixture per ball. Roll them gently into perfect spheres; think golf ball size.
Drench in Panko: Coat each ball in panko breadcrumbs for that irresistible crunch. Ensure they’re evenly covered; it’s like giving them a spa day before cooking!
Air Fry to Perfection: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place balls in a single layer in the basket and spray lightly with cooking oil. Cook for about 10-12 minutes until golden brown.
Serve and Enjoy!: Once done, carefully remove them from the air fryer. Serve warm with dipping sauces or just enjoy them as they are—either way is delightful!
You Must Know
- Mastering Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls elevates leftovers to gourmet status
- The delightful aroma of melted cheese and crispy potatoes makes them irresistible
- They’re perfect for parties or a cozy movie night, providing comfort food at its finest
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To create Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls, start by preparing your mashed potatoes first. While they cool, set your air fryer to preheat and gather your cheese and breadcrumbs.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize these cheesy delights! Swap in different cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack, or add herbs like chives or parsley for extra flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes until crispy.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve perfectly crispy balls, ensure your mashed potatoes are thick and not too wet
- Using cold mashed potatoes helps maintain their shape during frying
- Always preheat your air fryer for optimal cooking results
It’s funny how my kids think they invented Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls after one impromptu lunch. They devoured them, declaring them “the best thing ever,” which made my heart swell with pride and a hint of mischief. For more inspiration, check out this lunch inspiration recipe.
FAQ
Can I freeze Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls?
Yes, freezing is possible! Just freeze them before cooking for later enjoyment.
How do I make the mashed potatoes creamy?
Add butter and milk while mashing to achieve that luscious creaminess everyone loves.
What dipping sauces pair well with these balls?
Ranch dressing or marinara sauce makes a delicious dip for cheesy potato balls.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
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Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 10 servings 1x
Description
Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls are the ultimate comfort food, combining crispy breadcrumbs with a gooey, cheesy center. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in, these savory bites will have everyone coming back for more. With easy-to-find ingredients and a simple preparation method, you can whip up this delicious treat in no time. Enjoy them with your favorite dipping sauces or on their own for a delightful snack experience.
Ingredients
- 2 cups mashed potatoes (leftover is ideal)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup green onions, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients by ensuring mashed potatoes are at room temperature.
- In a large bowl, mix together mashed potatoes, cheese, green onions, eggs, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Scoop about two tablespoons of mixture and roll into balls.
- Coat each ball evenly in panko breadcrumbs.
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the balls in a single layer in the basket and spray lightly with cooking oil.
- Air fry for 10-12 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve warm with dipping sauces or enjoy them plain.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Snack/Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 85
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
