Indulge in Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls Today!

Discover the ultimate comfort food delight with these Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls! Crispy on the outside and bursting with melted cheese inside, these bite-sized delights are the perfect snack, appetizer, or side dish that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. The air fryer creates a perfectly golden and crunchy exterior, while the cheesy mashed potato center is guaranteed to melt in your mouth. Get ready to savor every delectable morsel of these irresistible Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls!

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Why Choose Air Fryer Cooking?

Air fryers have revolutionized the way we enjoy fried foods without the guilt. By using rapid air circulation to cook your food, air fryers achieve a crispy, crunchy texture with a fraction of the oil required for traditional frying methods. This makes them an ideal choice for whipping up Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls that are both indulgent and guilt-free. Plus, the air fryer is incredibly easy to use, making it a convenient and hassle-free way to create delicious, restaurant-quality dishes right in your own kitchen.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls

• 2 cups chilled and firm mashed potatoes
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
• Cooking spray or a little olive oil

The key to these Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls is using chilled and firm mashed potatoes. This ensures the balls hold their shape and don’t fall apart during the cooking process. Feel free to use your favorite type of cheese, or mix and match for a blend of flavors. The breadcrumbs provide the perfect crispy coating, while the beaten egg helps everything stick together seamlessly.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls

Prepare the Mashed Potatoes

Start by ensuring your mashed potatoes are chilled and firm. If you’re using leftover mashed potatoes, make sure they have cooled completely in the refrigerator. If you’re making fresh mashed potatoes, allow them to cool to room temperature before proceeding.

Make the Potato Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the chilled mashed potatoes, shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until the ingredients are well incorporated and the mixture is cohesive.

Form the Potato Balls

Take about 2 tablespoons of the potato mixture and gently roll it into a ball between your palms. Repeat this process with the remaining mixture to form 12-14 evenly sized potato balls.

Coat the Potato Balls

Place the breadcrumbs in a shallow bowl or plate. Roll each potato ball in the breadcrumbs, ensuring they are fully coated. This will give the Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls their delightful crunchy exterior when cooked.

Air Fry the Potato Balls

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or drizzle a little olive oil. Carefully place the breaded potato balls in the basket, making sure they are not touching each other. Lightly spray or drizzle the tops of the balls with a bit more cooking spray or olive oil. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the potato balls are golden brown and crispy.

Serve and Enjoy

Once the Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving. These irresistible bites can be enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or side dish. Savor the perfect balance of crispy exterior and melted, cheesy interior in every delectable mouthful.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls (approximately 2-3 balls) contains approximately 210 calories, 10 grams of fat, 23 grams of carbohydrates, and 9 grams of protein. The air fryer method significantly reduces the amount of oil used compared to traditional deep frying, making these potato balls a slightly healthier indulgence.

Variations and Customizations

Spicy Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls

For a little extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a finely diced jalapeño to the potato mixture. You can also incorporate a spicy cheese, such as pepper jack, for an extra burst of flavor.

Herbed Variations

Elevate the flavor by adding finely chopped fresh herbs, such as chives, parsley, or rosemary, to the potato mixture. You can also experiment with dried herb blends for a different flavor profile.

Vegan Adaptations

To make these Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls vegan-friendly, substitute the cheese with your favorite non-dairy alternatives, such as shredded vegan mozzarella or crumbled vegan feta. Replace the egg with a flax or chia egg for binding.

Other Cheeses to Consider

While mozzarella and cheddar are classic choices, you can also try using other types of cheese, such as gouda, provolone, or even a blend of multiple cheeses to create unique flavor combinations.

Add-ins: Bacon, Veggies, or Spices

For extra texture and flavor, consider incorporating crispy bacon bits, sautéed onions or mushrooms, or a sprinkle of your favorite spices, such as paprika or chili powder, into the potato mixture.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• Air Fryer Potato Wedges
• Loaded Mashed Potato Muffins
• Garlic Parmesan Roasted Potatoes
• Mashed Potato Casserole

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you cook mashed potato balls in the air fryer?

To cook Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls, first prepare the potato mixture by combining the chilled mashed potatoes, cheeses, egg, and seasonings. Form the mixture into balls, coat them in breadcrumbs, and then air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

How long do you cook cheese balls in the air fryer?

The Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls should be cooked for 10-12 minutes in the air fryer, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time. This ensures the exterior becomes crispy and golden brown while the interior remains melted and gooey.

How long can you air fry mashed potatoes?

When air frying mashed potato balls, the cooking time is typically 10-12 minutes at 375°F (190°C). However, the exact time may vary depending on the size of the potato balls and your specific air fryer model. It’s important to keep an eye on them and shake the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking and a crispy exterior.

How long does it take to heat a baked potato in an air fryer?

While this recipe is for Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls, not whole baked potatoes, the air fryer can also be used to reheat baked potatoes. Typically, it takes 10-15 minutes to heat a whole baked potato in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C), flipping the potato halfway through the cooking time.

Conclusion

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with these irresistible Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls. The air fryer technique gives these delectable bites a perfectly crispy exterior, while the cheesy, mashed potato center melts in your mouth with every bite. Customize the flavors to your liking, and enjoy these Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls as a snack, appetizer, or side dish that will have your taste buds singing with joy. Give this recipe a try and experience the magic of air-fried potato perfection!

Craving even more magical meals? Browse Amelia’s Pinterest boards for quick dinners, cozy bakes, and tons of flavorful inspiration.

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