It’s a sunny afternoon, and you find yourself daydreaming about crispy, golden-brown bites filled with creamy mashed potatoes and gooey cheese. Enter the Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls, a dish that will make your taste buds dance and your heart sing! Imagine sinking your teeth into these fluffy spheres of goodness while the aroma fills your kitchen with warmth and nostalgia. roasted sweet potatoes recipe scalloped sweet potatoes for comfort It’s like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket on a chilly evening—pure comfort food at its finest. For more inspiration, check out this Hearty Lentil Stew recipe.
Now, picture this you’re hosting friends for game night, and everyone is snacking away on chips and dip. Suddenly, you present these delightful cheesy potato balls. The crowd goes wild! You hear laughter and cheers as they devour every bite. This dish isn’t just food; it’s an experience that brings people together, creating joyful memories one delicious ball at a time.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls are incredibly easy to make, perfect for any skill level
- Their cheesy, savory flavor profile is guaranteed to impress everyone at the table
- Visually appealing with their golden exterior, they make for an excellent appetizer or side dish
- Versatile enough to be enjoyed on game night or holiday gatherings, they fit every occasion beautifully
I remember the first time I made these cheesy delights; my kids went absolutely bananas over them—and I mean literally! They transformed into little potato ball connoisseurs right before my eyes.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Mashed Potatoes: Use leftover mashed potatoes for convenience or whip up fresh ones—just make sure they’re creamy.
- Shredded Cheese: Cheddar works wonders here for its meltability and sharp flavor; feel free to mix in mozzarella for extra gooeyness.
- Breadcrumbs: Use seasoned breadcrumbs for added flavor; they create that perfectly crunchy exterior.
- Eggs: One or two eggs will help bind everything together; use large eggs for best results.
- Green Onions: Chopped green onions add a pop of color and freshness to balance the richness of cheese.
- Salt & Pepper: Don’t forget to season wisely; a pinch of salt and freshly cracked pepper elevate the flavors!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below. stuffed chicken parmesan recipe.
Let’s Make It Together
Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all ingredients on your countertop so you’re ready to go. An organized workspace makes cooking much more enjoyable!
Mix It Up: In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, shredded cheese, chopped green onions, eggs, salt, and pepper until well blended. The mixture should be creamy yet firm enough to hold its shape.
Scoop & Shape: Using your hands (or a cookie scoop if you’re fancy), grab a handful of the mixture and form it into small balls—about the size of golf balls work great!
Coat the Balls: Roll each potato ball in breadcrumbs until fully coated. This step enhances crunchiness after air frying, making them irresistibly tasty.
Air Fry to Perfection: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the potato balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Cook for about 10-12 minutes or until they turn golden brown.
Serve & Enjoy!: Once they’re crispy outside and warm inside, remove them from the fryer. savory Asian ground beef noodles Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce—trust me; ranch pairs excellently!
Dive into these Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls any day of the week! Whether it’s game night or just another Tuesday evening at home, these little bites bring joy with every delicious mouthful. Now go ahead, get cooking—your taste buds are waiting! For more inspiration, check out this Cheesy Beef Wraps recipe.
You Must Know
- Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls are a delicious twist on the classic comfort food
- They’re crispy on the outside with a gooey, cheesy center that will make your taste buds dance
- Perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy night in!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by boiling your potatoes until they’re fork-tender, then mash them with cheese and seasonings. Form into balls and air fry at 375°F for 12 minutes, flipping halfway to achieve a golden-brown crust.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out cheddar for your favorite cheese, like pepper jack or gouda. Adding herbs like chives or garlic powder can elevate the flavor profile even further.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover mashed potato balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for about five minutes to restore their crispiness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve that perfect balance of creaminess inside and crispiness outside, don’t over-mash your potatoes
- Using cold mashed potatoes helps them hold shape better
- Always preheat your air fryer for optimal results!
Sharing my first attempt at Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls was hilarious; they exploded everywhere! My friends still tease me about it, but now they can’t get enough of these treats.
FAQ
Can I use leftover mashed potatoes for this recipe?
Yes, leftover mashed potatoes work perfectly and save you time!
What dipping sauces go well with these potato balls?
Try ranch dressing, marinara sauce, or spicy aioli for dipping!
Can I freeze Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls?
Yes, freeze uncooked potato balls and air fry straight from frozen when ready!
Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: About 12 servings 1x
Description
Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls are the ultimate comfort food, combining crispy exteriors with a warm, gooey cheese center. Perfect for game nights or cozy dinners, these delightful bites are easy to make and sure to impress your guests. With simple ingredients and quick preparation, you can enjoy these golden treats any day of the week.
Ingredients
- 2 cups mashed potatoes (about 500g)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (100g)
- 1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs (60g)
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (25g)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients by gathering everything on your countertop.
- In a large bowl, mix together the mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, green onions, egg, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into small balls, roughly the size of golf balls.
- Roll each ball in seasoned breadcrumbs until fully coated.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the balls in a single layer in the basket and cook for 10-12 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Feel free to substitute cheddar with mozzarella or pepper jack for extra flavor. Add herbs like chives or garlic powder for a unique twist.
