Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls

Name: Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups leftover mashed potatoes; 3 slices crumbled turkey turkey turkey bacon; Block of cheddar cheese (cut into cubes); 1.5 cups breadcrumbs; 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese; 2 large eggs; 1-2 tablespoons milk; Salt and black pepper (to taste); Cooking oil spray; Optional: 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder

Posted on December 23, 2025

Appetizers & Snacks

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Air fryer mashed potato balls are the perfect creation for transforming your leftover mashed potatoes into a delightful appetizer. With a crunchy exterior and a gooey cheese center, these bites are irresistible at any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a game night, enjoying a family dinner, or seeking a quick snack, these mashed potato balls will impress everyone with their flavor and texture. Plus, they’re easy to make and can be customized with your favorite ingredients!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This recipe uses leftover mashed potatoes, making it a fast option for busy days.
Crispy Perfection: The air fryer gives these mashed potato balls a crispy exterior without deep frying.
Flavorful Ingredients: With turkey turkey turkey bacon and cheddar cheese, each bite is packed with delicious flavors.
Versatile Snack: Great for parties, as appetizers, or as an easy side dish for dinner.
Kid-Approved: Kids love the cheesy center and fun shape, making it a hit for family meals.

Tools and Preparation

To create these delightful air fryer mashed potato balls, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools that will help streamline the process.

Essential Kitchen Tools

Mixing bowl
Small cookie scoop
Shallow dishes (for flour, egg wash, breadcrumbs)
Air fryer
Cooking spray

Why These Tools Matter

Mixing bowl: Essential for combining all ingredients evenly before forming balls.
Small cookie scoop: Helps in portioning out uniform balls for even cooking.
Air fryer: Provides a healthier cooking method while achieving that crispy texture.
Cooking spray: Ensures the outside of the potato balls gets crispy without sticking.

Ingredients

Air fryer mashed potato balls are made with leftover mashed potatoes, crumbled turkey turkey turkey bacon, and chives with a melted cheese center and crispy outside.

For the Potato Balls

3 cups Leftover Mashed Potatoes
3 slices turkey turkey turkey bacon (crumbled)
Block of Cheddar Cheese (cut into cubes)
1 1/2 cups Breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons Grated Parmesan
2 Large Eggs
1-2 tablespoons Milk
Salt (to taste)
Black Pepper (to taste)
Cooking Oil Spray
1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder (optional)

How to Make Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls

Step 1: Prepare the Mixture

In a medium-sized bowl, mix leftover mashed potatoes with crumbled turkey turkey turkey bacon, chives or green onion, salt, and pepper. If desired, add garlic powder.

Step 2: Form the Balls

With floured hands:
1. Scoop some of the mashed potato mixture into your palm using a small cookie scoop to get about 2-inch balls.
2. Flatten it into a disk shape.
3. Place a cube of cheese in the center and carefully form it back into a ball ensuring the cheese is completely covered.

Step 3: Dredge in Coatings

Set up three shallow dishes:
1. Add flour to one dish.
2. In another dish, scramble eggs with 1-2 tablespoons of milk.
3. Mix breadcrumbs with grated parmesan in the third dish.

Dip each ball:
1. In flour first,
2. Then in egg mixture,
3. Finally in breadcrumbs.
4. For extra crispiness, repeat dipping back into the egg then breadcrumbs again.

Step 4: Air Frying Process

Place:
1. A single layer of mashed potato balls in the air fryer basket.
2. Lightly spray them with cooking oil.

Cook at:
1. 370 degrees Fahrenheit for 4 minutes,
2. Shake the basket gently,
3. Spray additional oil if needed,
4. Continue baking for another 2-3 minutes until golden brown.

Be careful not to overcook as the cheese might ooze out! Serve these delicious morsels warm with ranch dipping sauce for an extra flavor kick!

How to Serve Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls

Air fryer mashed potato balls are a delightful appetizer that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a cozy family dinner, these crispy treats are sure to please. Here are some delicious serving suggestions to elevate your experience.

With Dipping Sauces

Ranch Dressing: A classic pairing that complements the flavors of the mashed potato balls.
Sour Cream: Creamy and rich, sour cream adds a tangy twist that enhances each bite.
Spicy Ketchup: For those who enjoy a kick, spicy ketchup brings heat and flavor together.

As Part of a Platter

Vegetable Platter: Serve the mashed potato balls alongside fresh veggies like carrots and celery for a colorful spread.
Cheese Board: Include various cheeses, crackers, and fruits to create an appealing cheese board with the potato balls as a standout item.

In Tacos

Potato Ball Tacos: Use soft tortillas to wrap potato balls with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and avocado for a fun twist on traditional tacos.

How to Perfect Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls

Making air fryer mashed potato balls is simple, but perfecting them takes a bit of technique. Follow these tips for the best results.

Bold Ingredients: Use high-quality leftover mashed potatoes for the best flavor. The richer the potatoes, the tastier the balls will be.
Bold Cheese Center: Ensure cheese cubes are well-frozen before adding them to maintain their shape during cooking.
Bold Coating Technique: Double-dip in egg and breadcrumbs for an extra crispy texture. This adds layers of crunch that everyone will love.
Bold Cooking Time: Keep an eye on cooking time to avoid overcooking; golden brown is your target for perfect results.
Bold Spice it Up: Consider adding spices or herbs to your mashed potatoes for added flavor depth before forming them into balls.

Best Side Dishes for Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls

Air fryer mashed potato balls pair wonderfully with various side dishes. These combinations make your meal more complete and satisfying. Here’s a list of great options.

Garden Salad: A fresh mix of greens and vegetables offers a crisp contrast to the warm, crispy potato balls.
Coleslaw: The crunchiness of coleslaw adds texture and balances out the richness of the mashed potato balls.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables bring earthy flavors that complement the savory bites perfectly.
Macaroni Salad: A creamy macaroni salad provides comfort alongside your crispy appetizer.
Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn pairs nicely with savory snacks, making it an ideal summertime side dish.
Stuffed Mushrooms: These bite-sized delights can enhance your appetizer spread while offering an umami flavor boost.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making air fryer mashed potato balls, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some to watch out for:

Using Cold Mashed Potatoes – Cold mashed potatoes can be hard to mold. Always let them sit at room temperature before shaping your balls.
Skipping the Cheese – Omitting cheese may lead to less flavor and enjoyment. Make sure to include a cube of cheese in each ball for that delicious surprise.
Not Coating Properly – A good coating is key for crispiness. Ensure you double-dip in egg and breadcrumbs for the best texture.
Overcrowding the Air Fryer – Filling the basket too much can lead to uneven cooking. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure all sides get crispy.
Ignoring Cooking Times – Don’t walk away while they cook! Keep an eye on them towards the end of the cooking time to prevent overcooking.

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container.
Best consumed within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls

Place in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to a freezer-safe container.
They can be stored for up to 2 months.

Reheating Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls

Oven – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy again.
Microwave – Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, but this may result in a softer texture.
Stovetop – Reheat in a pan over medium heat with a little oil until warm and crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls?

Air fryer mashed potato balls are crunchy bites made from leftover mashed potatoes, filled with cheese, and cooked to perfection in an air fryer.

How do I make Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls crispy?

To achieve maximum crispiness, be sure to double-coat your potato balls in breadcrumbs and spray them lightly with cooking oil before air frying.

Can I customize my Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls?

Absolutely! You can add different cheeses, spices, or even vegetables like spinach or corn for added flavor and texture.

How long do Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls take to cook?

They typically take about 7 minutes at 370°F in the air fryer, but keep an eye on them as cooking times may vary based on your appliance.

Can I use other meats instead of turkey turkey turkey bacon?

Yes! Feel free to substitute turkey turkey turkey bacon with crumbled chicken or lamb if you prefer different flavors or textures.

Conclusion

Air fryer mashed potato balls are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. They’re perfect as appetizers or snacks and can easily be customized with various ingredients. Give this recipe a try and enjoy these tasty treats!