These Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls are the perfect way to turn leftover mashed potatoes into a crispy, golden snack everyone loves. With a gooey cheese center and crunchy coating, this air fryer favorite is quick, comforting, and incredibly satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside
- A smart and delicious way to use leftover mashed potatoes
- Kid-friendly, party-perfect, and freezer-friendly
- Made in the air fryer with minimal oil
- Packed with cheesy flavor in every bite
Ingredients
- 3 cups leftover mashed potatoes
- 3 slices turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled
- Block of cheddar cheese, cut into cubes
- 1 ½ cups breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- Cooking oil spray
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine mashed potatoes, crumbled turkey bacon, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder if using. Mix well.
- With lightly floured hands, scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and flatten into a disk. Place a cube of cheddar cheese in the center and gently roll into a sealed ball.
- Prepare three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with eggs whisked with milk, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan.
- Dip each ball into flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs. Repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating for extra crispiness.
- Arrange the Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket and lightly spray with oil.
- Air fry at 370°F (188°C) for 4 minutes. Shake the basket, spray lightly with oil, and cook for another 2–3 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Tips & Tricks
- Chill the balls for 15 minutes before air frying to help them hold their shape
- Use mozzarella or pepper jack for a different cheese pull
- Avoid overcooking to prevent cheese from leaking out
- Spray lightly with oil for even browning
Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 18–20 balls
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Notes: Halal-friendly
Notes
- Serve with ranch, garlic yogurt sauce, or spicy ketchup
- Add chopped green onions for extra flavor
- Breadcrumbs can be swapped with panko for extra crunch
Nutrition (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 110
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fat: 6g
FAQ
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare and refrigerate them up to 24 hours before air frying.
Can I freeze mashed potato balls?
Absolutely. Freeze before cooking and air fry straight from frozen, adding 2–3 extra minutes.
What cheese works best?
Cheddar melts well, but mozzarella gives the best cheese pull.
Can I bake them instead?
Yes, bake at 400°F for 15–18 minutes, turning halfway.
Why are my balls falling apart?
Make sure the potatoes aren’t too soft and chill before cooking.
Storage
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Freezer: Freeze uncooked balls for up to 2 months
- Reheat: Air fry at 350°F for 3–4 minutes
Similar Recipes
Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls
Crispy air fryer mashed potato balls filled with melted cheese.Perfect for using leftover mashed potatoes.Quick, easy, and family-friendly appetizer.
Ingredients
- 3 cups leftover mashed potatoes
- 3 slices turkey bacon cooked and crumbled
- Block of cheddar cheese cut into cubes
- 1 ½ cups breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1 –2 tablespoons milk
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder optional
- Cooking oil spray
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine mashed potatoes, crumbled turkey bacon, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder if using. Mix well.
- With lightly floured hands, scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and flatten into a disk. Place a cube of cheddar cheese in the center and gently roll into a sealed ball.
- Prepare three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with eggs whisked with milk, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan.
- Dip each ball into flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs. Repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating for extra crispiness.
- Arrange the Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket and lightly spray with oil.
- Air fry at 370°F (188°C) for 4 minutes. Shake the basket, spray lightly with oil, and cook for another 2–3 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Serve with ranch, garlic yogurt sauce, or spicy ketchup
- Add chopped green onions for extra flavor
- Breadcrumbs can be swapped with panko for extra crunch
Conclusion
These Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls are crispy, comforting, and irresistibly cheesy. Whether you’re using leftovers or making them fresh, this easy air fryer recipe is guaranteed to disappear fast.