Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls: The Crispiest Recipe Ever!

If you’re looking for a fun and tasty way to use up leftover mashed potatoes, then you’ve come to the right place! Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls: The Crispiest Recipe Ever! is one of my all-time favorites. These little bites are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, making them an irresistible treat that everyone loves. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a family gathering, these potato balls are sure to please.

I love how versatile this recipe is! You can whip it up in no time, and they make a great appetizer or side dish. Plus, they’re perfect for dipping into your favorite sauces. Trust me; once you try this recipe, you’ll want to make it again and again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy Perfection: The air fryer gives these mashed potato balls a delightful crunch without all the oil.
• Easy Preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can have a delicious dish ready in under an hour!
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves mashed potatoes, and turning them into fun little balls is always a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the potato balls ahead of time and just pop them in the air fryer when you’re ready to serve!
• Customizable Flavor: Feel free to add your favorite ingredients for extra flavor; these balls are as flexible as they are delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this recipe, you’ll need some simple and wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Let’s gather everything we need to create these delightful air fryer mashed potato balls!

• 2 lbs Russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
• 1/2 cup milk (whole milk recommended for richness)
• 4 tablespoons butter, unsalted
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Cooking spray (olive oil or avocado oil recommended)
• 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
• 2 tablespoons cooked and crumbled bacon
• Ranch dressing
• Sour cream
• Ketchup
• Garlic aioli

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is how flexible it is! You can easily customize these mashed potato balls to suit your taste. Here are some fun ideas:

• Swap the Cheese: Try using mozzarella or pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a different flavor.
• Herb It Up: Add fresh herbs like parsley or dill for an extra burst of freshness.
• Veggie Delight: Mix in finely chopped vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition.
• Spice It Up: For those who love heat, consider adding some diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the mixture!

How to Make Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls: The Crispiest Recipe Ever!

Step 1: Boil the Potatoes

Start by placing your peeled and quartered potatoes in a large pot. Cover them with cold water and add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and let them simmer for about 15–20 minutes until fork-tender. This step is crucial because perfectly cooked potatoes will make your mash creamy.

Step 2: Drain the Potatoes

After cooking, carefully drain the potatoes in a colander. Make sure to remove as much water as possible so your mashed potatoes don’t end up too watery.

Step 3: Return to the Pot

Put those drained potatoes back into the pot. This helps keep them warm while you mash.

Step 4: Mash the Potatoes

Using a potato masher or an electric mixer on low speed, mash those potatoes until they are mostly smooth. Be careful not to overmix; you want them creamy but not gummy.

Step 5: Add the Wet Ingredients

Now it’s time to add richness! Stir in the milk, unsalted butter, and sour cream until everything is well combined. The result should be creamy goodness that makes your heart sing.

Step 6: Season the Potatoes

Season your mashed potatoes with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder if desired. Taste as you go; adjusting seasonings ensures each bite is packed with flavor.

Step 7: Incorporate Optional Add-ins (Optional)

If you’re using any optional add-ins like cheddar cheese, chives, or bacon, gently fold them into your creamy potatoes now. This step adds even more flavor and texture!

Step 8: Cool the Mashed Potatoes

Allow your beautiful mixture to cool completely—this makes forming balls easier! To speed things up, spread them out in a shallow dish and refrigerate for about 30–60 minutes.

Step 9: Set Up Your Dredging Station

Prepare three shallow dishes: one with flour, another with beaten eggs, and a third with panko breadcrumbs mixed with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This station will help create that crunchy exterior we all love!

Step 10: Scoop the Mashed Potatoes

Using a spoon or small ice cream scoop, take portions of cooled mashed potatoes—about 1–2 tablespoons per ball—and set aside.

Step 11: Roll Into Balls

Gently roll each portion between your palms to form smooth balls. If they stick too much, dampen your hands lightly with water.

Step 12: Dredge in Flour

Roll each potato ball in all-purpose flour until completely coated; shake off any excess flour.

Step 13: Dip in Egg

Next up—dip those floured balls into beaten eggs so they’re fully coated! Let any excess egg drip off before moving on.

Step 14: Coat in Panko Breadcrumbs

Now comes the crunchy part! Roll each egg-coated ball in panko breadcrumbs until nicely covered. Press gently so they stick well—this will ensure every bite has that perfect crunch!

Step 15: Place on Baking Sheet

Arrange your coated potato balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper as you go along.

Step 16: Repeat

Continue scooping and coating until all of your delicious mixture is turned into crispy potato goodness!

Step 17: Chill (Optional but Recommended)

For even crispier results, chill those coated beauties in the refrigerator for at least another half hour before frying.

Step 18: Preheat Your Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to about 400°F (200°C) for around five minutes—this ensures even cooking right from the start!

Step 19: Prepare Your Air Fryer Basket

Lightly spray your air fryer basket with cooking spray so nothing sticks during frying.

Step 20: Arrange Your Potato Balls

Carefully place those coated potato balls into the basket in a single layer—don’t overcrowd them; working in batches might be necessary!

Step 21: Air Fry

Air fry those little gems for 8–10 minutes until golden brown and crispy! Flip halfway through cooking time for even browning—it’s key!

Step 22: Check for Doneness

They are done when golden brown outside and heated through inside (at least 165°F/74°C).

Step 23: Remove and Serve

Carefully remove from air fryer using tongs or spatula onto serving plates—you don’t want to lose any crispy goodness here!

Step 24: Repeat (if necessary)

If you’ve made multiple batches, repeat this process ensuring each batch gets its own light spray of cooking oil before starting again.

Step25 : Serve Immediately

Serve these delightful air fryer mashed potato balls hot alongside ranch dressing, sour cream…or whatever saucy delight tickles your fancy!

Enjoy making these crispy delights—they’re sure to become a family favorite!

Pro Tips for Making Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls: The Crispiest Recipe Ever!

Creating the perfect air fryer mashed potato balls is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure they come out crispy and delicious every time!

• Use Starchy Potatoes: Russet potatoes are ideal for this recipe because they create a fluffy texture that’s perfect for mashing. Their high starch content helps achieve that delightful contrast between crispy exterior and soft interior.

• Cool the Mashed Potatoes: Allowing the mashed potatoes to cool completely before shaping them into balls makes them easier to handle and prevents them from falling apart during frying.

• Don’t Skip the Chilling Step: Chilling the formed potato balls in the refrigerator helps them hold their shape while cooking, resulting in perfectly round and crispy bites.

• Spray Generously with Cooking Spray: Coating the potato balls with cooking spray just before air frying ensures they crisp up beautifully without excess oil, providing a healthier option without sacrificing flavor.

• Cook in Batches: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Cooking in batches allows for even heat distribution, ensuring that every single potato ball gets that golden, crispy finish you desire.

How to Serve Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls: The Crispiest Recipe Ever!

Serving these air fryer mashed potato balls can be as fun as making them! They can be presented beautifully on a platter or served family-style for everyone to enjoy.

Garnishes

• Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or additional chives on top of the potato balls right before serving. This adds a pop of color and freshness that enhances their appeal.

• Grated Cheese: A light dusting of grated parmesan or your favorite cheese right after they come out of the air fryer can add an extra layer of flavor and richness.

Side Dishes

• Mixed Green Salad: A light mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs nicely with these crispy bites, offering a refreshing contrast to their richness.

• Roasted Vegetables: Colorful roasted vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots, complement the flavors of the potato balls while adding nutrition and texture to your meal.

• Dipping Sauces: Offer a variety of dipping sauces like ranch dressing, garlic aioli, or even classic ketchup. Each dip adds its own unique touch to the flavor experience.

• Creamy Coleslaw: A side of creamy coleslaw can provide crunch and creaminess that balances out the crispy texture of the mashed potato balls beautifully.

Enjoy these delightful air fryer mashed potato balls with your favorite dips and sides for a comfort food experience that’s sure to impress!

Make Ahead and Storage

These air fryer mashed potato balls are perfect for meal prep! They can be made ahead of time, stored, and enjoyed later, making them an ideal choice for busy weeknights or gatherings.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the potato balls to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• After forming and coating the potato balls, lay them out on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer the frozen balls to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be kept in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• For refrigerated potato balls, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
• Air fry for about 5-7 minutes until heated through and crispy.
• For frozen potato balls, increase the cooking time to about 10-12 minutes at the same temperature.

FAQs

If you’re curious about air fryer mashed potato balls, you’re not alone! Here are some common questions:

Can I make Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare them in advance and store them in the refrigerator or freezer. Just follow the storing and freezing tips above.

What dipping sauces go well with Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls?

These crispy potato balls pair wonderfully with ranch dressing, sour cream, ketchup, or garlic aioli. Feel free to get creative with your favorite sauces!

Can I use other types of potatoes?

Yes! While Russet potatoes give a fluffy texture, you can experiment with Yukon Gold or red potatoes for different flavors and creaminess.

What if I don’t have panko breadcrumbs?

If panko is unavailable, regular breadcrumbs will work as a substitute. Just note that they may not provide quite as much crunch as panko does.

Are Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls healthy?

Using an air fryer significantly reduces the amount of oil needed compared to traditional frying methods. Plus, you can control the ingredients to make them healthier!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these air fryer mashed potato balls as much as I do! They’re not just delicious but also versatile—perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, snack, or side dish, I believe they’ll become a favorite in your household. Give this recipe a try, and savor every crispy bite!