Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls: The Crispiest Recipe Ever!

If you’re looking for a fun and delightful way to enjoy mashed potatoes, then let me introduce you to my favorite treat: Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls: The Crispiest Recipe Ever! These little bites of joy are a wonderful blend of crispy exterior and fluffy interior. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a festive family gathering, these potato balls will steal the show every time. Plus, they’re easy to whip up and so satisfying to munch on while catching up with loved ones.

What makes this recipe even more special is that it’s versatile enough for any occasion. You can serve them as an appetizer at your next get-together, or make them a cozy side dish at dinner. Trust me; once you give these air fryer mashed potato balls a try, they’ll quickly become a staple in your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy Perfection: The air fryer gives these potato balls an unbeatable crunch without the need for deep frying.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love these tasty bites, making mealtime fun for everyone.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the mashed potato mixture in advance and form the balls when you’re ready to cook!
• Dipping Delight: They pair wonderfully with your favorite sauces, from ranch to garlic aioli.
• Simple Ingredients: With just a few wholesome ingredients, you’ll have everything you need right in your pantry.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple and wholesome ingredients is part of what makes this recipe so enjoyable! Here’s what you’ll need to create these delicious air fryer mashed potato balls:

For the Mashed Potatoes

• 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)

For Coating

• 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

Extras

• 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

Dipping Sauces

You can serve these delicious potato balls with:
* Ranch dressing
* Sour cream
* Ketchup
* Garlic aioli

Variations

This recipe is quite flexible! Feel free to tweak it based on what you have at home or your personal tastes. Here are some fun variations:

• Cheesy Twist: Add extra shredded cheese into the mashed potatoes for an even cheesier flavor.
• Herb Infusion: Mix in fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for added freshness.
• Spicy Kick: Stir in some chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes for a spicy version.
• Veggie Boost: Incorporate finely chopped cooked veggies like broccoli or spinach into the mix for added nutrition.

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

Step 1: Boil the Potatoes

Start by placing the peeled and quartered potatoes in a large pot. Cover them with cold water and add a pinch of salt. Bringing the water to a boil ensures the potatoes cook evenly. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let them simmer until fork-tender—about 15-20 minutes should do it!

Step 2: Drain the Potatoes

Once the potatoes are tender, carefully drain them in a colander. It’s important to remove as much water as possible so your mashed potatoes aren’t too watery later on.

Step 3: Return to the Pot

Put those drained potatoes back into the pot. This step helps keep everything warm as we move on to mashing!

Step 4: Mash the Potatoes

Using a potato masher or an electric mixer set on low speed, mash those potatoes until they’re mostly smooth. Avoid overmixing; we want fluffy, not gummy mashed potatoes!

Step 5: Add the Wet Ingredients

Time to add some creaminess! Combine milk, butter, and sour cream into your mashed potatoes. Keep mashing until everything is well mixed—this will give you that rich texture we all love.

Step 6: Season the Potatoes

Seasoning is key! Add salt, pepper, and garlic powder if you’re using it. Give it a taste test—adjust if you’d like more flavor.

Step 7: Incorporate Optional Add-ins (Optional)

If you’re feeling adventurous, gently fold in cheese, chives, or bacon now for extra flavor! These optional ingredients add another layer of deliciousness.

Step 8: Cool the Mashed Potatoes

Spread out your mashed potato mixture in a shallow dish and allow it to cool completely. Cooling makes it easier to handle when forming balls later on.

Step 9: Set up the Dredging Station

Prepare three shallow dishes: one for flour, one for beaten eggs, and one for panko breadcrumbs mixed with Italian seasoning and spices. This setup makes coating your potato balls simple!

Step 10: Scoop the Mashed Potatoes

Scoop out portions of cooled mashed potatoes—about 1-2 tablespoons each works great!

Step 11: Roll into Balls

Gently roll each portion between your palms until smooth. If they stick too much, dampen your hands slightly.

Step 12: Dredge in Flour

Roll each ball in flour until completely coated—this helps create that perfect outer crunch!

Step 13: Dip in Egg

Next up is dipping those floured balls into beaten eggs; this acts like glue for our crispy coating!

Step 14: Coat in Panko Breadcrumbs

Roll each egg-coated ball into panko breadcrumbs until fully coated. Press lightly so they stick well—it’s all about getting that crispy crust!

Step 15: Place on Baking Sheet

Transfer each coated ball onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper—this prevents sticking while cooking.

Step 16: Repeat

Keep going until all your mashed potatoes are formed into beautiful little balls ready for frying.

Step 17: Chill (Optional but Recommended)

Chill those coated potato balls in the refrigerator for at least half an hour if possible; this helps them hold their shape while cooking.

Step 18: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to about 400°F (200°C) for five minutes—this ensures that immediate crispiness when they go in!

Step 19: Prepare the Air Fryer Basket

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

Step 20: Arrange the Potato Balls

Carefully place those lovely potato balls into your air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding; it’s better to cook them in batches if needed!

Step 21: Air Fry

Cook those beauties for about 8-10 minutes until they’re golden brown and crispy! Flip halfway through so both sides get even browning.

Step 22: Check for Doneness

Make sure they are cooked through by checking that they’ve reached at least165°F (74°C) inside—they should be hot all through!

Step 23: Remove and Serve

Carefully take those crispy delights out of the air fryer basket and transfer them onto a serving plate—you can already smell how good they are!

Step 24: Repeat (if necessary)

If there are more potato balls left, repeat steps as needed ensuring you spray before adding any new batch.

Step 25: Serve Immediately

These air fryer mashed potato balls are best served hot and fresh! Pair them with your favorite dipping sauces and enjoy every crunchy bite!

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

Creating the perfect air fryer mashed potato balls is easier than you think! Here are some helpful tips to ensure your potato balls turn out perfectly crispy and delicious.

• Choose the Right Potatoes: Using starchy potatoes like Russet will give you a fluffier texture, which is ideal for mashing and shaping into balls.

• Cool Thoroughly: Allowing the mashed potato mixture to cool completely makes it easier to handle and helps the balls hold their shape during cooking.

• Don’t Skip the Dredging Station: Properly coating your potato balls in flour, egg, and panko breadcrumbs ensures that they achieve that coveted crispy exterior when air-fried.

• Cook in Batches: Avoid overcrowding your air fryer basket. Cooking in batches allows hot air to circulate properly around each ball, resulting in even cooking and browning.

• Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add different herbs or spices to your breadcrumb mixture. This can elevate the flavor profile of your potato balls and make them uniquely yours!

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

These delightful mashed potato balls make for an impressive appetizer or side dish! Here are some creative ideas on how to present them beautifully at your next gathering or family meal.

Garnishes

• Chopped Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley or green onions on top for a pop of color and freshness.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: A light dusting of Parmesan adds a savory depth that complements the crispy texture perfectly.
• Microgreens: For an elegant touch, garnish with microgreens, which not only look stunning but also add a slight crunch.

Side Dishes

• Mixed Green Salad: A refreshing mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the rich flavors of the mashed potato balls, providing a light contrast.
• Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted seasonal vegetables; their caramelized sweetness pairs beautifully with the crispy potato balls.
• Vegetable Soup: A warm bowl of vegetable soup makes for a comforting side; it’s hearty enough to complement the lighter potato appetizer.
• Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw provides a satisfying textural contrast while its tangy dressing cuts through the richness of the fried potatoes.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, you’re all set to impress your family and friends with your delicious air fryer mashed potato balls! Enjoy every crispy bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These air fryer mashed potato balls are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a large batch ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week. Here’s how to properly store, freeze, and reheat them.

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftover potato balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• They will keep well for up to 3-4 days.
• Make sure they are completely cooled before sealing them in the container to prevent moisture buildup.

Freezing

• To freeze, place the uncooked or cooked potato balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Freeze them for a couple of hours until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag.
• Label with the date and use within 2-3 months for best quality.

Reheating

• For reheating frozen potato balls, do not thaw; simply place them directly in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes until heated through and crispy.
• If reheating leftovers from the fridge, air fry at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes or until warm.

FAQs

If you have questions about this delicious recipe, you’re not alone! Here are some common queries:

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 instructions above!

What can I serve with Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls?

These crispy delights pair wonderfully with dipping sauces like ranch dressing, sour cream, ketchup, or garlic aioli. You can also serve them alongside your favorite protein or salad.

Are there any variations I can try with these Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls?

Definitely! Feel free to experiment with different herbs, spices, or cheese. Adding cooked vegetables like spinach or broccoli can add extra nutrition and flavor.

How do I ensure my Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls are crispy?

To achieve maximum crispiness, make sure you coat each ball thoroughly in panko breadcrumbs and avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket while cooking.

Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?

While Russet potatoes are recommended for their fluffy texture, you can experiment with other potatoes like Yukon Gold for a creamier result. Just remember that texture may vary!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these air fryer mashed potato balls as much as I do! They’re not just incredibly crispy but also versatile enough to be served as an appetizer or a side dish. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a fun gathering with friends, these little bites of comfort are sure to impress everyone. Give this recipe a try—I’m confident it will become a family favorite!