Ohhh yes—Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls are crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and dangerously snackable 😄🥔
Perfect for using up leftover mashed potatoes.
Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls
Ingredients (makes ~12–15 balls)
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2 cups cold mashed potatoes (plain or lightly seasoned)
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½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or mix)
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1 small egg
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2–3 tbsp flour or breadcrumbs (just enough to hold)
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Salt & pepper to taste
Optional add-ins:
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Chopped chives or green onions
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Cooked bacon bits
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Garlic powder or paprika
Coating
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½ cup breadcrumbs (panko = extra crunch)
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Oil spray
Instructions
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Mix
In a bowl, combine mashed potatoes, cheese, egg, flour, and seasonings until thick and scoopable. -
Shape
Roll into golf-ball-size balls.
If sticky, lightly oil your hands. -
Coat
Roll each ball in breadcrumbs.
Lightly spray with oil. -
Air Fry
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Preheat air fryer to 190°C / 375°F
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Arrange balls in a single layer
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Air fry 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway, until golden and crisp
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Serve hot
Crunchy outside, creamy center = perfection.
Dipping Sauces (Highly Recommended)
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Sour cream or Greek yogurt
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Garlic aioli
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Ranch
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Spicy ketchup
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Sweet chili sauce
Tips for Success
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Cold mashed potatoes hold better than warm
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Don’t overfill the basket
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Cheese inside = extra creamy center
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Reheat beautifully in the air fryer
Variations
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Cheesy lava balls: Cube of cheese in the center
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Loaded potato balls: Bacon + cheddar + chives
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Vegan: Use plant-based mash, skip egg, add flour
If you want, I can give a no-egg version, a keto version, or a freezer-friendly make-ahead method.