Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls: The Crispiest Recipe Ever!

If you’re looking for a fun and delicious way to enjoy mashed potatoes, then you’ve come to the right place! These Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls: The Crispiest Recipe Ever! are a delightful twist on a classic comfort food. Imagine biting into a crispy exterior that gives way to fluffy, buttery mashed potatoes inside. They’re perfect as an appetizer for family gatherings or as a side dish on busy weeknights when you want something quick yet satisfying.

What I love most about this recipe is how simple it is to prepare. Just gather some everyday ingredients, and you’ll be on your way to creating these tasty little bites that everyone will rave about. Plus, they can be served with your favorite dipping sauces, making them versatile for any occasion!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love these crispy mashed potato balls. They’re a great way to sneak in some veggies too!
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the potato balls in advance and pop them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. Perfect for meal prep!
• Customizable: Add your favorite ingredients or dips to make these potato balls uniquely yours.
• Deliciously Crispy: The air fryer gives these balls that perfect crunch without the excess oil.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be pleased to find that the ingredients for these Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls are simple and wholesome. Most of them are likely already in your pantry! Here’s what you’ll need:

• 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

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with different flavors and ingredients. Here are some fun variation ideas:

• Add Veggies: Toss in some finely chopped spinach or broccoli for added nutrition.
• Spicy Kick: Mix in some diced jalapeños or hot sauce if you like a little heat.
• Cheesy Goodness: Swap out the cheddar cheese for mozzarella or pepper jack for a different cheesy flavor.
• Herbed Up: Experiment with different herbs like dill or parsley instead of chives for a fresh twist.

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 into a large pot. Cover them with cold water and add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium and let those potatoes simmer until they’re fork-tender—about 15-20 minutes. This step is crucial because tender potatoes will mash more easily!

Step 2: Drain the Potatoes

Once cooked, carefully drain the potatoes using a colander. Make sure you remove as much water as possible because excess moisture can make forming the balls tricky.

Step 3: Return to the Pot

Put those drained potatoes back into the pot while they’re still warm. This helps them release steam, which makes mashing easier.

Step 4: Mash the Potatoes

Using either a potato masher or an electric mixer on low speed, mash those potatoes until mostly smooth. Don’t overmix; we want them creamy but not gummy.

Step 5: Add the Wet Ingredients

Now it’s time to add richness! Stir in milk, butter, and sour cream until everything is well blended and creamy. This combination will ensure each bite is heavenly!

Step 6: Season the Potatoes

Season your mashed potato mixture with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder if you’re using it. Taste it—adjust seasonings as needed so every bite bursts with flavor.

Step 7: Incorporate Optional Add-ins (Optional)

If you’re using add-ins like cheddar cheese, chives, or bacon bits, gently fold them into your mashed potatoes now until evenly distributed.

Step 8: Cool the Mashed Potatoes

Allow those flavorful mashed potatoes to cool completely before forming into balls. Spreading them in a shallow dish speeds up cooling—about 30–60 minutes in the fridge works wonders!

Step 9: Set up the Dredging Station

Prepare three shallow dishes: one with all-purpose flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs mixed with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Getting organized here makes everything smoother.

Step 10: Scoop the Mashed Potatoes

Using a spoon or small ice cream scoop, take portions of cooled mashed potatoes (about 1–2 tablespoons each).

Step 11: Roll into Balls

Form each portion into smooth balls by rolling between your palms gently. If they stick at all, dampen your hands lightly with water.

Step 12: Dredge in Flour

Coat each potato ball thoroughly in flour; shake off any excess. This helps create that crispy outer layer when frying!

Step 13: Dip in Egg

Next up is the egg dip! Coat each floured ball well in beaten eggs; let any excess drip off back into your dish.

Step 14: Coat in Panko Breadcrumbs

Roll those egg-coated potato balls in panko breadcrumbs until fully covered—this is where you get that lovely crunch when air-fried!

Step 15: Place on Baking Sheet

Arrange your coated potato balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper while you prepare the air fryer.

Step 16: Repeat

Continue steps with remaining mashed potatoes until all balls are formed and coated—you’ll have quite a batch!

Step 17: Chill (Optional but Recommended)

For best results, chill those coated potato balls in the refrigerator for at least half an hour. 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 around five minutes so it’s hot enough when we start cooking.

Step 19: Prepare the Air Fryer Basket

Lightly spray your air fryer basket with cooking spray—this prevents sticking and helps achieve that golden color we love!

Step 20: Arrange the Potato Balls

Carefully place those coated potato balls into your air fryer basket in a single layer without overcrowding—this ensures even cooking throughout.

Step 21: Air Fry

Cook them for about 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through so they brown evenly on all sides—the smell will be amazing!

Step 22: Check for Doneness

They’re ready when golden brown outside and heated through inside (at least 165°F/74°C). You may want to give them an extra minute if needed!

Step 23: Remove and Serve

Gently take out those crispy delights from your air fryer basket and transfer them onto your serving plate—they’re best enjoyed hot!

Step 24: Repeat (if necessary)

If you’ve got more batches, remember to lightly spray before cooking each new set for even results.

Step 25: Serve Immediately

Serve these Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls immediately alongside ranch dressing, sour cream, ketchup, or garlic aioli—whatever makes your taste buds sing! Enjoy every crunchy bite!

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

Making the perfect air fryer mashed potato balls is easy with just a few simple tips!

• Use Cold Mashed Potatoes: Allowing your mashed potatoes to cool completely before forming them into balls makes them easier to handle and helps maintain their shape during cooking.
• Don’t Skip the Chilling: After coating the potato balls, refrigerate them for at least 30 minutes. This step helps the breadcrumbs adhere better and ensures a crispier exterior once air-fried.
• Adjust Cooking Time for Size: If you make larger or smaller balls, remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly. A uniform size will ensure even cooking and that all balls are perfectly crispy.
• Avoid Overcrowding: When placing the potato balls in the air fryer, give them space. Overcrowding can cause steaming instead of crisping, leading to less desirable results.
• Experiment with Fillings: Feel free to add different cheese or herbs into your mashed potatoes! Variations can create an exciting flavor profile that caters to your taste preferences.

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

These delightful potato balls are not only delicious but also versatile when it comes to serving. Here are some fun ideas on how to present this dish!

Garnishes

• Chopped Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle freshly chopped chives or parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness.
• Grated Cheese: A light sprinkling of additional cheddar or a cheese blend right before serving can add an irresistible melty touch.

Side Dishes

• Steamed Broccoli: Crisp-tender broccoli offers a nutritious contrast that complements the richness of the potato balls while adding vibrant color to your plate.
• Mixed Green Salad: A refreshing mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette balances out the richness of the mashed potato balls, providing a delightful crunch.
• Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables bring both flavor and nutrition, making your meal more wholesome and appetizing.
• Dipping Sauces: Enhance your dining experience with an assortment of dipping sauces such as ranch dressing, garlic aioli, or spicy ketchup for added flavor excitement.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re all set to impress friends and family with your air fryer mashed potato balls! Enjoy this crispy treat at any gathering or cozy weeknight dinner.

Make Ahead and Storage

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

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover potato balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• They will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
• To keep them crispy, place a paper towel at the bottom of the container to absorb moisture.

Freezing

• Allow the potato balls to cool completely before freezing.
• Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Once frozen, transfer the potato balls to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until heated through and crispy.
• Alternatively, you can reheat in an oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes.
• If using a microwave, heat on low power but be aware that they may lose their crispiness.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delightful recipe!

How do I make Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls: The Crispiest Recipe Ever! gluten-free?

You can easily make these mashed potato balls gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and using gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.

Can I use other types of potatoes for Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls: The Crispiest Recipe Ever!?

Yes! While Russet potatoes give a fluffy texture, you can also use Yukon Gold potatoes or even sweet potatoes for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly.

Can I add vegetables to my Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls?

Absolutely! Feel free to fold in some finely chopped cooked veggies like broccoli or spinach into your mashed potato mixture before forming the balls for added nutrition.

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

To maintain crispiness, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket and ensure each ball is well coated with panko crumbs. Chilling them before frying also helps achieve that perfect crunch!

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

These delicious bites pair well with ranch dressing, sour cream, ketchup, or garlic aioli. Choose your favorite or offer a variety for guests!

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe brings joy to your kitchen! These air fryer mashed potato balls are not just a treat for your taste buds; they’re a fantastic way to elevate any meal or gathering. Enjoy making them, sharing with loved ones, and savoring every crispy bite! Happy cooking!