Name: Air Fryer Dinner Recipes Mashed Potato Balls
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Ingredients: 2 cups cold mashed potatoes; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 2 green onions, chopped; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 egg, beaten; 1 cup breadcrumbs; Cooking spray

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When I first tried air fryer dinner recipes, I wasn’t expecting much. But these mashed potato balls? They turned out golden, crisp, and dangerously addictive. If you’ve ever looked at leftover potatoes and thought, what now, this is your answer. It’s one of those potato recipes air fryer fans never get tired of. The outside crunches like a chip while the inside stays creamy and soft. I still remember pulling the first batch out of the basket, half-expecting a mess, only to find these little nuggets of joy. I had to stop myself from eating the whole plate before anyone else got a chance. If you’re hunting for potatoes air fryer recipe ideas that double as appetizers or quick sides, you’ll want this in your back pocket. What I love is how simple the process feels. Scoop, roll, coat, fry. That’s it. They’re snackable, sharable, and pretty much foolproof. Whether you’re testing out your very first potatoe air fryer recipe or adding something fun to your list of dinner recipes air fryer style, these mashed potato balls deliver. They even work with red potato recipes air fryer lovers swear by. Try them once and you’ll see why easy air fryer dinner recipes always find a spot on the weekly menu.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls Recipe
3) Ingredients for Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls
4) How to Make Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls
5) Tips for Making Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls
6) Making Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls
8) Try these Main Course Recipes next!
9) Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls Recipe
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

Mashed potato balls turn leftover potatoes into a golden crispy snack or side.
The recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for air fryer dinner recipes fans.
You only need simple ingredients like cheese, breadcrumbs, and mashed potatoes.
They store well and reheat easily without losing their crunch.

2) Easy Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls Recipe

I’ll be honest, I didn’t expect much when I first tossed mashed potato balls into the air fryer. But I’ve been proven wrong before, and this was one of those delightful times. They came out crisp on the outside and creamy on the inside. That mix is the sort of thing that makes people believe in leftovers again.

When we talk about air fryer dinner recipes, this one tops the list because it’s foolproof and fast. The crunch against that soft potato center almost feels unfair, like you’ve discovered a cheat code for snacks. I still remember eating three before I even sat down at the table. That’s how good they are.

It’s not just taste. It’s the way they fit in. You can serve them with dinner, throw them on a platter at a party, or keep them for those moments when you need something warm and comforting in minutes. These little golden bites check all the boxes.

3) Ingredients for Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls

Mashed Potatoes: Cold mashed potatoes work best here. They hold their shape, and you won’t end up with mushy messes when rolling them into balls.

Cheddar Cheese: I love adding shredded cheddar for its sharp bite. It melts into the potato like it was always meant to be there.

Green Onions: These bring in a pop of freshness. Without them, the flavor feels flat. With them, the potato balls taste alive.

Garlic Powder: Just enough to give a little depth. It makes the whole bite more satisfying.

Salt and Black Pepper: The simple pair that keeps everything balanced. Don’t skip them.

Egg: This helps bind everything together and makes sure the coating sticks tight.

Breadcrumbs: The secret to that crispy shell. I like to go for the golden ones that toast beautifully in the fryer.

Cooking Spray: A light mist on the basket stops sticking and helps with even browning.

4) How to Make Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls

Step 1. Mix mashed potatoes with cheese, onions, garlic, salt, and pepper. This is where it starts to smell good already.

Step 2. Scoop the mix with a spoon and roll it into little balls. Aim for golf-ball size, though no one’s checking your form.

Step 3. Dip each ball in beaten egg and coat with breadcrumbs. That’s the coat of armor that gives the crunch later.

Step 4. Spray the air fryer basket lightly and arrange the balls in a single layer. Crowding them only makes them fight for space.

Step 5. Cook at 375°F for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway. You’ll see them turn golden and crisp as they cook.

Step 6. Pull them out, let them cool slightly, and then try not to burn your tongue when you sneak the first bite.

5) Tips for Making Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls

I’ve learned through trial and error that cold mashed potatoes always win. Warm ones just collapse under pressure. Patience pays off here.

Don’t skimp on the breadcrumbs. They aren’t just decoration. They’re what make this recipe part of those easy air fryer dinner recipes that deliver every time.

Space matters in the basket. Give them breathing room. If you try to cram too many in, they’ll steam instead of crisp, and no one likes soggy potato balls.

Play with the seasonings. A pinch of paprika or a sprinkle of chili flakes can make the flavor stand out without needing much more effort.

6) Making Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls Ahead of Time

Sometimes I make these in the morning just so I don’t have to worry about snacks later. The good news is that they sit well in the fridge before cooking. Roll them, coat them, then store them on a tray lined with parchment. Cover lightly and chill.

When you’re ready, pop them in the air fryer straight from the fridge. Add a minute or two of cooking time. They still come out crisp and golden, as if they never waited.

This is the part that makes them perfect for busy nights. You get the comfort of home cooking without needing to start from scratch. That’s the beauty of dinner recipes air fryer fans keep coming back to.

7) Storing Leftover Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls

Leftovers, if you even manage to have any, are easy to save. Place the cooled potato balls in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to three days.

To reheat, I always use the air fryer again. A few minutes at 350°F brings the crunch right back. The microwave works too, but you lose the crisp shell that makes them shine.

These keep their charm even after storage. That’s what makes them part of my favorite red potato recipes air fryer cooks can lean on whenever they want something quick but satisfying.

8) Try these Main Course Recipes next!

9) Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls Recipe