Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls Recipe

Introduction

Air fryer mashed potato balls are a crispy, golden snack with a creamy potato center. They make a perfect appetizer or side dish that’s easy to prepare and fun to eat. Using the air fryer keeps them extra crispy without the extra oil.

Ingredients

• 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

Instructions

1. Step 1: Boil the peeled and quartered potatoes in salted water until they are tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well.
2. Step 2: Mash the potatoes with butter, milk, sour cream, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until smooth and creamy. Let the mixture cool slightly.
3. Step 3: Shape the mashed potato mixture into 1.5-inch balls using your hands.
4. Step 4: Prepare three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs.
5. Step 5: Roll each potato ball first in the flour, then dip into the eggs, and finally coat evenly with panko breadcrumbs.
6. Step 6: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the coated potato balls in a single layer in the basket, making sure they do not touch.
7. Step 7: Air fry for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
8. Step 8: Remove and serve immediately, with your favorite dipping sauce if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add shredded cheese or chopped chives into the mashed potatoes before shaping the balls.
• Use panko breadcrumbs for a lighter, crunchier texture compared to regular breadcrumbs.
• If you don’t have an air fryer, these can be shallow fried in oil for 2-3 minutes until golden.

Storage

Store leftover mashed potato balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the mashed potato balls ahead of time?

Yes, you can shape the potato balls and keep them refrigerated for a few hours before frying. Just make sure to air fry them right before serving for the best texture.

What can I serve with air fryer mashed potato balls?

They pair well with dipping sauces like ranch, ketchup, spicy mayo, or a creamy horseradish sauce. They also work great as a side to sandwiches or grilled meats.

Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 91 reviews

Crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, these Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls are a delightful snack or side dish. Made with fluffy mashed potatoes mixed with butter, sour cream, and seasonings, then breaded and air fried to golden perfection, they offer a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried versions while maintaining a crunchy exterior and soft, flavorful interior.

• Author: Isabella
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 24 potato balls 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Mashed Potato Mixture

• 2 lbs Russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 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)

Coating

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 2 cups panko breadcrumbs

Instructions

1. Prepare the potatoes: Place the peeled and quartered Russet potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork, about 15-20 minutes.
2. Mash the potatoes: Drain the cooked potatoes well and return them to the pot. Add the butter, milk, sour cream, salt, pepper, and garlic powder if using. Mash until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste and let the mixture cool slightly so it’s easier to handle.
3. Form the balls: Once the mashed potatoes have cooled but are still pliable, take about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and shape into small balls, roughly 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on a tray or plate.
4. Prepare the coating station: Set up three shallow bowls: one with the flour, one with the beaten eggs, and one with the panko breadcrumbs.
5. Coat the potato balls: Roll each potato ball first in flour, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs. Place the coated balls on a plate ready for cooking.
6. Air fry the potato balls: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes. Arrange the potato balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure there’s space between each for even cooking. Cook for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown and crispy on the outside.
7. Serve: Carefully remove the potato balls from the air fryer and serve immediately while hot and crispy. These make a great snack or side paired with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

• For best results, allow mashed potatoes to cool before forming balls to prevent them from falling apart during breading.
• Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crispy texture compared to regular breadcrumbs.
• The garlic powder is optional but adds a nice flavor boost.
• These can be made ahead of time, shaped, and refrigerated before air frying.
• Adjust salt and pepper seasoning in the mashed potatoes to your preference.
• Ensure the air fryer basket is not overcrowded to allow proper crisping.

Keywords: mashed potato balls, air fryer recipes, crispy potato snacks, panko coated potatoes, vegetarian snack, easy appetizer