Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls
There’s nothing quite as comforting as a batch of crispy, golden mashed potato balls bursting with melted cheese. These Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls were born out of my love for reinventing leftovers. Every holiday, we always end up with an abundance of mashed potatoes, and instead of reheating the same old side dish, I started turning them into these irresistible, bite-sized treats. The first time I made them, my kids practically inhaled them before they even made it to the table! That crunchy, golden coating wrapped around soft, cheesy mashed potatoes is simply too good to resist.
What I love most about this recipe is how simple it is. It requires minimal ingredients—most of which are probably already in your kitchen—and comes together in just a few easy steps. The air fryer makes them perfectly crispy without the need for deep frying, so they’re a little lighter while still delivering that indulgent, crunchy texture. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, snack, or side dish, they are guaranteed to disappear fast! Plus, they’re completely customizable—you can mix in different cheeses, herbs, or even bits of bacon for an extra burst of flavor. If you’re looking for a fun, delicious way to use up mashed potatoes, this is it!
Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare and shape the mashed potato balls in advance, then store them in the fridge for up to a day before air frying. This makes them great for meal prepping or entertaining.
Can I freeze these mashed potato balls?
Absolutely! Once assembled, place them on a baking sheet in the freezer until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to cook, air fry them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.
What type of cheese works best?
Cheddar is my go-to, but mozzarella, pepper jack, or gouda work beautifully as well. Pick a cheese that melts well and has good flavor!
Can I bake these instead of using an air fryer?
Yes! Bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden and crispy.
How do I keep them from falling apart?
Make sure your mashed potatoes are firm and not too wet. Chilling them before shaping and breading helps them hold together better.
What You Need to Make Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls
Ingredients:
2 cups mashed potatoes (chilled)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 egg, beaten
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
Cooking spray or oil
Special Equipment:
Air fryer
Mixing bowls
Baking sheet (for freezing, optional)
How to Make Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls
Mix the filling: In a bowl, combine mashed potatoes, shredded cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Shape into balls: Take about a tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball. Repeat with the rest of the mixture.
Set up breading station: Place flour in one bowl, beaten egg in another, and panko breadcrumbs mixed with smoked paprika in a third.
Bread the potato balls: Roll each ball in flour, then dip in egg, and coat in panko.
Chill (optional but recommended): Place the coated balls in the fridge for 15-30 minutes to help them firm up.
Air fry: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the basket with oil and arrange the potato balls in a single layer. Spray the tops with oil and air fry for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway, until golden brown.
Serve: Enjoy hot with your favorite dipping sauce!
Tips for Making the Best Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls
Use cold mashed potatoes – This helps the balls hold their shape.
Double-coat for extra crispiness – Dip in egg and breadcrumbs twice for a crunchier texture.
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer – Work in batches to allow even crisping.
Experiment with flavors – Add bacon bits, chives, or different cheese blends for variety.
Reader Reviews
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “So crispy and delicious! My kids loved them, and they were so easy to make.” – Jessica M.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Great recipe, but I added some parmesan to the breadcrumbs for extra flavor. Worked perfectly!” – Mark T.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “This is my new favorite way to use leftover mashed potatoes. Super crunchy and cheesy!” – Emily R.
⭐⭐⭐ “They were tasty, but I think I’ll try mozzarella instead of cheddar next time.” – Sarah L.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Perfect for a quick appetizer. I made a big batch and froze them for later!” – Natalie B.
Printable Recipe
Before you print the recipe, could I ask you a favor? Please consider sharing this recipe on Facebook or pin to a group on Pinterest? This would really help us out. Thank you so much <3
Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls
These Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls are a crispy, golden delight made from leftover mashed potatoes and melted cheese. With a crunchy panko coating and a gooey, cheesy center, they’re the perfect appetizer, snack, or side dish. Quick, easy, and made in the air fryer for a lighter, healthier twist on a classic!
Ingredients
- 2 cups mashed potatoes (chilled)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Cooking spray or oil
- Special Equipment:
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowls
- Baking sheet (for freezing, optional)
Instructions
- Mix the filling: In a bowl, combine mashed potatoes, shredded cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Shape into balls: Take about a tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball. Repeat with the rest of the mixture.
- Set up breading station: Place flour in one bowl, beaten egg in another, and panko breadcrumbs mixed with smoked paprika in a third.
- Bread the potato balls: Roll each ball in flour, then dip in egg, and coat in panko.
- Chill (optional but recommended): Place the coated balls in the fridge for 15-30 minutes to help them firm up.
- Air fry: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the basket with oil and arrange the potato balls in a single layer. Spray the tops with oil and air fry for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway, until golden brown.
- Serve: Enjoy hot with your favorite dipping sauce!
If you enjoyed this recipe, please share it on your social media! I would love for more people to try this delicious and easy-to-make recipe. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you! Shhh… Join our secret foodie group on Facebook
Crockpot White Russians
Crockpot Meatballs In Onion Gravy
Crockpot Apple Cider
