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Crispy air fryer cheesy mashed potato balls coated in breadcrumbs, served in an air fryer basket with melted cheese inside.

Crispy Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls

Crispy Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls are crunchy on the outside and soft, fluffy, and cheesy on the inside. They’re a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish made from mashed potatoes and cheese, cooked in the air fryer for a lighter but still indulgent bite.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: American
Calories: 180
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups mashed potatoes
  • 1 cup shredded cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs or panko
  • Cooking spray, as needed

Method
 

  1. Add the mashed potatoes, shredded cheese, egg, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to a bowl and mix until fully combined.
  2. Scoop 1–2 tablespoons of the mixture and roll into evenly sized balls.
  3. Roll each potato ball in breadcrumbs or panko until well coated.
  4. Lightly spray the coated balls with cooking spray.
  5. Preheat the air fryer to 190°C (375°F).
  6. Arrange the potato balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
  7. Air fry for 10–12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden and crispy.
  8. Remove from the air fryer and allow to cool slightly before serving.

Notes

  • Use cold or room-temperature mashed potatoes so the mixture holds its shape better.
  • If the mixture feels too soft, add a little more flour; if too dry, add a spoon of milk or mashed potatoes.
  • Panko breadcrumbs give extra crunch, while regular breadcrumbs give a softer coating.
  • Spray lightly with oil—too much will make them greasy instead of crispy.
  • You can add chopped green onions, herbs, or cooked bacon bits for extra flavor.
  • For a sweeter variation, try using mashed sweet potatoes with mild cheese.
  • These can be shaped and breaded ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before air frying.