Crispy Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls are the ultimate snack or appetizer, made even better by using up your leftover mashed potatoes in a creative and delicious way. These mashed potato balls are crispy on the outside, thanks to a golden coating of panko breadcrumbs, and soft and flavorful on the inside, loaded with cheddar cheese, bacon, and a hint of garlic. Cooking them in the air fryer ensures that they come out perfectly crunchy without the need for deep frying, making this recipe a healthier option that doesn’t skimp on taste.

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Using leftover mashed potatoes not only makes this recipe economical, but it also infuses these crispy bites with extra flavor. The combination of crumbled bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and chives gives the mashed potato filling a savory kick, while the garlic powder adds a subtle hint of flavor that elevates the dish. The panko bread crumbs create a light, crispy exterior that contrasts beautifully with the soft, cheesy mashed potato interior. Whether you’re serving these potato balls as an appetizer at a party, a game-day snack, or just a fun side dish for dinner, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.

What’s great about these mashed potato balls is how easily they can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Want to add some spice? Try mixing in a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce for a little heat. You can also switch up the cheese by using Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even pepper jack for a different flavor profile. For a vegetarian version, simply omit the bacon or replace it with sautéed mushrooms or spinach for a delicious meat-free option. No matter how you customize them, the air fryer guarantees a crunchy, satisfying result every time.

These mashed potato balls aren’t just delicious fresh out of the air fryer—they also store and reheat beautifully, making them a great option for meal prep or for enjoying later. You can even freeze them before air frying, which means you can have a batch ready to go whenever the craving strikes. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces, such as sour cream, ranch, or even a zesty buffalo sauce, and watch them disappear in no time!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 6 Servings):  

• • Calories: 350 kcal  
  • Protein: 10g  
  • Carbohydrates: 25g  
  • Fat: 22g  
  • Sugars: 2g  
  • Sodium: 600mg

Storage Information:  

Crispy Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes, or until they are heated through and crispy again. You can also freeze the uncooked mashed potato balls—simply freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to cook, pop them in the air fryer directly from frozen and add an extra 3-5 minutes to the cooking time.

These mashed potato balls are great for making ahead of time, especially if you’re prepping for a party or a busy weeknight. Since they store well, you can prepare them in advance and simply reheat them when you’re ready to serve. The crispy coating will stay intact, and the cheesy, bacon-filled center will remain gooey and flavorful. Plus, cooking them in the air fryer means less mess and fewer calories than traditional frying, while still delivering that irresistible crunch.

Photo byGio BartlettonUnsplash

Crispy Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls Recipe

Ingredients:  

• 3 cups mashed potatoes  
• 2/3 cup cheddar cheese, shredded  
• 3 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled  
• 2 tablespoons chives, chopped  
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder  
• Kosher salt, to taste  
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste  
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten  
• 1 1/3 cups panko bread crumbs  
• Vegetable oil spray (for air fryer)

Instructions:  

1. In a large bowl, mix the mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, chives, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.  

2. Roll the potato mixture into 1 1/2-inch balls. Set aside.  

3. Set up a breading station with two bowls: one for the beaten eggs and one for the panko bread crumbs.  

4. Dip each mashed potato ball into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off, then roll in the panko bread crumbs until fully coated.  

5. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with vegetable oil.  

6. Place the mashed potato balls in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch. Lightly spray the tops with more vegetable oil.  

7. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, or until the potato balls are golden brown and crispy on the outside.  

8. Remove from the air fryer and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.

These Crispy Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls are a delicious, easy way to reinvent leftover mashed potatoes into something special. The cheesy, bacon-studded filling pairs perfectly with the crunchy exterior, making these potato balls a perfect appetizer, snack, or side dish for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them as part of a party spread or just enjoying them as a comforting snack, these crispy potato balls are sure to be a hit!