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- Leftover mashed potatoes - Cheddar cheese, shredded - Parmesan cheese, grated - Green onions, finely chopped - Garlic powder - Onion powder - Salt - Pepper - Bread crumbs (panko for extra crunch) - Egg, beaten - Cooking spray or olive oil - Different cheese types like mozzarella or gouda - Extra spices such as paprika or cayenne pepper - Air fryer - Mixing bowls - Measuring cups and spoons - Utensils for mixing and shaping To start, gather your ingredients. In a large bowl, combine the leftover mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix it all together until it is well combined. Next, use your hands to form the mixture into small balls. Aim for about 1 to 2 inches in diameter. You should end up with around 12 to 15 balls. Set these aside as you prepare for the next step. Now, let’s set up your breading station. Take two bowls. In one bowl, add the beaten egg, and in the other, place the bread crumbs. Make sure to use panko for extra crunch. Dip each potato ball first into the egg. Make sure it is fully coated. Then, roll it in the bread crumbs until it is fully covered. This step gives the balls a nice, crispy texture once cooked. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). While it heats, spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush it lightly with olive oil. Place the coated potato balls in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Be careful not to overcrowd them; cook in batches if needed. Air fry the balls for about 10 to 12 minutes. They should turn golden brown and crispy. Shake the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. Once done, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving. For the full recipe, refer to the earlier section. To get that perfect crunch, use panko breadcrumbs. Panko is lighter and airier than regular bread crumbs. This gives your potato balls an extra crispy bite. Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This temperature helps cook the outside quickly, while keeping the inside soft. If your air fryer has a preheat function, use it for best results. One common mistake is overcrowding the air fryer. When you pack too many potato balls in, they won’t cook evenly. Leave space around each ball for hot air to flow. You may need to cook in batches. Another mistake is not seasoning enough. Taste your potato mixture before forming the balls. A little salt and pepper can make a big difference. You can also add more garlic or onion powder for extra flavor. For dipping sauces, sour cream works great. You can also try ranch dressing or spicy ketchup. These sauces add a nice touch to the cheesy flavor of the balls. Garnishing with chopped green onions adds color and freshness. You can also sprinkle some paprika for extra flair. These small touches make your dish look and taste even better. {{image_2}} You can change the cheese types to give new flavors. Try mozzarella for a stretchy pull. Or use pepper jack for some heat. Mixing in different cheeses can make a fun twist. Adding spices or herbs can also enhance taste. A pinch of paprika adds warmth. Fresh herbs like parsley or chives bring brightness. Experiment with garlic or onion powder for more depth. Using sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes is a great swap. Sweet potatoes add natural sweetness and more nutrients. They also make the balls a pretty orange color. You can reduce the amount of cheese for a lighter version. Try cutting the cheddar and Parmesan by half. This will still keep the flavor but lower calories. For vegan options, replace cheese with plant-based alternatives. Use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. You can also skip the egg and use flaxseed meal as a binder. If you need gluten-free options, switch to gluten-free breadcrumbs. Most stores sell these now. This keeps the recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities. Adjusting for low-carb diets can also be done. You can skip the breadcrumbs altogether or use crushed nuts. This way, you keep the crunch without the carbs. After you enjoy your Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls, store any leftovers in a good container. Use an airtight container to keep them fresh. Glass or plastic containers work great. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. To bring back the yummy goodness of your potato balls, use the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the potato balls in a single layer. Heat them for about 5-8 minutes until warm and crispy. If you're in a hurry, you can also use the microwave. Heat them in 30-second intervals until warm. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a smart choice. First, cool the potato balls completely. Then, lay them on a baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze them for about 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can last for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, take them out and let them thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat in the air fryer or microwave, just like before. Enjoy your tasty snack anytime! Yes, you can use fresh mashed potatoes. However, the texture will be different. Fresh mashed potatoes often have more moisture. This can make it hard for the balls to hold together. For best results, let fresh mashed potatoes cool before mixing. To add heat, mix in chopped jalapeños or crushed red pepper. You can also use spicy cheese, like pepper jack. Another option is to add a dash of hot sauce to your potato mix. These small changes can really boost the flavor. These cheesy mashed potato balls pair well with many dishes. Try serving them with sour cream or ranch dressing. They also go great with a fresh salad or grilled veggies. For drinks, a light beer or sparkling water complements them well. Enjoy exploring these tasty options! In this blog post, I shared how to make delicious air fryer cheesy mashed potato balls. We covered key ingredients like leftover mashed potatoes, cheese, and green onions. I provided clear steps for preparing, breading, and cooking them. You also learned tips for a crispy texture and ways to customize your dish. Remember to have fun experimenting with flavors and variations. Whether you choose to make them healthy or stick to the classic recipe, these tasty bites are sure to please. Enjoy your cooking!

Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with these Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls! Made from leftover mashed potatoes, gooey cheese, and a crunchy coating, these bites are perfect for snacking or as a side dish. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up this delicious recipe that the whole family will love. Click through to discover the step-by-step guide and elevate your air frying game today!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups leftover mashed potatoes

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup bread crumbs (panko for extra crunch)

1 egg, beaten

Cooking spray or olive oil for brushing

Instructions
 

In a large bowl, combine the leftover mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

    Use your hands to form the potato mixture into small balls, about 1-2 inches in diameter. You should get around 12-15 balls.

      Prepare a breading station: place the beaten egg in one bowl and the bread crumbs in another.

        Dip each potato ball first into the egg, ensuring it is fully coated, then roll it in the bread crumbs to cover completely.

          Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).

            Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or lightly brush it with olive oil.

              Place the coated potato balls in the air fryer basket in a single layer, taking care not to overcrowd them. You may need to do this in batches.

                Air fry the balls for 10-12 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Shake the basket halfway through for even cooking.

                  Once cooked, remove from the air fryer and allow to cool slightly before serving.

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

                      - Serving Suggestions: Serve these cheesy mashed potato balls with a side of sour cream or your favorite dipping sauce for an extra flavor boost. Garnish with additional chopped green onions for a pop of color!