Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls

Posted on January 3, 2026

Air fryer mashed potato balls are a delightful treat that can turn your leftover mashed potatoes into a crispy, cheesy snack. Perfect for parties, game days, or a cozy family meal, these savory bites feature a rich cheese center wrapped in a crunchy exterior. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up these delicious air fryer appetizers that everyone will love!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: Using leftover mashed potatoes minimizes prep time and simplifies your cooking process.
Flavorful Twist: The combination of turkey turkey turkey bacon and cheese creates a mouthwatering flavor profile that’s hard to resist.
Crispy Texture: Air frying gives these potato balls a crispy outside without the added oil of traditional frying methods.
Versatile Snack: Enjoy them as an appetizer, side dish, or even a fun party food that caters to all tastes.
Customizable Fillings: Feel free to add other ingredients like herbs or different cheeses based on your preferences.

Tools and Preparation

To make these air fryer mashed potato balls, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools to streamline the cooking process.

Essential Kitchen Tools

Mixing Bowl
Air Fryer
Shallow Dishes (for coating)
Cookie Scoop (optional)
Cooking Spray

Why These Tools Matter

Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining your ingredients evenly without mess.
Air Fryer: Provides the perfect cooking environment for achieving crispy textures while keeping it healthier.
Shallow Dishes: Useful for breading; makes the dipping process easy and efficient.
Cookie Scoop: Helps to portion uniform balls for even cooking.

Ingredients

For the Mashed Potato Balls

3 cups Leftover Mashed Potatoes
3 slices turkey turkey turkey bacon (crumbled)
Block of Cheddar Cheese (cut into cubes)
1 1/2 cups Breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons Grated Parmesan
2 Large Eggs
1-2 tablespoons Milk
Salt (to taste)
Black Pepper (to taste)
Cooking Oil Spray
1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder (optional)

How to Make Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls

Step 1: Prepare the Mixture

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the leftover mashed potatoes with crumbled turkey turkey turkey bacon, chives or green onion, salt, pepper, and garlic powder if desired. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.

Step 2: Form the Balls

With floured hands, take a scoop of the mashed potato mixture. Flatten it into a disk and place a cube of cheese in the center. Carefully mold the mixture around the cheese to form a ball, ensuring it’s completely covered.

Step 3: Coat the Balls

Set up three shallow dishes: one with flour, another with scrambled eggs mixed with milk, and the last one with breadcrumbs combined with grated parmesan. Dip each ball first in flour, then in egg mixture, followed by breadcrumbs. For an extra crispy coating, repeat dipping back into the egg and breadcrumbs once more.

Step 4: Air Fry the Balls

Place a single layer of coated mashed potato balls in your air fryer basket. Lightly spray them with cooking oil to promote browning.

Step 5: Cook Until Golden Brown

Set your air fryer to 370 degrees Fahrenheit. Cook for 4 minutes before shaking the basket gently. Spray with additional oil if needed and continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes or until golden brown. Keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking as cheese may ooze out when done.

Serve these delicious air fryer mashed potato balls warm with ranch dipping sauce for an irresistible snack!

How to Serve Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls

Air fryer mashed potato balls are a delightful appetizer that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply indulging at home, these crispy bites can be served with a variety of dips and sides to enhance their flavor.

With Dipping Sauces

Ranch Dressing: A classic choice, ranch dressing adds a creamy, herby flavor that complements the richness of the potato balls.
Ketchup: For a simple and sweet contrast, serve with ketchup for a familiar dipping experience.
Honey Mustard: This sweet and tangy sauce pairs well with the savory goodness of the potato balls.
Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream brings a refreshing tang that balances the richness of the cheese.

As Part of a Snack Platter

Charcuterie Board: Include mashed potato balls on a charcuterie board alongside cheeses, meats, and pickled vegetables for a fun snack spread.
Veggie Sticks: Pair them with assorted fresh veggies for a crunchy contrast that adds color to your plate.
Cheese Platter: Serve alongside different types of cheeses to create an exciting tasting experience.

In Mini Sliders

Potato Ball Sliders: Place mashed potato balls in mini slider buns with toppings like lettuce and tomato for a creative twist on sliders.

How to Perfect Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls

Creating perfect air fryer mashed potato balls is all about technique. Follow these helpful tips to ensure your dish turns out delicious every time.

Bold Texture: Make sure your mashed potatoes are thick enough to hold their shape. If too runny, add more cooked potatoes or breadcrumbs.
Bold Coating: Double-dip your balls in egg and breadcrumbs for an extra crispy outer layer that provides great crunch when air-fried.
Bold Cheese Choice: Use sharp cheddar cheese for a stronger flavor that melts beautifully inside each ball.
Bold Temperature Control: Keep an eye on cooking times; air fry until they are golden brown but not overcooked to prevent cheese oozing out prematurely.
Bold Spray Technique: Lightly spray each ball with cooking oil before cooking to promote even browning and crispiness.

Best Side Dishes for Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls

Air fryer mashed potato balls can be paired with several delicious side dishes to create a complete meal. Here are some excellent options to consider.

Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with fresh greens, tomatoes, and vinaigrette adds brightness to your meal.
Coleslaw: The crunchiness of coleslaw offers a nice contrast to the creamy texture of the potato balls.
Steamed Broccoli: A nutritious side that complements the rich flavors without overpowering them.
Garlic Bread: Serve warm garlic bread as a tasty addition that pairs wonderfully with any dip you choose.
Roasted Vegetables: Colorful roasted veggies can add depth and additional nutrients to your plate.
French Fries: For those who love carbs, crispy French fries make an indulgent pairing with these flavorful bites.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making air fryer mashed potato balls, avoiding common pitfalls can elevate your dish. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

Using dry mashed potatoes: Ensure your leftover mashed potatoes are creamy and moist. If they seem dry, add a splash of milk before mixing the ingredients.
Not sealing the cheese properly: Make sure the cheese cube is fully encased in the potato mixture. This prevents it from leaking out during cooking and ensures a gooey center.
Skipping the double breadcrumb coating: For extra crunch, dip your balls in egg and breadcrumbs twice. This helps achieve that perfect crispy texture.
Overcrowding the air fryer basket: Give each ball enough space in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and less crispiness.
Ignoring cooking times: Keep an eye on the cooking time to avoid overcooking. The balls should be golden brown but not burnt.

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls

Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to an airtight container or freezer bag.
They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls

Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for about 10-12 minutes until heated through.
Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes. Check frequently to avoid sogginess.
Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls?

Air fryer mashed potato balls are delicious bites made from leftover mashed potatoes mixed with turkey turkey turkey bacon, cheese, and spices, all cooked until golden in an air fryer.

Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with various cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for different flavors.

How do I make Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls crispy?

The key is double-coating them in breadcrumbs and ensuring they aren’t overcrowded in the air fryer basket.

Can I customize my Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls?

Absolutely! Add ingredients like cooked vegetables or spices to create your unique flavor combinations.

Conclusion

These air fryer mashed potato balls are not only easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile and satisfying. Whether as a snack or appetizer, they can be customized with various ingredients according to your taste preferences. Try them today for a delightful treat!