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Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls Recipe

Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls Recipe
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★★★★★

4.9 from 29 reviews

Crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, these Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls are a delicious, easy-to-make appetizer or snack. Made with seasoned mashed potatoes, coated in flavorful panko breadcrumbs, and air fried to golden perfection, these bites pair wonderfully with a variety of dipping sauces such as ranch, ketchup, sour cream, or garlic aioli.

Ingredients

Scale

Mashed Potatoes

  • 2 lbs Russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
  • 1/2 cup milk (whole milk recommended for richness)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

Breading and Coating

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Cooking spray (olive oil or avocado oil recommended)

Optional Add-ins

  • 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
  • 2 tablespoons cooked and crumbled bacon

Dipping Sauces

  • Ranch dressing
  • Sour cream
  • Ketchup
  • Garlic aioli

Instructions

  1. Boil the Potatoes: Place the peeled and quartered potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold water, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a boil over high heat. Then reduce heat to medium and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until fork-tender.
  2. Drain the Potatoes: Drain the cooked potatoes in a colander, removing as much water as possible.
  3. Return to the Pot: Transfer the drained potatoes back into the pot.
  4. Mash the Potatoes: Mash the potatoes using a potato masher or electric mixer on low speed until mostly smooth without overmixing.
  5. Add the Wet Ingredients: Mix in milk, butter, and sour cream until the potatoes are creamy and smooth.
  6. Season the Potatoes: Season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Adjust seasonings to taste.
  7. Incorporate Optional Add-ins: Fold in shredded cheddar cheese, chopped chives, and crumbled bacon, if using, until evenly distributed.
  8. Cool the Mashed Potatoes: Spread mashed potatoes in a shallow dish and refrigerate for 30-60 minutes until completely cooled for easier handling.
  9. Set up the Dredging Station: Prepare three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs mixed with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
  10. Scoop the Mashed Potatoes: Use a spoon or small scoop to portion out 1-2 tablespoons of mashed potatoes per ball.
  11. Roll into Balls: Shape each portion into a smooth ball, dampening hands if needed to prevent sticking.
  12. Dredge in Flour: Coat each ball thoroughly with flour and shake off excess.
  13. Dip in Egg: Dip floured balls into beaten eggs, letting excess drip off.
  14. Coat in Panko Breadcrumbs: Roll egg-coated balls in breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently for even coverage.
  15. Place on Baking Sheet: Arrange coated balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  16. Repeat: Continue with remaining mashed potato balls.
  17. Chill: Refrigerate the prepared balls for at least 30 minutes to firm up coating.
  18. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and preheat for 5 minutes.
  19. Prepare Air Fryer Basket: Lightly spray basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  20. Arrange the Potato Balls: Place balls in a single layer in basket, avoiding overcrowding.
  21. Air Fry: Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
  22. Check for Doneness: Ensure potato balls are golden and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  23. Remove and Serve: Transfer hot potato balls to a serving plate.
  24. Repeat: Air fry remaining balls in batches, spraying basket before each batch.
  25. Serve Immediately: Enjoy warm with your choice of dipping sauces such as ranch, sour cream, ketchup, or garlic aioli.

Notes

  • For best results, use Russet potatoes as they yield fluffy mashed potatoes ideal for shaping.
  • Do not overmix mashed potatoes to avoid gummy texture.
  • Chilling the formed balls before air frying helps them hold their shape and improves crispiness.
  • Cooking spray is recommended to achieve a golden crust without deep frying in oil.
  • Feel free to customize by adding herbs or spices to the mashed potatoes or coating mix.
  • Serve immediately after air frying for maximum crispiness; leftovers can be reheated in the air fryer.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer mashed potato balls, crispy mashed potato snacks, air fried potato bites, potato appetizers, party snacks

Find it online: https://tastygenius.com/air-fryer-mashed-potato-balls-recipe/