I still remember the very first time I made mashed potato balls at home. It was on a cozy weekend afternoon when I had plenty of leftover mashed potatoes sitting in the fridge after a family dinner. Instead of reheating them in the same old way, I wanted to create something fun, golden, and crispy. That’s how these air fryer cheesy mashed potato balls came to life. The idea of rolling soft, creamy potatoes around gooey cheese and letting the air fryer transform them into crunchy little bites felt like magic. Since then, they have become a family favorite, often requested at gatherings, parties, and even casual weeknight meals.

What makes this recipe special is the balance between crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside. When you bite into one of these golden potato balls, the melted cheese pulls apart in the most satisfying way, while the seasoned potato mash keeps everything flavorful and smooth. They are a treat for both kids and adults, making them the ultimate comfort food with a fun twist.

Why you will love this recipe

You’ll fall in love with these cheesy mashed potato balls because they are not just delicious but also incredibly easy to make. They require very few ingredients, most of which you already have in your kitchen. Plus, using the air fryer means they’re lighter than deep-fried versions, without losing that irresistible crunch. They make a great snack, appetizer, or even a side dish.

Versatile

One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can adjust the flavors to suit your taste by adding herbs, spices, or different types of cheese. They can be served plain, with a dipping sauce, or even paired with a fresh salad for a balanced meal. Whether you’re cooking for kids, guests, or yourself, these potato balls adapt beautifully to any occasion.

Affordable

Another reason I love this recipe is its affordability. Leftover mashed potatoes, a bit of cheese, breadcrumbs, and seasoning are really all you need. You can easily prepare a batch of these without spending much at all. They turn humble ingredients into something that feels gourmet.

Ingredients for the recipe

2 cups mashed potatoes (chilled, leftover works best)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or your preferred melting cheese)
1 cup breadcrumbs
2 large eggs (beaten)
½ cup all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
Cooking spray for air fryer

How to Prepare This Recipe

When it comes to preparing air fryer cheesy mashed potato balls, the process is straightforward, fun, and surprisingly quick. The air fryer makes everything even simpler because there’s no need for large amounts of oil, and you still achieve that golden crispiness everyone loves. With a little bit of planning, you can turn basic mashed potatoes into the star of the table in less than 30 minutes.

The secret to success is starting with chilled mashed potatoes, because they are firmer and easier to shape. The colder the potatoes, the better they will hold together. Once you’ve got that base ready, it’s all about shaping, filling, coating, and air frying until perfection.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparation

Prepare the mashed potatoes
Begin with 2 cups of cold, leftover mashed potatoes. If you are making fresh mashed potatoes, let them cool completely before using. This ensures the balls stay intact during shaping and cooking.
Season the base
Place the mashed potatoes in a large bowl and mix in garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the seasonings are evenly distributed.
Cut and prepare the cheese
Slice or cube the mozzarella (or another melting cheese of your choice) into small bite-sized pieces. This step makes it easier to place the cheese inside the potato mixture.
Shape the potato balls
Take a spoonful of the mashed potato mixture, flatten it slightly in your palm, and place a piece of cheese in the center. Gently roll the potato mixture around the cheese until it forms a neat ball. Repeat until all potatoes are used.
Set up the coating station
Place flour in one shallow dish, beaten eggs in another, and breadcrumbs in a third. This three-step coating system ensures extra crispiness.
Coat each potato ball
Roll each ball first in the flour, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally roll it in breadcrumbs. Make sure each one is fully coated, as this is what gives the outer layer its crunch.
Preheat the air fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes. Preheating helps the potato balls cook evenly and achieve a consistent golden finish.
Air fry until golden
Lightly spray the coated potato balls with cooking spray to enhance crispiness. Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer without overcrowding. Cook for 10–12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
Serve immediately
Once done, transfer them to a plate and serve hot. The melted cheese inside is best enjoyed fresh out of the air fryer.

Quick and Easy

This recipe is quick because most of the work involves rolling and coating the potato balls. The air fryer takes care of the cooking, leaving you with more time to prepare a dipping sauce or set the table. From start to finish, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing snack ready in under half an hour.

Customizable

These potato balls can be customized to your liking. You can swap the mozzarella for cheddar, gouda, or even a spicy cheese for more flavor. Add finely chopped herbs like parsley or chives to the potato mixture for freshness, or mix in cooked chicken ham, turkey bacon bits, or beef for a hearty version. For a lighter option, you could even bake them instead of air frying.

Popular with Many People

Air fryer cheesy mashed potato balls are universally loved. They’re perfect for parties, game nights, or family dinners. Kids adore the cheesy surprise in the middle, while adults appreciate how indulgent they feel without being overly heavy. They make a great addition to buffets, picnics, and potlucks, often disappearing within minutes. Their crisp texture and gooey center make them a true crowd favorite.

Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls Recipe

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These air fryer cheesy mashed potato balls are crispy on the outside, creamy and cheesy on the inside, and perfect for snacks, appetizers, or a side dish. Using simple ingredients and an air fryer, you can create a delicious treat that everyone will love.

Author: Lura Skye
Prep Time: 15
Cook Time: 12
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 14 1x

Instructions

Prepare the mashed potatoes: Ensure they are chilled for easier shaping.
Season the potatoes: Mix in garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly distributed.
Prepare the cheese: Cut mozzarella into small bite-sized pieces.
Shape the balls: Flatten a spoonful of mashed potatoes in your palm, place a cheese piece in the center, and roll into a ball. Repeat for all potatoes.
Set up coating stations: Place flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs in separate shallow dishes.
Coat the balls: Roll each ball in flour, dip in eggs, then roll in breadcrumbs, ensuring full coverage.
Preheat the air fryer: Set to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
Air fry the balls: Spray lightly with cooking spray, arrange in a single layer, and cook 10–12 minutes. Shake halfway through for even browning.
Serve hot: Enjoy immediately for the best melted-cheese texture.

Notes

For extra flavor, mix in chopped herbs like parsley or chives.

You can add cooked chicken ham, turkey bacon, or beef for a heartier version.

If using fresh mashed potatoes, allow them to cool completely.

Avoid overcrowding the air fryer to ensure crispiness.

FAQs

Q: Can I use fresh mashed potatoes instead of leftovers?
A: Yes, you can. Make sure the mashed potatoes are fully cooled and slightly firm before shaping. Warm potatoes are too soft and may fall apart during rolling and air frying.

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Absolutely. You can shape and coat the potato balls in advance, then store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Air fry them just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Q: What cheeses work best?
A: Mozzarella is classic for that gooey center, but you can also use cheddar, gouda, or a mix of your favorite melting cheeses. For a spicier twist, pepper jack works well.

Q: Can I freeze them?
A: Yes. Place the shaped and coated potato balls on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Air fry them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Q: How do I make them extra crispy?
A: Lightly spraying the potato balls with cooking spray before air frying ensures an extra-crispy outer layer. Also, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow even airflow.

Q: Can I bake them instead of using an air fryer?
A: Yes. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake on a parchment-lined tray for 20–25 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and crispy.

Q: Can I add other ingredients to the mashed potatoes?
A: Definitely. You can mix in herbs, cooked vegetables, or small meat pieces like chicken ham, turkey bacon, or beef to enhance flavor and texture.