Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls: The Crispiest Recipe Ever!

Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside! These Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls: The Crispiest Recipe Ever! are a delicious and easy appetizer or side dish. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy family dinner, they offer a delightful crunch paired with creamy mashed potatoes. Coated in panko breadcrumbs and air-fried to golden perfection, these bites are sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can whip up these potato balls in no time.
• Versatile Dish: Serve them as an appetizer, side dish, or even snack—perfect for any occasion!
• Crispy Texture: The air fryer gives them an irresistible crispy exterior while keeping the inside buttery and fluffy.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite herbs or cheese to mix things up. You can make them your own!
• Healthy Cooking Method: Using an air fryer cuts down on oil, making these mashed potato balls a healthier alternative.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need to prepare these delightful mashed potato balls.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Colander
• Potato masher or electric mixer
• Three shallow dishes or bowls
• Baking sheet
• Air fryer

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Ideal for boiling potatoes evenly until fork-tender.
• Air fryer: Provides a crispy finish without deep frying, making it a healthier option.
• Potato masher or electric mixer: Ensures smooth and creamy mashed potatoes without lumps.

Ingredients

For the Mashed Potatoes

• 2 lbs Russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
• 1/2 cup milk, whole milk recommended for richness
• 4 tablespoons butter, unsalted
• 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

For Dredging 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

For Serving Dipping Sauces (optional)

• Ranch dressing
• Sour cream
• Ketchup
• Garlic aioli

How to Make Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls: The Crispiest Recipe Ever!

Step 1: Boil the Potatoes

Place the peeled and quartered potatoes in a large pot. Cover them with cold water and add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium and let the potatoes simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are fork-tender.

Step 2: Drain the Potatoes

Once cooked, carefully drain them in a colander. Remove as much water as possible.

Step 3: Return to the Pot

Put the drained potatoes back into the pot.

Step 4: Mash the Potatoes

Using a potato masher or an electric mixer on low speed, mash until mostly smooth. Avoid overmixing.

Step 5: Add Wet Ingredients

Add milk, butter, and sour cream to the mashed potatoes. Mash until creamy and smooth.

Step 6: Season the Potatoes

Season with salt, pepper, and optional garlic powder. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Step 7: Incorporate Optional Add-ins

If using optional ingredients like cheese or chives, gently fold them into the mashed potatoes until well distributed.

Step 8: Cool the Mashed Potatoes

Allow the mixture to cool completely before handling. Speed up cooling by spreading in a shallow dish in the refrigerator for 30-60 minutes.

Step 9: Set up Dredging Station

Prepare three shallow dishes:
1. In one dish, place all-purpose flour.
2. In another dish, whisk eggs.
3. In the third dish, combine panko breadcrumbs with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Step 10: Scoop Mashed Potatoes

Scoop out portions of cooled mashed potatoes (about 1-2 tablespoons each).

Step 11: Roll into Balls

Gently roll each portion between your palms to form smooth balls. Lightly dampen hands if sticking occurs.

Step 12: Dredge in Flour

Roll each ball in flour until completely coated; shake off excess flour.

Step 13: Dip in Egg

Dip floured balls into beaten eggs ensuring full coverage; let excess egg drip off.

Step 14: Coat in Panko Breadcrumbs

Roll egg-coated balls in panko breadcrumb mixture until evenly coated; press gently for adherence.

Step 15: Place on Baking Sheet

Arrange coated potato balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 16: Repeat Process

Continue steps 10-15 with remaining mashed potatoes until all balls are formed.

Step 17: Chill (Optional but Recommended)

Refrigerate coated potato balls for at least 30 minutes (up to several hours).

Step 18: Preheat Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.

Step 19: Prepare Air Fryer Basket

Lightly spray basket with cooking spray before adding potato balls.

Step 20: Arrange Potato Balls

Carefully place potato balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding; cook in batches if necessary.

Step 21: Air Fry

Air fry for about 8-10 minutes until golden brown and crispy; flip halfway through cooking time for even browning.

Step 22: Check Doneness

Ensure that potato balls are golden brown outside and heated through inside (at least165°F/74°C).

Step 23: Remove and Serve

Carefully take out air-fried potato balls from basket onto serving plate.

Step 24: Repeat Cooking

Repeat process with remaining potato balls ensuring basket is sprayed again before each batch.

Step 25: Serve Immediately

Enjoy your air fryer mashed potato balls while hot and crispy alongside your favorite dipping sauces!

How to Serve Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls: The Crispiest Recipe Ever!

These air fryer mashed potato balls are not only a treat on their own but can be paired with various dips and side dishes to enhance your dining experience. Here are some delicious serving suggestions that will elevate your dish.

With Dipping Sauces

• Ranch Dressing: A creamy dressing that adds a zesty flavor, perfect for dipping.
• Sour Cream: Smooth and rich, sour cream complements the fluffy texture of the potato balls.
• Ketchup: A classic choice that gives a sweet and tangy contrast to the savory potato flavor.
• Garlic Aioli: This garlicky sauce offers a sophisticated touch, enhancing the overall taste.

As an Appetizer

• Party Platter: Arrange the potato balls on a platter with assorted dips for a fun appetizer at gatherings.
• In Mini Buns: Serve them in mini buns as sliders topped with fresh herbs or vegetables for a unique twist.

As a Side Dish

• With Grilled Chicken: Pair these crispy delights with grilled chicken for a hearty meal.
• Alongside Salads: They make a great accompaniment to fresh salads, adding texture and flavor.

How to Perfect Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls: The Crispiest Recipe Ever!

To ensure your air fryer mashed potato balls turn out perfectly crispy every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Bold Choice of Potatoes: Use starchy potatoes like Russets for fluffier mashed potatoes that hold together well when formed into balls.
• Bold Cooling Time: Allow the mashed potatoes to cool completely before shaping them; this helps them maintain their form during frying.
• Bold Coating Method: Ensure each ball is thoroughly coated in flour, egg, and panko breadcrumbs for an extra crunchy exterior.
• Bold Air Fryer Preheating: Always preheat your air fryer to ensure even cooking and browning of the potato balls.
• Bold Batch Cooking: Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding, which can lead to uneven cooking.

Best Side Dishes for Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls: The Crispiest Recipe Ever!

Pairing side dishes with your air fryer mashed potato balls can create a balanced meal. Here are some excellent options to consider.

1. Bold Green Salad: A fresh green salad with mixed greens adds crunch and balances the richness of the potato balls.
2. Bold Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies provide color and nutrients, making your plate more appealing.
3. Bold Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread pairs wonderfully, adding flavor without overwhelming the palate.
4. Bold Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus adds elegance and enhances the meal’s nutritional value.
5. Bold Creamy Coleslaw: This tangy side can cut through the richness of the mashed potato balls while adding crunch.
6. Bold Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad mixed with herbs and vegetables offers protein and texture alongside the crispy bites.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls, it’s easy to slip up. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for.

• Overcooking the Potatoes: Boiling potatoes for too long can make them watery. Aim for fork-tender potatoes and drain promptly.
• Skipping the Cooling Step: Not allowing the mashed potatoes to cool can make rolling difficult. Spread them in a shallow dish and refrigerate until cool.
• Neglecting Seasoning: Under-seasoned mashed potatoes can taste bland. Always taste and adjust seasonings before forming balls.
• Crowding the Air Fryer Basket: Overcrowding leads to uneven cooking. Fry in batches to ensure each potato ball is crispy.
• Forgetting to Spray the Basket: Without cooking spray, the potato balls may stick. Lightly coat the basket before adding the balls.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• They will last for about 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls: The Crispiest Recipe Ever!

• Place cooled potato balls in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container; they can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls: The Crispiest Recipe Ever!

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on high for about 1-2 minutes; this may soften the crust slightly.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat with a little oil, turning occasionally until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls: The Crispiest Recipe Ever! ahead of time?

You can prepare and form the mashed potato balls ahead of time, then store them in the fridge or freeze them before air frying.

What dipping sauces pair well with Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls?

Popular options include ranch dressing, sour cream, ketchup, or garlic aioli, enhancing their flavor profile beautifully.

Can I customize my Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls?

Absolutely! Feel free to add different cheeses, herbs, or spices according to your preference.

How do I know when the potato balls are done?

They should be golden brown and crispy on the outside and heated through on the inside (165°F/74°C).

Final Thoughts

Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them with various add-ins and enjoy them as appetizers or side dishes. Give this crispy recipe a try today!