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. Whether for a party, game day, or simply a tasty snack, these potato balls are sure to impress. Coated in panko breadcrumbs and air-fried to golden perfection, they pair perfectly with your favorite dipping sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy Texture: The air frying method creates a delightful crunch that complements the creamy mashed potatoes.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or snack; great for any occasion!
• Easy to Make: Simple steps ensure that anyone can whip these up, even beginners.
• Customizable Ingredients: Add your favorite ingredients like cheese, herbs, or bacon for a personal touch.
• Healthier Option: Air frying reduces the amount of oil needed compared to traditional frying.

Tools and Preparation

To create these delightful Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls, you’ll need a few essential tools to make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Colander
• Potato masher or electric mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Shallow dishes (3)
• Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
• Air fryer

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for boiling potatoes evenly and efficiently.
• Colander: Helps drain excess water from the cooked potatoes to achieve the right texture.
• Air fryer: Provides a quick and healthier way to achieve that coveted crispy exterior without deep frying.

Ingredients

For the Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls: The Crispiest Recipe Ever!, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Potato Mixture

• 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
• 2 tablespoons cooked and crumbled bacon

For Serving

• 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, then reduce to medium heat. Let them simmer for about 15-20 minutes until fork-tender.

Step 2: Drain the Potatoes

Carefully drain the cooked potatoes in a colander. Ensure you remove as much water as possible for better mashed potato texture.

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 to keep some texture.

Step 5: Add the Wet Ingredients

Add milk, butter, and sour cream into the mashed potatoes. Mix until everything is well combined and creamy.

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 add-ins like cheddar cheese, chives, or bacon, gently fold them into your mashed potato mixture until evenly distributed.

Step 8: Cool the Mashed Potatoes

Allow mashed potatoes to cool completely for easier handling when forming balls. Speed this up by spreading them in a shallow dish in the refrigerator for about 30-60 minutes.

Step 9: Set Up Your Dredging Station

Prepare three shallow dishes:
1. Place all-purpose flour in one dish.
2. Whisk beaten eggs in another.
3. Combine panko breadcrumbs with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in the last dish.

Step 10: Scoop the Mashed Potatoes

Using a spoon or small ice cream scoop, take portions of cooled mashed potatoes (about 1-2 tablespoons per ball).

Step 11: Roll into Balls

Gently roll each portion between your palms until smooth. If sticking occurs, lightly dampen your hands with water.

Step 12: Dredge in Flour

Roll each ball in all-purpose flour ensuring it is fully coated; shake off any excess flour.

Step 13: Dip in Egg

Dip each floured ball into beaten eggs making sure it is coated well. Let excess egg drip off before moving on.

Step 14: Coat in Panko Breadcrumbs

Roll each egg-coated ball into panko breadcrumb mixture pressing gently to adhere well.

Step 15: Place on Baking Sheet

Transfer each coated potato ball onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 16: Repeat

Follow Steps 10-15 until all mashed potato mixture is used up.

Step 17: Chill (Optional but Recommended)

Refrigerate coated potato balls on baking sheet for at least 30 minutes or up to several hours for better texture during cooking.

Step 18: Preheat Your Air Fryer

Set your air fryer temperature to 400°F (200°C) and preheat for about five minutes.

Step 19: Prepare the Air Fryer Basket

Lightly spray your air fryer basket with cooking spray before adding potato balls.

Step 20: Arrange the Potato Balls

Carefully place potato balls in one layer inside your air fryer basket without overcrowding; cook in batches if necessary.

Step 21: Air Fry

Cook at set temperature for about 8-10 minutes until golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through cooking time.

Step 22: Check for Doneness

The balls are ready when they are golden brown outside and heated through inside (at least 165°F /74°C).

Step 23 &24 : Remove & Serve

Gently remove cooked potato balls from air fryer basket onto serving plate. Repeat cooking process if needed with remaining batches ensuring proper spray before each batch!

Serve immediately while hot alongside ranch dressing, sour cream, ketchup or garlic aioli! Enjoy these crispy bites!

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

Air fryer mashed potato balls are a versatile dish that can be served in various ways. Their crispy exterior and fluffy interior make them a crowd favorite at any gathering. Here are some delightful serving suggestions that will complement their flavors perfectly.

With Dipping Sauces

• Ranch Dressing: A classic pairing, ranch dressing adds a creamy and tangy flavor that enhances the taste of the potato balls.
• Sour Cream: This cool and rich condiment balances the savory notes of the mashed potato balls beautifully.
• Ketchup: For those who enjoy a sweet and tangy kick, ketchup is an all-time favorite dipping sauce.
• Garlic Aioli: A garlic aioli brings a gourmet touch with its creamy texture and robust flavor, perfect for food lovers.

As Part of a Platter

• Vegetable Platter: Arrange the potato balls alongside fresh veggies like carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers for a colorful appetizer spread.
• Cheese Board: Include your air fryer mashed potato balls on a cheese board with assorted cheeses, crackers, and fruits for an elegant touch.

In Mini Sliders

• Potato Ball Sliders: Use small buns to create sliders filled with mashed potato balls, topped with lettuce, tomato, and your choice of sauce for a fun twist.

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

For the best results when making air fryer mashed potato balls, follow these handy tips. They will ensure that your dish turns out perfectly every time.

• Choose the Right Potatoes: Using Russet potatoes provides the ideal texture for mashing due to their high starch content.
• Cool Before Shaping: Allowing the mashed potatoes to cool completely makes them easier to handle and helps maintain their shape during cooking.
• Use Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs create an extra crispy coating compared to regular breadcrumbs, enhancing the texture of your potato balls.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Cooking in batches ensures even browning and crispiness, giving you perfectly cooked potato balls every time.
• Flip Halfway Through Cooking: Turning the potato balls halfway ensures they brown evenly on all sides for consistent crunchiness.

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

Air fryer mashed potato balls pair well with many side dishes. Here’s a list of options that complement their flavors beautifully and round out your meal.

1. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce tossed in Caesar dressing adds freshness and crunch that contrasts nicely with the rich potato balls.
2. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides a refreshing bite that balances the savory goodness of the mashed potato balls.
3. Garlic Bread: Serve warm garlic bread as a comforting side that pairs well with any dipping sauces you choose.
4. Steamed Broccoli: Bright green steamed broccoli not only adds color but also nutrients to your meal while providing a slight bitterness that complements the potatoes.
5. Macaroni Salad: A chilled macaroni salad offers creaminess and flavor variety that’s perfect alongside crispy bites.
6. Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted veggies add depth and earthiness to your plate, enhancing overall flavors while keeping it healthy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can make your air fryer mashed potato balls turn out perfectly. Here are some pitfalls to watch for:

• Overcooking the Potatoes: Cook the potatoes just until fork-tender. Overcooked potatoes can lead to a gummy texture in your mashed potato mixture.
• Skipping the Cooling Step: Letting the mashed potatoes cool completely is crucial. If they’re too warm, they will be difficult to handle and form into balls.
• Not Coating Properly: Ensure each ball is well-coated in flour, egg, and panko. Inadequate coating can result in less crispy potato balls.
• Crowding the Air Fryer: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. This can prevent even cooking and may lead to soggy potato balls.
• Ignoring Seasoning: Don’t forget to taste and adjust seasoning during preparation. Proper seasoning enhances flavor significantly.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store air fryer mashed potato balls in an airtight container.
• They will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

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

• Place cooled, coated potato balls on a baking sheet in a single layer.
• Freeze for about 1 hour before transferring them into a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

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

• Oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 30 seconds at a time until warmed; this may not keep them crispy.
• Stovetop: Heat a little oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook for 4-5 minutes until crispy on all sides.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different types of potatoes for air fryer mashed potato balls?

Yes, you can use Yukon Gold or red potatoes, but Russet provides the fluffiest texture.

How do I make these air fryer mashed potato balls dairy-free?

Substitute milk with almond milk or coconut milk, and use vegan butter instead of regular butter.

What dipping sauces pair well with air fryer mashed potato balls?

Ranch dressing, sour cream, ketchup, or garlic aioli complement these crispy delights perfectly!

How do I ensure my air fryer mashed potato balls stay crispy?

Make sure they are well-coated and avoid overcrowding in the air fryer basket.

Can I add other ingredients to customize my potato balls?

Certainly! Consider adding herbs, cheese, or cooked vegetables to enhance flavor and nutrition.

Final Thoughts

These air fryer mashed potato balls are not only delicious but also versatile. Perfect as an appetizer or side dish, you can easily customize them with your favorite ingredients. Give this recipe a try and enjoy their crispy goodness!