Air Fryer Magic: Crispy Mashed Potato Balls

Fried mashed potato balls are a delicious snack or side dish. They are crispy on the outside and soft and creamy on the inside. The best part is that they are very easy to make and can be prepared with simple ingredients. You can use leftover mashed potatoes or quickly make some fresh mashed potatoes. The mashed potatoes are mixed with various ingredients like cheese, bacon, and chives, and then shaped into balls. These balls are then coated with breadcrumbs and fried in an air fryer until golden brown.

How to make the mashed potato mixture

The first step in making fried mashed potato balls is to prepare the mashed potato mixture. This will serve as the base for your potato balls and can be made with a few simple ingredients. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make the mashed potato mixture:

Ingredients:

• Leftover mashed potatoes: Start with plain, cold mashed potatoes. They should be chilled so they are firm enough to hold their shape. You can use any type of mashed potatoes, but Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are recommended.
• Bacon: Cook and crumble a few slices of bacon. Bacon adds a savoury, salty element to the potato balls.
• Cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese is a popular choice, but you can use any variety of shredded cheese that you prefer.
• Eggs: Eggs act as a binder, helping the potato balls hold together during frying.
• Seasonings: This can include salt, pepper, garlic powder, chilli flakes, and chopped green onions or chives. These ingredients enhance the flavour of the potato mixture.

Instructions:

• Prepare the mashed potatoes: If you don't have leftover mashed potatoes, peel and chop potatoes into medium-sized cubes. Boil them in a saucepan until they are tender but not mushy. Drain the boiled potatoes and mash them in a bowl using a fork or potato masher.
• Mix the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes with the cooked bacon, shredded cheese, and your desired seasonings. Mix everything together until well incorporated. You can adjust the seasoning to your taste.
• Add eggs: Add one or two eggs to the mixture and stir until combined. The eggs will help bind the ingredients together.
• Test the consistency: At this point, the mixture should have a soft and slightly sticky texture but still be firm enough to form into balls. If the mixture is too wet or sticky, you can add a little more flour to adjust the consistency.
• Form the potato balls: Use a cookie scoop or your hands to form the potato mixture into small balls, approximately 1-inch in size. Place them on a tray or plate.
• Refrigerate or freeze: Before coating and frying the potato balls, it's a good idea to chill them. Place the tray of potato balls in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes or in the freezer for about 20-30 minutes. This will help them firm up and make the coating process easier.

Once you have prepared the mashed potato mixture and formed it into balls, you can proceed to the next steps of coating and frying them.

How to shape the potato balls

Shaping the potato balls is a simple process, but there are a few tricks to ensure they hold together and cook evenly. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Firstly, ensure your mashed potato mixture is not too wet or sticky. If it is, you can adjust the consistency by adding a little more flour. You want the mixture to be soft and slightly sticky but firm enough to handle and shape. If your mixture is too sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes before shaping.

Next, take a small amount of the mixture and roll it into a ball shape using your hands. A cookie scoop can help you to measure out the right amount. The size of the ball will depend on your preference, but it's recommended to keep them bite-sized, around 1-2 inches in diameter. If you want them to be perfectly uniform, you can use a scoop with a lever, called a "disher", to portion out the mixture.

Once you have a ball, gently flatten it into a thick disc in the palm of your hand. If you are adding a filling, such as cheese, place it in the centre of the disc and carefully shape the mixture around it, ensuring the filling is completely covered. This process can be a bit sticky, so it's a good idea to wipe your hands clean between shaping each ball.

Place the shaped balls on a tray lined with parchment paper and chill them in the freezer for about 30 minutes. This will help them firm up, making it easier to coat them and preventing them from falling apart during frying.

After chilling, the potato balls are ready to be coated and cooked. You can follow your preferred recipe for the coating and cooking method, such as breading and frying, or using an air fryer.

By following these steps, you will have perfectly shaped potato balls that are ready to be cooked and served!

How to make the crispy coating

To make the crispy coating for your fried mashed potato balls, you will need eggs, flour, and breadcrumbs. Panko breadcrumbs are ideal, but regular breadcrumbs will also work. If you want to try something other than breadcrumbs, you can use crushed crackers.

First, scramble or beat the eggs in a bowl. In a separate bowl, add the flour. In a third bowl, add the breadcrumbs or crushed crackers. You can add parmesan cheese and chili flakes to the breadcrumbs or crackers for extra flavor.

Dip each mashed potato ball first in the flour, then in the egg, and finally in the breadcrumbs or crackers. For an extra crispy coating, repeat the process so that you dip each ball in the egg and breadcrumbs or crackers a second time.

Place the coated balls in the freezer for 20-30 minutes before frying. This will help the coating to firm up and make it less likely that the cheese will ooze out during frying.

How to cook the potato balls in an air fryer

Preparation

Firstly, ensure that you have all the ingredients and equipment required to make the potato balls. You will need mashed potatoes, eggs, flour, breadcrumbs, and any desired fillings or seasonings. You will also need an air fryer, and some form of oil or cooking spray.

Before you begin, it is important to note that the mashed potatoes should be cold before you start shaping them. This will make them easier to work with and help them hold their shape. If you are using freshly mashed potatoes, place them in the fridge to cool down before proceeding.

Shaping the potato balls

Once your mashed potatoes are cool, you can start shaping them into balls. Take a small amount of mashed potato and roll it into a ball shape with your hands. If you are adding a filling, such as cheese, bacon, or vegetables, place the filling in the centre of the mashed potato and carefully shape it into a ball, ensuring that the filling is completely covered. Repeat this process until you have formed all your mashed potato into balls.

Coating the potato balls

Prepare three separate dishes for the coating process: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs. Dip each potato ball first in the flour, then in the egg, and finally in the breadcrumbs. Make sure that each ball is evenly coated at each stage. For an extra crispy coating, you can repeat the process by dipping the balls back into the egg and breadcrumbs a second time.

Cooking the potato balls in the air fryer

Preheat your air fryer to around 350-400°F. Place the coated potato balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching. Spray the tops of the balls with a light coating of oil or cooking spray.

Cook the potato balls for around 10-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. You may need to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer. Gently turn them over halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking on all sides.

Once they are golden brown and crispy, remove the potato balls from the air fryer and serve immediately. They can be served as an appetizer or side dish, and are great dipped in ketchup, sour cream, ranch dressing, or spicy sriracha mayo.

How to store and reheat the potato balls

Allow the potato balls to cool completely before storing them. To store, place the potato balls in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator. They will last in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.

To reheat the potato balls, you have a few options:

• Reheat in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 minutes. Flip the balls halfway through to ensure even cooking.
• Reheat in an air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through.
• Reheat on the stovetop by placing the container over a pot of simmering water. Add a splash of cream or milk and a pat of butter to prevent the potatoes from drying out. Stir occasionally until warmed through.

It is important to note that the breading may not regain its texture and the balls may dry out slightly upon reheating. Therefore, it is recommended to prepare the balls ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze them, then fry them fresh for the best results.

Frequently asked questions