Air-Fried Potato Balls: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Air fryers are a great way to make potato balls without using too much oil. You can make potato balls with leftover mashed potatoes, or you can make them from scratch. The process is simple: mix mashed potatoes with cheese, roll into balls, coat in breadcrumbs, and air fry. You can also add other ingredients like bacon, green onions, or jalapeños. The result is a delicious, crispy, and cheesy snack or appetizer.

How to make the potato mixture

The first step in making potato balls in an air fryer is to prepare the potato mixture. Here is a detailed guide on how to make the potato mixture:

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients:

• Leftover mashed potatoes
• Cheese (cheddar, Colby Jack, mozzarella, or any other variety of your choice)
• Green onions or scallions, finely chopped
• Bacon, cooked and crumbled or bacon bits
• Eggs
• Flour
• Breadcrumbs (preferably panko breadcrumbs for a crunchier texture)
• Salt and pepper, for seasoning
• Other seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, or chili flakes (optional)

Instructions

• Combine the mashed potatoes with the cheese, green onions, and bacon (if using) in a large mixing bowl. You can also add other ingredients like jalapenos or raisins for extra flavor and spice.
• Mix the ingredients until you have a smooth and well-combined mixture. You can use a fork or a potato masher to do this.
• Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, or chili flakes if desired.
• Once the mixture is ready, start shaping it into small balls. Use a small ice cream scoop or two tablespoons to portion out the mixture and roll it into balls with your hands. The smaller the balls, the better, as they will be less likely to break apart during cooking.
• Place the shaped potato balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet or tray. You can also freeze the potato balls at this stage if you want to make them ahead of time. Simply place the tray in the freezer for about 15-20 minutes to firm up the balls before proceeding to the next steps.
• To prepare the coating, whisk an egg in a bowl and season it with salt and pepper. Pour the flour into a separate bowl, and the breadcrumbs into a third bowl.
• Dip each potato ball first into the flour, then into the egg, and finally, coat it evenly with the breadcrumbs. Make sure to press the breadcrumbs gently into the balls for a thorough coating.
• Place the coated potato balls back on the tray and repeat the process until all the balls are coated.
• At this point, you can choose to freeze the potato balls if you want to cook them later. Simply freeze them for about 1-2 hours on the tray, then transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the freezer until needed.

The potato mixture for air fryer potato balls is now ready! You can follow the remaining steps to cook and serve these delicious treats.

Shaping the potato balls

Start by preparing the mashed potato mixture. In a large mixing bowl, combine the leftover mashed potatoes with your desired mix-ins, such as cheese, green onions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. You can also add cream cheese or sour cream for extra creaminess. Mix the ingredients until you have a smooth and well-combined mixture.

Once you have a homogeneous mixture, it's time to shape the potato balls. Take about 2 tablespoons of the potato mixture at a time and use your hands to shape it into balls, similar to how you would shape meatballs. You can also use a cookie scoop or a small ice cream scoop to ensure even portions and ease of shaping. Place the shaped potato balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet or tray.

At this stage, you can choose to freeze the potato balls for a few minutes to help them firm up and hold their shape better during the cooking process. This step is especially useful if you plan to deep-fry the potato balls, but it can also be done if you're using an air fryer. Freeze the shaped potato balls for about 15-20 minutes before proceeding to the next step.

After shaping and optional freezing, it's time to coat the potato balls. Set up a breading station by whisking an egg in one bowl and placing breadcrumbs or crushed crackers in another bowl. You can use regular breadcrumbs, panko breadcrumbs, or seasoned breadcrumbs for added flavour. Dip each potato ball first in the egg mixture and then roll it in the breadcrumbs or crushed crackers until evenly coated. Make sure to press the coating gently around each ball for better adhesion.

Return the coated potato balls to the parchment-lined baking sheet or tray. If you froze the potato balls earlier, let them thaw in the refrigerator before proceeding to the next step.

Now, you're ready to cook the potato balls in your air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil to prevent sticking. Carefully place the potato balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don't touch each other. You may need to cook the potato balls in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

Lightly spray the tops of the potato balls with a little more cooking oil to ensure even cooking and browning. Air fry the potato balls for 10-15 minutes, gently shaking the basket halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning. The potato balls are ready when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.

Finally, remove the potato balls from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving. You can serve them as an appetizer with your favourite dipping sauce, such as ketchup, sour cream, or spicy mayo, or as a side dish alongside roast dinners or fried chicken.

The breading process

Step 1: Prepare the Breading Station

Gather your breading ingredients, which typically include eggs, flour, and breadcrumbs. You can use a shallow bowl or dish for each ingredient. Start by whisking one or two eggs in a bowl and seasoning with salt and pepper. In a separate bowl, measure out your flour, and in another bowl, add your breadcrumbs. You can use regular breadcrumbs, or for an extra crispy texture, opt for panko breadcrumbs.

Step 2: Roll the Potato Mixture into Balls

Take your prepared mashed potato mixture and use a small ice cream scoop or tablespoon to portion out the mixture into small balls. The smaller the balls, the easier they will be to manage during the breading process. Place the rolled balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet or tray.

Step 3: Coat the Potato Balls

Once you have rolled all your potato balls, it's time to start the breading. Dip each potato ball first into the flour, making sure to coat all sides evenly. Then, dip the floured ball into the whisked egg, ensuring it is well coated. Finally, roll the ball in the breadcrumbs until it is completely covered. Gently press the breadcrumbs onto the ball to ensure an even and thorough coating. Repeat this process for each potato ball, placing the coated balls back on the tray as you go.

Step 4: Freeze the Coated Potato Balls

Before air frying, it is recommended to freeze the coated potato balls for about 15-20 minutes. This helps the balls firm up and ensures they hold their shape during the air frying process. Freezing also helps to prevent the potato balls from falling apart or bursting open during cooking.

Step 5: Preheat the Air Fryer

While your potato balls are freezing, you can preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, typically between 375°F and 400°F. Refer to your specific air fryer's instructions for the best results.

Step 6: Spray the Air Fryer Basket

To prevent sticking and ensure even cooking, spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray oil or wipe it with oil using a kitchen towel or brush. This step is crucial to achieving a crispy exterior on your potato balls.

Step 7: Place the Potato Balls in the Air Fryer

Carefully place the potato balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not crowded and have enough space around them. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the potato balls in batches.

Step 8: Spray the Potato Balls with Oil

Lightly spray the tops of the potato balls with a bit more oil to promote even browning and crisping. This step is optional but can enhance the texture and appearance of your final product.

Step 9: Air Fry the Potato Balls

Close the air fryer and cook the potato balls at the preheated temperature for 10 to 15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. For even cooking, gently shake the air fryer basket halfway through the cooking process to rotate the balls.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Once your potato balls are golden brown and crispy, carefully remove them from the air fryer and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Let them cool for a few minutes, and then serve them with your favorite dipping sauce!

Cooking in the air fryer

Air fryers are a great alternative to deep-frying, baking, or shallow-frying your food. They can be used to cook a wide variety of dishes, including potato balls. Here is a step-by-step guide to making potato balls in an air fryer.

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients:

• Leftover mashed potatoes
• Breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
• Vegetable oil or cooking spray
• Cheese (optional)
• Green onions (optional)
• Eggs (optional)
• Flour (optional)

Preparing the Potato Mixture

Start by preparing your mashed potatoes. If you are using leftover potatoes, allow them to come to room temperature before mixing in any additional ingredients. This will make it easier to combine the ingredients and shape the mixture into balls.

You can also add various ingredients to your mashed potatoes to enhance the flavor. Some popular options include cheese, green onions, bacon, and jalapeños. Simply mix these ingredients into your mashed potatoes until well combined.

Shaping the Potato Balls

Once you have prepared your mashed potato mixture, it's time to shape it into balls. Use a small ice cream scoop or two tablespoons to scoop out the potato mixture and shape it into small balls. The smaller the balls, the less likely they are to break apart during cooking.

If you are using eggs and flour, dip the potato balls into the flour, then into the beaten eggs, and finally into the breadcrumbs. This will create a crispy coating on the potato balls.

Cooking the Potato Balls in the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to between 375°F and 400°F. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking.

Place the potato balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the potato balls in batches. Lightly spray the tops of the balls with oil to ensure even cooking.

Cook the potato balls for 10 to 15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Gently shake the air fryer basket halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning.

Once the potato balls are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately. They can be served as an appetizer or side dish and go well with various dipping sauces, such as ketchup, sour cream, or French fry dipping sauce.

Serving suggestions

These potato balls are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Appetizer: These potato balls make a great starter or snack for any occasion. You can serve them as-is or with a dipping sauce such as ketchup, sour cream, French fry dipping sauce (a combination of ketchup and mayo), or spicy sriracha mayo.
• Side dish: They also work well as a side dish for a variety of mains, such as mushroom goat cheese frittata, bacon-wrapped stuffed chicken, air-fried tuna steaks, or apple maple pork chops.
• Part of a roast dinner: Potato balls are an excellent addition to a roast dinner, especially when served with sage and onion stuffing or slow-cooked whole chicken.
• Holiday gatherings: This dish is perfect for holiday gatherings and parties. You can make them ahead of time and fry them just before serving.
• Vegetarian option: For a vegetarian option, omit the meat and try adding different vegetables, such as broccoli or green onions.
• Vegan option: To make this dish vegan, use vegan butter or margarine instead of regular butter and follow the same recipe.
• Loaded potato balls: For an extra indulgent treat, add some cooked chopped bacon or bacon lardons to the mix. Serve with sour cream dip on the side.
• Cheese-stuffed potato balls: Try stuffing the potato balls with vintage cheddar, red Leicester, or mozzarella cheese for an extra cheesy treat.
• With a sauce: These potato balls go well with a variety of sauces, including tomato ketchup, onion gravy, or BBQ sauce.
• For kids: These potato balls are a great way to get kids to eat their veggies. Try serving them with baked beans or spaghetti hoops.

Frequently asked questions