Air-Fried Potato Puffs: A Quick, Easy Treat!

Potato puffs are a delicious snack or side dish that can be easily made in an air fryer. They are crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside. You can make them from scratch or use frozen ones from brands like Alexia. Making potato puffs from scratch involves boiling and mashing potatoes, shaping them into balls, and then air frying them. Frozen potato puffs can be cooked in the air fryer without thawing and with or without oil.

Choosing the right potatoes

When it comes to choosing the right potatoes for your air fryer potato puffs, there are a few key factors to consider. Firstly, it is recommended to use potatoes with a high starch content, as this will give your puffs a fluffy and light texture. Examples of starchy potatoes include russets, which are known for their low water content and high starch content, resulting in a floury texture. Red potatoes are also a great option and will add a beautiful colour to your dish.

The type of potato you choose will depend on the specific recipe you are following and the desired texture of your potato puffs. If you are looking for a softer and creamier texture, baby red potatoes or yellow potatoes are a good choice. On the other hand, if you want a crispier result, opt for potatoes with thinner skins, such as baby potatoes or "new" potatoes, which include varieties like fingerlings, Yukon golds, baby russets, and baby red potatoes. The thinner skin will crisp up nicely in the air fryer.

Another factor to consider is the size of the potatoes. For potato puffs, it is important to ensure that all the potatoes are cut into evenly sized pieces so that they cook uniformly. This will ensure that your potato puffs have a consistent texture and don't end up with some overcooked and others undercooked.

Additionally, when preparing your potatoes, it is generally recommended to leave the skin on. The skin will add texture and help your potato puffs become crispy on the outside while remaining soft and fluffy on the inside. However, if you prefer a smoother texture, you can peel the potatoes before boiling and mashing them.

Lastly, when boiling the potatoes, be sure to use cold water and add salt to enhance the flavour. Drain the potatoes thoroughly before mashing them to ensure a smooth and creamy texture for your potato puffs.

Preparing the potato mixture

To prepare the potato mixture for your air fryer potato puffs, start by boiling a large pot of peeled and diced potatoes in cold salted water until they are tender. Drain the potatoes and mash them with a fork or potato masher until smooth. You can use leftover mashed potatoes if you have any.

Next, add your chosen seasonings and mix until well combined. The Bella Vita recommends adding cornstarch, chopped fresh parsley, salt, and black pepper to taste. You could also add other seasonings such as rosemary or curry powder. If you want your potato puffs to be extra crispy, add more cornstarch, rice flour, or potato starch.

Once your mixture is ready, wet your hands with some oil and start shaping the potato mixture into balls. Try to make them all the same size so they cook evenly. You can use a cookie scoop to help with this.

Shaping the potato puffs

Start by preparing the potato mixture as mentioned in the recipe, which includes boiling, mashing, and mixing the potatoes with other ingredients like cornstarch, parsley, salt, and pepper. Once you have a smooth and well-combined mixture, you're ready to shape the puffs.

Coat your hands with a small amount of olive oil or avocado oil. This step is important as it helps to prevent the mixture from sticking to your hands and makes shaping easier. You can also use a cookie scoop to portion out the mixture and shape it into balls.

Take a small amount of the potato mixture and roll it between your palms to form a ball. It is recommended to shape the potato puffs into balls of uniform size to ensure even cooking. Place the shaped potato puffs on a prepared baking sheet or tray.

If you want to get creative, you can experiment with different shapes like logs or cylinders. However, keep in mind that the shape you choose should allow for even cooking in the air fryer.

Once you have shaped all the potato puffs, you can proceed to the next step of cooking them in the air fryer. Remember to preheat your air fryer and place the potato puffs in a single layer in the air fryer basket for optimal cooking results.

By following these steps, you will be able to shape the potato puffs evenly and effectively, ensuring a consistent texture and taste in your final dish.

Cooking the potato puffs

Now that you have your potato mixture ready, it's time to cook your potato puffs! Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for about 3 minutes. This step ensures your potato puffs cook evenly and achieve a nice golden colour.
• While the air fryer is preheating, shape your potato mixture into balls. It's important that they are all roughly the same size to ensure even cooking. Coat your hands with a little olive oil or avocado oil to prevent the mixture from sticking to your hands and help shape the potato puffs smoothly.
• Place the potato puffs into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the basket as this can affect the crispiness of your puffs. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches.
• Air fry the potato puffs at 400°F for about 13 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, give the basket a good shake to ensure even cooking and browning. Keep an eye on them, as cooking times may vary depending on the size and thickness of your puffs.
• Your potato puffs are ready when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. They should be soft and fluffy on the inside.
• Serve them hot and enjoy the delicious, crispy treat!

Tips for Perfect Potato Puffs:

• Make sure all your potato puffs are of uniform size for even cooking. You can use a cookie scoop to help with this.
• Preheat your air fryer for best results.
• If your potato mixture feels too soft or sticky, add a little more cornstarch or rice flour (or potato starch) until you have a firm, easily workable dough.
• Always check on your potato puffs during cooking and adjust the timing as needed. Different air fryers may have slightly different cooking times.
• For an extra crispy coating, roll the potato puffs in breadcrumbs before air frying.

Serving suggestions

Potato puffs are a versatile snack and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions:

As a Snack or Appetizer:

• Potato puffs can be served as a tasty snack or appetizer on their own.
• They can be served with a dipping sauce such as ketchup, ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, or sour cream.
• For a more indulgent treat, top them with sauce, cream, and cheese.

As a Side Dish:

• Potato puffs make a great side dish for a variety of meals.
• Pair them with a super crispy chicken cutlet, bacon-wrapped hot dogs, or Italian sliders for a satisfying meal.
• Serve them with fresh vegetables like air fryer broccoli or boiled carrots for a well-rounded plate.
• They also go well with proteins like steak or chicken.

For Breakfast:

Potato puffs can be added to breakfast tacos or burritos for a hearty and filling morning meal.

As Part of a Meal:

• Potato puffs can be served with chicken breasts, pork chops, fish fillets, salads, chicken wings, or hamburgers.
• They can be mixed into a salad or topped with sauce to elevate your meal.

For a Hearty Meal:

• For a comforting and satisfying meal, serve potato puffs with a bowl of soup, such as butternut squash or broccoli cheddar soup.
• They also go well with quiche or frittata.

For a Special Occasion:

• If you're looking to impress, serve potato puffs as an appetizer with a creamy tomato vodka sauce for dipping.
• Add a sprinkle of chopped parsley, thyme, or rosemary to give it a special touch.

Frequently asked questions