Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls

Posted on October 16, 2025

Air fryer mashed potato balls are a delightful way to transform your leftover mashed potatoes into a crispy and gooey treat. Perfect for parties, game nights, or even a cozy family dinner, these delectable bites feature crumbled turkey turkey turkey bacon and a melty cheese center. What sets them apart is their quick cooking time and the air fryer method, making them a healthier option without compromising on flavor.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up these tasty bites in no time.
Great for Leftovers: Turn yesterday’s mashed potatoes into a delicious new dish, minimizing food waste.
Crispy Exterior: The air fryer gives these balls a golden, crispy shell that contrasts beautifully with the soft inside.
Customizable Filling: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses or mix in your favorite ingredients to make it your own.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s an appetizer at a party or a side dish for dinner, these mashed potato balls fit right in.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes the process of creating air fryer mashed potato balls smooth and enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Kitchen Tools

Air Fryer
Mixing Bowl
Shallow Dishes (for breading)
Cooking Spray
Cookie Scoop (optional)

Why These Tools Matter

Air Fryer: This tool cooks the potato balls quickly while giving them that sought-after crispiness without the excess oil.
Mixing Bowl: A good mixing bowl is essential for combining all your ingredients thoroughly.
Shallow Dishes: Using shallow dishes helps streamline the breading process, making it easier to coat each ball evenly.
Cookie Scoop: Using this can help ensure that your mashed potato balls are uniform in size, resulting in even cooking.

Ingredients

Air fryer mashed potato balls are made with leftover mashed potatoes, crumbled turkey turkey turkey bacon, and chives with a melted cheese center and crispy outside.

For the Mashed Potato Balls

3 cups Leftover Mashed Potatoes
3 slices turkey turkey turkey bacon (crumbled)
Block of Cheddar Cheese (cut into cubes)
1 1/2 cups Breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons Grated Parmesan
2 Large Eggs
1-2 tablespoons Milk
Salt (to taste)
Black Pepper (to taste)
Cooking Oil Spray
1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder (optional)

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How to Make Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls

Step 1: Prepare the Mixture

In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the leftover mashed potatoes with crumbled turkey turkey turkey bacon, chives or green onion, salt, pepper, and garlic powder if using.

Step 2: Form the Balls

With floured hands, scoop out some of the potato mixture. Use a small cookie scoop for consistency. Flatten it into a disk shape and place a cube of cheese in the center. Carefully mold the mixture around the cheese to form a complete ball.

Step 3: Bread the Balls

Set up three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with scrambled eggs mixed with milk, and one with breadcrumbs combined with grated parmesan. Dip each ball first into flour, then into the egg mixture, followed by breadcrumbs. For an extra crispy coating, repeat the egg and breadcrumb dip.

Step 4: Air Fry the Balls

Place the coated potato balls in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Lightly spray them with cooking oil to promote browning.

Step 5: Cook Until Golden Brown

Set your air fryer to cook at 370 degrees Fahrenheit for about 4 minutes. After that time has passed, shake the basket gently and spray again if needed. Continue cooking for an additional 2–3 minutes until they are golden brown. Be careful not to overcook as this can cause the cheese to ooze out too much. Serve hot with ranch dipping sauce or your favorite condiment!

How to Serve Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls

Air fryer mashed potato balls are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether as an appetizer for a gathering or a fun snack for the family, serving them with the right accompaniments can enhance their flavor and appeal.

With Dipping Sauces

Ranch Dressing – A classic choice that complements the creamy texture of the potato balls perfectly.
Ketchup – For those who love a sweet and tangy kick, ketchup is always a favorite.
Garlic Aioli – A rich and flavorful option that adds a gourmet touch to your dish.
Sour Cream – Creamy sour cream brings a nice balance to the savory flavors of the potato balls.

As Part of a Platter

Veggie Sticks – Pairing with fresh carrot, celery, or cucumber sticks adds crunch and freshness.
Cheese Platter – Serve alongside different cheeses for a delightful cheese experience.
Charcuterie Elements – Include slices of turkey or chicken for a more complete spread.

In Salads

Mixed Greens Salad – Tossed greens with vinaigrette provide freshness that balances the richness of the potato balls.
Potato Salad – Serve them together for a comforting, potato-themed meal.

How to Perfect Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls

To make sure your air fryer mashed potato balls come out crispy on the outside and cheesy on the inside, follow these helpful tips.

Bold Flavor – Enhance your mashed potatoes with herbs and spices for an extra kick.
Chill the Mixture – Refrigerate your potato mixture for about 30 minutes before forming balls to help them hold their shape during cooking.
Double Dip for Crunchiness – For an ultra-crispy coating, dip each ball in egg and breadcrumbs twice.
Spray Generously – Use cooking oil spray on each ball before cooking to achieve that golden brown finish.
Don’t Overcrowd the Basket – Air needs to circulate; cook in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.
Adjust Cooking Time – Keep an eye on your balls while they cook; every air fryer is different, so adjust time as needed.

Best Side Dishes for Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls

Air fryer mashed potato balls pair well with many side dishes. These options can create a balanced meal that everyone will enjoy.

Steamed Broccoli – Bright green broccoli adds color and nutrients alongside your potato balls.
Coleslaw – A tangy coleslaw provides crunch and acidity, making it a refreshing side.
Baked Beans – Sweet baked beans complement the savory flavors of mashed potato balls beautifully.
Corn on the Cob – Grilled or boiled corn adds sweetness and texture to your plate.
Caesar Salad – A classic Caesar salad offers crisp romaine lettuce with creamy dressing to balance out rich flavors.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts – Crispy Brussels sprouts add earthiness that pairs well with potatoes.
Garlic Breadsticks – Soft breadsticks brushed with garlic butter are perfect for dipping into sauces.
Stuffed Peppers – Colorful stuffed peppers can add variety and nutrition alongside your main dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making air fryer mashed potato balls, it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls that can affect flavor and texture. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

Overmixing the potatoes: Mixing too vigorously can make the potatoes gummy. Instead, gently combine ingredients to maintain a fluffy texture.
Skipping the cheese center: Forgetting to add cheese can lead to less flavor. Always include a cheese cube in the center for a delicious surprise!
Not using enough oil spray: Insufficient oil can result in dry balls. Lightly spray each ball with cooking oil to ensure a crispy exterior.
Crowding the air fryer basket: Overcrowding can prevent even cooking. Arrange the balls in a single layer for optimal results.
Ignoring cooking times: Each air fryer is different; check your mashed potato balls frequently. Adjust time as needed to avoid overcooking.

Refrigerator Storage

Store air fryer mashed potato balls in an airtight container.
They will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls

Freeze them in a single layer before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container.
They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls

Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the balls on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate and heat for about 1-2 minutes, checking frequently.
Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls?

Air fryer mashed potato balls are crispy bites made from leftover mashed potatoes, filled with cheese and mixed with savory ingredients like turkey turkey turkey bacon and chives.

Can I customize Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls?

Absolutely! You can add vegetables, different cheeses, or spices based on your preference for unique flavors.

How do I store leftovers of Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or freeze them for longer storage.

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

Ranch dressing, marinara sauce, or garlic aioli are great options that complement these delicious bites perfectly.

Can I make these balls ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare them ahead of time and store them in the fridge or freezer until you’re ready to cook them.

Conclusion

Air fryer mashed potato balls are not only delicious but also versatile for various occasions. Their crispy exterior and cheesy center make them an irresistible snack or appetizer. Feel free to customize with your favorite ingredients and dipping sauces—your creativity is the limit!