Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls: The Crispy, Cheesy Snack You’ll Crave

If you’re looking for the ultimate appetizer, snack, or side dish that’s crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls are here to steal the show. They’re bite-sized, golden-brown, and packed with melty cheese — a comfort food dream come true. Even better, they make the perfect way to use up leftover mashed potatoes. Whether you’re planning a party, craving a quick weeknight snack, or just need a fun way to get kids excited about dinner, this recipe checks every box.

Unlike traditional deep-fried potato balls, this version uses an air fryer for a lighter, healthier finish that still delivers all the crunch you love. In just minutes, you’ll have a batch of irresistibly cheesy bites that everyone will rave about.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls

• 2 cups cold mashed potatoes (leftovers work perfectly)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or cheddar for a sharper bite)
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
• Nonstick cooking spray or a light brush of oil

Instructions

1. Prep your air fryer: Preheat to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes. This ensures even crisping.
2. Mix the base: In a large mixing bowl, combine cold mashed potatoes, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and parsley. Mix until smooth.
3. Shape the balls: Take a tablespoon of potato mixture, flatten slightly, place a cube or pinch of shredded mozzarella in the center, and roll into a ball. Repeat with all potatoes.
4. Coat for crispiness: Set up a breading station: one bowl with beaten egg, another with breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan. Dip each potato ball into egg, then roll in breadcrumb mixture until evenly coated.
5. Arrange in the basket: Place potato balls in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between them. Spray lightly with nonstick spray.
6. Cook until golden: Air fry for 10–12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the balls are golden brown and crispy.
7. Serve and enjoy: Garnish with parsley and serve hot with marinara, ranch, or your favorite dipping sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthier than fried: Air frying cuts down on excess oil while still giving you maximum crunch.
• Kid-approved: Melty cheese and crispy coating make this a hit with kids (and adults).
• Budget-friendly: Uses inexpensive pantry staples and leftover mashed potatoes.
• Customizable: Swap cheeses, spices, or even add veggies inside for endless variations.

Variations to Try

1. Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the breadcrumb coating.
2. Bacon Lovers: Mix crumbled cooked bacon into the mashed potato mixture before rolling.
3. Cheese Swap: Try pepper jack, sharp cheddar, or gouda for different flavor profiles.
4. Stuffed Surprise: Place a small piece of jalapeño, sun-dried tomato, or cooked ham inside along with the cheese.

Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls

Golden, crispy potato balls stuffed with melty cheese, made lighter in the air fryer.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 27 minutes mins

Servings: 20 balls

Course: Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine: American, Fusion

Calories: 110

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Mashed Potato Mixture

• 2 cups cold mashed potatoes
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese or cheddar
• 0.5 cup breadcrumbs panko preferred
• 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg large, beaten
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 0.5 tsp onion powder
• 0.5 tsp paprika
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
• Nonstick cooking spray for air fryer basket

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Air fryer
• Tongs
• Baking tray (for prep)

Method

 

1. Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes.
2. In a bowl, mix mashed potatoes, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and parsley.
3. Scoop a tablespoon of mixture, flatten slightly, add cheese inside, and roll into balls.
4. Dip balls in beaten egg, then roll in breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan until coated.
5. Place balls in air fryer basket in a single layer, spray lightly with cooking spray.
6. Air fry for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
7. Serve hot with parsley garnish and dipping sauces.

Notes

Best served hot for melty cheese inside. Freeze unbaked balls for up to 2 months.

Serving Suggestions

• Appetizer Platter: Serve with marinara, ranch, or spicy aioli dipping sauces.
• Party Snack: Perfect for game days or holiday parties. Arrange on a platter with toothpicks for easy serving.
• Side Dish: Pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, steak, or roasted vegetables.
• Kid-Friendly Dinner: Serve with a side of steamed broccoli or carrots for a balanced meal.

Tips for Success

• Cold mashed potatoes are key. Freshly made warm potatoes won’t hold their shape well.
• Don’t overcrowd the basket. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure crispiness.
• Use panko for extra crunch. Regular breadcrumbs work fine, but panko adds a light, airy crisp.
• Freeze for later. Shape and coat potato balls, freeze on a tray, then store in a freezer bag. Cook straight from frozen, adding 2–3 extra minutes.

Fun Fact

Did you know that mashed potato balls (sometimes called croquettes) have been enjoyed in different cultures around the world for centuries? In Spain and Latin America, “croquetas” are a tapas staple. In Japan, “korokke” is a beloved comfort food. This air fryer version takes inspiration from those classics but makes it faster and lighter for modern kitchens.