These Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls are golden, crispy bites filled with creamy mashed potato and gooey cheese. Lightly seasoned and air-fried instead of deep-fried, they offer a crunchy outside and melty center—perfect for a snack, side, or appetizer.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy outside, cheesy inside—indulgent textures in every bite
Healthier alternative to deep-fried versions
Simple to prep using leftover mashed potatoes
Fun finger food ideal for parties, game days, or family dinners

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 cups leftover mashed potatoes (any flavor)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheese blend)
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp onion powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 large egg, beaten
½ cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
Olive oil spray or cooking oil mist

directions

Prep mixture
In a bowl, combine mashed potatoes, cheddar, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, and seasoning. Mix until well combined.
Shape and coat
Scoop about 2 tablespoons of mixture and roll into a ball. Dip each ball in beaten egg, then roll in breadcrumbs to coat evenly. Place on a tray.
Preheat air fryer
Preheat to 375 °F (190 °C) for about 5 minutes.
Air-fry the balls
Spray balls lightly with oil and arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them. Cook for 8 minutes, flip, spritz again, and cook another 4–6 minutes until golden and crisp.
Serve hot
Transfer to a plate and serve warm with dipping sauce, such as sour cream, ranch, or spicy aioli.

Servings and timing

Servings: 12–14 balls (about 4 servings)
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 12–14 minutes
Total time: ~25 minutes

Variations

Herb boost: Stir in chopped chives, parsley, or green onions
Cheese swap: Use mozzarella, pepper jack, or Gruyère for different flavors
Spicy version: Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika to the mixture
Gluten-free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes

storage/reheating

Room temperature: Serve immediately; best fresh for crispiness
Refrigerator: Store in a sealed container for up to 2 days
Reheat: Reheat in air fryer at 350 °F for 3–4 minutes or in oven at 375 °F for 5–6 minutes
Freezing: Flash-freeze on a tray, then store in a freezer-safe bag up to 2 months; cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes

Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls

FAQs

Can I use freshly made mashed potatoes?

Yes—just let them cool before forming balls so they hold shape.

Do I need eggs for binding?

Eggs help the coating adhere. For egg-free options, use a flax egg or skip the breadcrumb coating.

How can I make them extra crispy?

Spritz each ball generously with cooking spray and avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.

What dipping sauces pair well?

Try sour cream, ranch, garlic aioli, spicy ketchup, or chipotle mayo.

Can I bake them instead of air-frying?

Yes—bake on a parchment-lined sheet at 400 °F for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway.

Are these gluten-free?

Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make them safe for gluten-sensitive diets.

Can I prep them ahead?

Yes—shape, coat, and refrigerate on a tray for up to 8 hours before air-frying.

Can I freeze before air-frying?

Yes—freeze balls on a tray until firm, then store in a bag. Air-fry from frozen; add a couple extra minutes to cook time.

How large should the balls be?

About 2 tablespoons each yields bite-sized portions; make them larger and adjust cooking time accordingly.

Can I add vegetables into the mix?

Yes—fold in finely chopped cooked veggies like broccoli, spinach, or peas for added texture and nutrition.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls take leftover mashed potatoes to a whole new level—crispy, cheesy, and irresistibly delicious. With minimal ingredients and easy air-fryer prep, they’re an ideal snack, side, or appetizer that’s both fun and satisfying.

Jessica