Air Fryer Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ For the Potato Mixture

01 - 2 cups mashed potatoes, chilled and firm
02 - 1 cup mozzarella or cheddar cheese, shredded
03 - ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
04 - ½ teaspoon garlic powder
05 - ½ teaspoon onion powder
06 - Salt and pepper, to taste

→ For Coating

07 - 1 egg, beaten
08 - 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
09 - Cooking spray or a little olive oil

# Instructions:

01 - In a large mixing bowl, combine the chilled mashed potatoes, shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated and evenly distributed. The mixture should be firm enough to hold its shape when formed into balls.
02 - Using clean hands or a cookie scoop (about 1.5 tablespoons capacity), portion the potato mixture and roll into balls approximately 1.5 inches in diameter. If the mixture feels too soft or sticky to work with, cover the bowl and refrigerate for 10-15 minutes to firm it up before shaping.
03 - Prepare your breading station by placing the beaten egg in one bowl and the breadcrumbs in another shallow bowl or plate. If desired, you can season the breadcrumbs with a pinch of additional salt, pepper, or dried herbs for extra flavor.
04 - Working with one ball at a time, dip it first into the beaten egg, ensuring it's completely coated. Allow any excess egg to drip off, then roll the ball in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to help the coating adhere. Place the breaded ball on a clean plate or tray and repeat with the remaining potato balls.
05 - Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes. Properly preheating ensures the potato balls will start cooking immediately and develop a nice crispy exterior.
06 - Once preheated, lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush with a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking. This also helps the potato balls achieve a more even golden color.
07 - Place the breaded potato balls in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving a little space between each one for air circulation. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches. Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray for extra crispiness. Cook for 10-12 minutes total, shaking the basket or gently turning the balls halfway through cooking time.
08 - The potato balls are ready when they're golden brown and crispy on the outside. Since all the ingredients are pre-cooked, you're primarily looking for the right texture and for the cheese inside to melt.
09 - Carefully remove the potato balls from the air fryer using tongs or a slotted spoon, as they will be very hot. Allow them to cool for 1-2 minutes, then serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces such as ranch dressing, marinara sauce, or sour cream.

# Notes:

01 - Cold mashed potatoes work best for this recipe, so it's an ideal way to use leftovers from yesterday's dinner.
02 - For extra flavor variations, try mixing in crumbled bacon, chopped chives, or diced jalapeños to the potato mixture.
03 - If your mashed potatoes are very soft, you may need to add 1-2 tablespoons of flour to help the mixture hold its shape.
04 - For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure your mashed potatoes don't contain any gluten ingredients.

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