Air Fryer Potato Balls Recipe for Crispy, Easy Snacks

If you’ve ever craved a crispy, golden snack that’s both satisfying and easy to make, these air fryer potato balls are your new best friend. Imagine bite-sized spheres of fluffy mashed potatoes, stuffed with gooey cheese and herbs, then perfectly crisped in the air fryer without the need for deep frying.

This recipe is a game-changer for anyone looking to enjoy a delicious treat with less oil and mess. Whether you’re entertaining guests, prepping snacks for your family, or just indulging your comfort food cravings, these potato balls deliver on flavor and texture every time.

Using an air fryer not only cuts down on cooking time but also makes these potato balls a healthier alternative to traditional fried snacks. Plus, the recipe is incredibly versatile, letting you customize fillings and spices to your liking.

Ready to elevate your snack game? Let’s dive right in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Air fryer potato balls are a perfect combination of crispy exteriors and soft, creamy interiors. Here’s why you’ll adore making them:

• Healthier cooking: Air frying uses significantly less oil than deep frying, making these snacks lighter and better for your heart.
• Quick and easy: With simple ingredients and minimal hands-on time, you can whip these up even on busy days.
• Customizable: You can easily add your favorite cheeses, herbs, or spices to suit your taste buds.
• Kid-friendly: These potato balls make excellent finger food for kids and adults alike.
• Great for meal prep: Prepare a batch ahead of time, freeze, and air fry whenever you want a crispy snack.

Ingredients

• 4 medium-sized potatoes (about 600g), peeled and cubed
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or your preferred melting cheese)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko works great for extra crunch)
• Cooking spray or olive oil spray, for air frying

Equipment

• Air fryer (preferably with a basket)
• Large pot for boiling potatoes
• Potato masher or fork
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheet or tray for prepping the balls
• Slotted spoon (optional, for handling potatoes)

Instructions

1. Boil the potatoes: Place peeled and cubed potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt and bring to a boil. Cook until potatoes are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.
2. Mash the potatoes: Drain the potatoes well and transfer them to a large bowl. Mash until smooth and lump-free using a masher or fork. Let them cool slightly.
3. Prepare the potato mixture: To the mashed potatoes, add mozzarella cheese, Parmesan, chopped parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly to combine.
4. Shape the balls: Take about 2 tablespoons of the potato mixture and flatten it slightly in your palm. Place a small cube or pinch of mozzarella in the center, then roll the mixture around it to form a smooth ball, sealing the cheese inside. Repeat with the rest.
5. Coat the balls: Set up a breading station with three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs. Roll each potato ball first in flour, then dip into the eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with breadcrumbs.
6. Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for about 3 minutes.
7. Air fry the potato balls: Spray the air fryer basket lightly with cooking spray. Place the potato balls in a single layer without overcrowding. Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray for extra crispness.
8. Cook: Air fry for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden brown and crispy on the outside.
9. Serve: Remove from the air fryer and let cool for a couple of minutes before serving with your favorite dipping sauce.

Tips & Variations

For extra cheesy centers, try inserting a small cube of cheddar or pepper jack instead of mozzarella.

• Make them vegan: Substitute cheese with vegan cheese alternatives and use a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) instead of eggs for coating.
• Add herbs and spices: Mix in chopped chives, basil, or smoked paprika into the potato mixture for a flavor boost.
• Try different coatings: Swap breadcrumbs for crushed cornflakes or crushed nuts for a unique crunch.
• Freeze for later: Arrange coated potato balls on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Store in a ziplock bag and cook straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to air frying time.
• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the potato mixture for some heat.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

These air fryer potato balls are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. Here are some ideas to elevate your snack or meal:

• Serve with a side of garlic aioli or spicy marinara sauce for dipping.
• Pair with a fresh green salad or coleslaw for a light lunch.
• Include them as part of a party platter with other finger foods like veggie sticks, hummus, and mini sandwiches.
• For a comforting meal, serve alongside homemade soups like a creamy tomato soup or vegetable broth.
• Try them with a drizzle of melted vegan cheese or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like cilantro or basil for added freshness.

Looking for more delicious recipes to try? Check out these favorites:

• Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious
• Chinese Vegetarian Nasi Lemak Recipe Made Easy and Delicious
• Backpacking Dehydrated Vegan Meal Recipes for Easy Camping

Conclusion

Making air fryer potato balls is a fun and rewarding cooking adventure that yields irresistibly crispy and cheesy bites every time. This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves comfort food but wants to keep things light and healthy.

With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can whip up a batch in no time, delighting friends and family alike. Whether served as a snack, appetizer, or part of a meal, these potato balls are sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with fillings and spices to make this recipe your own. Plus, with the convenience of the air fryer, cleanup is a breeze, making this treat as practical as it is delicious.

So go ahead, try it out, and enjoy the crispy, cheesy goodness that’s just a few minutes away!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Air Fryer Potato Balls”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, these air fryer potato balls make a perfect snack or side dish. They are easy to prepare and cook quickly in the air fryer.”, “prepTime”: “PT20M”, “cookTime”: “PT15M”, “totalTime”: “PT35M”, “recipeYield”: “12 potato balls”, “recipeIngredient”: [“3 large potatoes, peeled and boiled”, “1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese”, “1/4 cup chopped green onions”, “1/2 teaspoon garlic powder”, “1/2 teaspoon salt”, “1/4 teaspoon black pepper”, “1/2 cup all-purpose flour”, “2 large eggs, beaten”, “1 cup breadcrumbs”, “Cooking spray”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Mash the boiled potatoes until smooth.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Mix in cheddar cheese, green onions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Form the mixture into 12 equal-sized balls.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Coat each ball in flour, dip in beaten eggs, then roll in breadcrumbs.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Preheat air fryer to 400\u00b0F (200\u00b0C).”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Spray potato balls lightly with cooking spray.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Air fry for 12-15 minutes until golden and crispy, shaking basket halfway.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “150 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “4 g”, “fatContent”: “5 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “22 g”}}