These crispy, cheesy mashed potato balls are a crowd-pleaser that turn leftover mashed potatoes into a savory snack or appetizer you’ll want on repeat. With a golden, crunchy coating and a gooey cheese center, they’re air-fried to perfection without any of the greasy guilt.
Whether you’re serving them at a party, alongside your favorite dipping sauces, or just need a snack to satisfy your cravings, these little bites deliver big flavor. They’re easy to customize with bacon, herbs, or your cheese of choice. Plus, they’re kid-friendly and adult-approved!
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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2 cups mashed potatoes (cooled)
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1/2 cup cooked bacon bits (optional)
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1/4 cup chopped green onions
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
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1 egg, beaten
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1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
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Non-stick cooking spray
Directions:
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In a mixing bowl, combine mashed potatoes, shredded cheese, bacon bits (if using), green onions, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Mix well.
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Scoop a tablespoon of the mixture and roll into small balls using your hands.
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Dip each ball into the beaten egg, then coat evenly in breadcrumbs.
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Place the coated balls into the air fryer basket, ensuring they’re not touching.
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Lightly spray the tops with non-stick cooking spray.
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Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 27 minutes
Kcal: 110 kcal per ball | Servings: 16 balls
What Makes Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls So Irresistible?
Cheesy mashed potato balls are the epitome of comfort food transformed into something snackable, party-friendly, and just plain fun. They combine the creamy, savory flavors of mashed potatoes with gooey melted cheese and a crispy golden crust—all in one delightful bite-sized package. But beyond just being delicious, these little treats are incredibly practical. They’re a smart way to use up leftover mashed potatoes and can be made ahead of time, frozen, and cooked fresh whenever the craving hits.
What makes them truly stand out is the texture contrast—soft and creamy on the inside, crisp and golden on the outside—plus the versatility in flavor. Whether you’re making them plain and cheesy or loading them up with extras like bacon bits, scallions, or even jalapeños, there’s no wrong way to enjoy them. Using an air fryer also gives them that satisfying crunch without deep frying, making them a lighter option compared to traditional methods.
Perfect for Every Occasion
One of the best parts about cheesy mashed potato balls is that they’re perfect for just about any setting. Hosting a game day party? These are guaranteed to disappear within minutes. Looking for a fun side dish that both kids and adults will love? You’ve got it. Need a make-ahead snack to store in the freezer for busy weeknights? These check that box, too.
They’re incredibly adaptable for both casual and formal gatherings. Served with a dipping sauce like ranch, sour cream, spicy ketchup, or garlic aioli, they become an appetizer that steals the spotlight. Want to dress them up for a dinner party? Present them with a drizzle of balsamic glaze or truffle oil, and they suddenly become gourmet.
Air Fryer Advantage
Traditionally, anything that’s crispy and cheesy would need a dip in hot oil, but not with this recipe. Thanks to the power of the air fryer, you get the same satisfying texture without the extra calories or mess. The hot circulating air creates a golden crust that’s incredibly close to deep-fried quality—without requiring much oil at all. A light spray of non-stick cooking oil is all it takes.
Another advantage of the air fryer method is speed. These potato balls cook in about 10–12 minutes, and they don’t require preheating the oven or heating up a pan of oil. That makes them a fantastic option when you need something fast, crunchy, and satisfying.
Creative Variations to Try
The base recipe is simple: mashed potatoes, cheese, and a coating. But the fun really begins when you start customizing. Here are some flavor ideas that elevate your mashed potato balls into signature creations:
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Loaded Baked Potato Style: Add crumbled bacon, sour cream, chives, and cheddar.
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Tex-Mex Twist: Mix in chopped jalapeños, corn, black beans, and pepper jack cheese.
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Italian-Inspired: Use mozzarella or provolone, and add a touch of oregano or basil.
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Garlic Herb Infusion: Stir in roasted garlic and chopped fresh parsley or rosemary.
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Vegan Version: Swap dairy cheese for a plant-based version and use aquafaba instead of egg.
With so many options, you can tailor them to suit any dietary need or flavor craving.
Kid-Friendly and Family-Approved
One of the hidden superpowers of this recipe is how kid-friendly it is. Children love anything that’s bite-sized and cheesy, and these little balls are easy for tiny hands to hold and munch. They’re also great for lunchboxes or after-school snacks, especially when made in bulk and frozen in advance.
Parents will appreciate that they’re made from simple, wholesome ingredients, especially when paired with nutritious sides like veggie sticks, fruit, or a protein option. They’re fun to make as a family activity, too—kids can help roll the balls, dip them in egg, or coat them with breadcrumbs.
Make-Ahead and Freezer Friendly
Time-saving recipes are a game-changer in any kitchen, and this one doesn’t disappoint. You can make the cheesy mashed potato balls ahead of time, freeze them on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, just pop them in the air fryer directly from frozen. Add a few extra minutes to the cook time, and you’re good to go.
This make-ahead approach is perfect for busy schedules, unexpected guests, or those nights when cooking feels like too much effort. And because they reheat so beautifully, you won’t lose any of that crispy-on-the-outside, melty-on-the-inside magic.
Pairing Suggestions
While these cheesy mashed potato balls can certainly stand on their own, pairing them with complementary dishes turns them into a well-rounded meal. Here are a few ideas:
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As an Appetizer: Serve with dips like chipotle mayo, marinara sauce, honey mustard, or blue cheese dressing.
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As a Side Dish: Pair with grilled chicken, BBQ ribs, or a fresh garden salad.
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As a Snack: Serve with pickles, olives, or crunchy veggie sticks.
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As Part of a Brunch Spread: Combine with mini quiches, fresh fruit, and mimosas.
No matter how you serve them, they always bring a comforting, satisfying energy to the table.
Nutritional Considerations
Each potato ball is about 110 kcal, making them relatively light for such a rich-tasting treat—especially when air fried instead of deep fried. They’re naturally gluten-free if you use certified gluten-free breadcrumbs, and can easily be adapted for vegetarian or vegan diets.
They also sneak in some protein and calcium thanks to the cheese, and if you add extras like bacon, beans, or leafy greens, you boost the nutrient profile even more. In moderation, they can definitely fit into a balanced diet, especially as a smarter alternative to store-bought frozen snacks.
Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Recipe
Cheesy mashed potato balls check every box: easy, customizable, freezer-friendly, and guaranteed to please a crowd. They’re one of those rare recipes that work equally well as a quick snack, party appetizer, or comforting side dish. Once you make them, you’ll quickly see why they become a staple in so many kitchens.
They also offer a great opportunity to get creative without much effort. Changing up the cheese or seasonings gives you an entirely new flavor experience, so the recipe never feels repetitive. Plus, they look beautiful plated up—especially golden and crisp from the air fryer—so they’re as Instagrammable as they are tasty.
Conclusion
In the end, cheesy mashed potato balls are more than just a snack—they’re a bite-sized celebration of everything we love about comfort food. Their crispy exterior, creamy interior, and melty cheese core deliver the kind of satisfaction that hits all the right notes. They’re simple to make, easy to customize, and impossible to resist.
Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for creative ways to use up leftovers, or just need a fast, satisfying dish to make everyone at the table happy, these little bites won’t let you down. Keep a batch in your freezer, experiment with flavors, and let your air fryer do the magic. Once you try them, cheesy mashed potato balls might just become your new favorite go-to recipe.