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Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls: A Simple and Tasty Recipe

EASY6 INGREDIENTS6STEP25 MIN·
Posted: 02/20/2025
Thea
BY Thea
Posted: 02/20/2025

Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls: A Simple and Tasty Recipe

Who says mashed potatoes can only be soft and sticky? The magical power of the air fryer transforms it into crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, irresistible little balls. So appetizing!

2-4
SERVINGS
6
INGREDIENTS
6
STEP
25 min
TOTAL TIME

Why would you like this recipe?

Simple and easy to make: The ingredients are common, and the steps are very easy, with no complicated operations. Even beginners can easily get started.

Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside: The potato balls baked in the air fryer have a slightly crispy skin and a soft, delicate inside. The texture is amazing!

Versatile flavor: The basic seasoning of black pepper and salt is classic. Adding some chopped parsley makes it more fragrant. If you want to upgrade it, you can add cheese or chili powder.

Healthy and satisfying: Compared to frying, the air fryer uses less oil, so it’s not too heavy to eat. It’s the best choice when you want snacks but don’t want it to be too greasy!

Required equipment

Air fryer: To make the potato balls crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, without frying, making it healthier.

Steamer: To steam the potatoes, ensuring a delicate and soft texture.

Large bowl: To mix the mashed potatoes and seasonings, making it easy to stir evenly.

Fork or potato masher: To mash the potatoes, making it easier and more delicate.

Oil brush or spray bottle (optional): To brush some oil on the surface of the potato balls, making them more fragrant and crispy when baked.

INGREDIENTS

Main Ingredients

  • ·
    500g steamed potatoes

Additional Ingredients

  • ·
    1 tablespoon starch
  • ·
    Appropriate amount of chopped parsley (for decoration)

Seasonings

  • ·
    2g black pepper
  • ·
    1 teaspoon salt
  • ·
    Appropriate amount of ground pepper (sprinkled on the surface)

Hi, I'm Thea, and I see cooking as a fun activity. I also love sharing cooking tips, hoping everyone can easily make delicious meals.

COOKING STEP

HIDE IMAGES

Step 1

First, add 2g black pepper, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 tablespoon starch to the steamed potatoes.

Season Potatoes

Step 2

Mash the potatoes into a puree with a fork.

Mash the potatoes into a puree with a fork

Step 3

Take a portion of the mashed potatoes and roll it into small balls.

Form Balls

Step 4

Place the small balls in the air fryer and spray a small amount of oil.

Place in Air Fryer

Step 5

Set the air fryer to 200°C and bake for 15 minutes.

Bake at 200°C

Step 6

After baking, take them out and sprinkle with an appropriate amount of chopped parsley and ground pepper. Done!

Garnish & Serve

More Recipes to Try

How to Make Air Fryer Tortilla Chips

Sausage Patties in Air Fryer Recipe

Air Fryer Hash Brown Patties

Easy Purple Sweet Potatoes Air Fryer Recipe

Variations

Cheese potato balls: Wrap some cheese inside the mashed potatoes, and bake it to get a stretchy, rich, and delicious flavor!

Garlic butter flavor: Mix in a bit of minced garlic and butter to add a rich aroma.

Spicy version: Add some chili powder or cumin powder for a spicy flavor that gets more addictive with every bite.

Sweet version: Add cinnamon powder and a bit of honey to turn it into a little dessert, perfect with coffee.

Vegetable mix version: Add some shredded carrots or corn kernels into the mashed potatoes for a richer texture.

air fryer mashed potatoe balls

Serving suggestions

These air fryer potato balls have a crispy outside and tender inside, and they taste even better with these:

Dipping sauce pairings: Ketchup, mayonnaise, yogurt sauce, or even honey mustard sauce can make the flavor richer.

Pair with fresh vegetables: A simple lettuce salad can help cut the richness and add texture.

As a side dish to the main course: Pair with steak, roasted chicken, or a fried egg to increase satiety and make the meal more varied.

Make it a snack: They taste great on their own, perfect for binge-watching or parties, easy and light.

Pair with a drink: A glass of lemon water, tea, or a light soup is refreshing and helps balance the richness, just right.

How to store these mashed potato balls?

For a short time, put them in a sealed container or plastic bag and store them in the fridge. Eat within 1-2 days.

If you want to store them longer, first place the formed potato balls on a tray to freeze them solid, then transfer them to a sealed bag and freeze. They can last up to a month. When you want to eat them, no need to thaw—just put them in the air fryer and bake for a few more minutes.

If they are already baked, let them cool and freeze them directly. When you want to eat them, just heat them in the air fryer or oven for about five or six minutes, and they’ll have the same crispy outside and tender inside texture. Super convenient!

FAQs:

Q
What kind of mashed potatoes is best to use?
A
It’s best to use starchy potatoes, like yellow skin potatoes or the Northern floury potatoes. After steaming, they become fluffier, and when mashed, they won’t be too wet, making them bake better.
If you use potatoes with more moisture, like red skin potatoes, the mashed potatoes might be a bit wet, and when forming the balls, they may collapse. Adding a little starch can help improve this.
Q
Can you make them without an air fryer?
A
If you don’t have an air fryer, you can use an oven. Bake at 200°C for about 20 minutes, and remember to flip them once to ensure even heat.
Or, you can fry them in a pan. Add a little oil to the pan, cook on low heat, flip them a few times, and once the surface is golden, they’re done. They’ll still taste great this way!
Q
Why shouldn’t you freeze mashed potatoes?
A
After mashed potatoes are frozen and thawed, they become watery and a bit powdery, and the texture won’t be as creamy. This is because the water in the potatoes freezes and ruins their texture, so it doesn’t taste as good.
If you really need to freeze them, it’s recommended to mix in some butter or cream to help stabilize it a bit, but fresh-made mashed potatoes taste the best!
Q
What can you add to leftover mashed potatoes to make them taste better?
A
You can add some cheese. Mixing it in and heating it up will make it more fragrant and richer. Or, add some butter and milk to make it smoother.
If you want something lighter, you can add some chopped green onions, crumbled bacon, or black pepper to add more layers of flavor.
For a stronger taste, you can add some minced garlic or chili powder for more impact!
1

REVIEWS

Your Rating:
Sebastian
Sebastian February 22, 2025

Making these mashed potato balls is so easy and quick—perfect for busy days!
Chinarecipes REPLY:
Exactly, the air fryer makes it quick and convenient—perfect for a fast lunch or snack!

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