Crispy Mashed Potato Balls (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
01 -
4 cups prepared mashed potatoes (about 2 pounds)
02 -
1 cup freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese
03 -
5 scallions, finely chopped
04 -
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
05 -
½ cup all-purpose flour
06 -
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
07 -
Cooking spray or oil for coating
# Instructions:
01 -
In a large mixing bowl, combine your mashed potatoes with the grated cheddar and chopped scallions. Mix everything together until well incorporated and the cheese is evenly distributed throughout.
02 -
Using about 2 tablespoons of the mixture for each ball, roll the potato mixture between your palms to form neat, round balls. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet as you work.
03 -
Prepare three shallow dishes: put the flour in one bowl, the beaten eggs in another, and spread the panko breadcrumbs in the third. This will be your assembly line for coating.
04 -
Working with one ball at a time, roll it first in flour to coat completely, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally roll in the panko breadcrumbs until evenly coated all over.
05 -
Heat your air fryer to 375°F. Lightly spray the basket with cooking oil to prevent sticking.
06 -
Arrange the coated balls in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don't touch each other. You'll need to cook in batches. Lightly spray the tops with oil, then cook for 10-15 minutes until golden brown and crispy, flipping them halfway through cooking.
# Notes:
01 -
If you're making fresh mashed potatoes for this recipe, let them cool for at least 30 minutes before shaping - this makes them much easier to handle and prevents them from falling apart.
02 -
Don't skip the oil spray on both the basket and the balls themselves - this is key for getting that beautiful golden-brown color and preventing sticking.
03 -
Keep finished batches warm in a 200°F oven while you cook the remaining balls, so everything stays hot for serving.
04 -
If your air fryer doesn't have a preheat function, just run it at 275°F for 5 minutes before adding your food.