Cheesy Air Fryer Loaded Mashed Potato Balls Recipe: Crispy Outside, Melty Inside

Today we are making Cheesy Air Fryer Loaded Mashed Potato Balls. They are crispy on the outside, cheesy on the inside, and packed with bacon and green onion.

They work great as a quick snack or a crowd-pleasing appetizer. They also fit right in as a fun and easy St Patrick’s Day potato recipe.

You can switch things up by adding extras like jalapeño if you want more heat. They freeze well too, so you can prep a big batch ahead of time and cook them whenever you need something fast.

You can air fry them, bake them, or even deep fry them if you want that extra crunch. They turn out great no matter how you make them.

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Cheesy Loaded Mashed Potato Balls in the Air Fryer

Craving a delicious, crispy snack with a cheesy, creamy center? These Cheesy Loaded Mashed Potato Balls, made in the air fryer, are the perfect treat! With a crispy outside and a gooey, cheesy interior, these bites are packed with flavor and are super easy to make. Perfect for a side dish, appetizer, or just a fun snack. Here's how to make them.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 12 Balls

Calories 220 kcal

Equipment

• Air fryer
• Mixing bowls
• Spoon or cookie scoop
• Cheese grater
• Knife and cutting board
• Shallow bowls (for dredging)
• Tongs or spatula

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups cold mashed potatoes
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup cooked bacon crumbled (about 4 slices)
• ¼ cup chopped green onions
• 1 large egg
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs for coating
• Nonstick cooking spray or a light brush of oil

Instructions

 

• Prep Your Ingredients

  Grate the cheese, chop the green onions, and crumble the cooked bacon if not already done.
  
• Mix the Potato Filling

  In a large bowl, combine mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, bacon, green onions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until fully combined.
  
• Form the Balls

  Scoop out about 2 tablespoons of mixture and roll into a ball. Repeat until all the mixture is used.
  
• Chill (Optional for Easier Handling)

  Place the balls in the fridge for 10–15 minutes to firm up if your mash is very soft.
  
• Prepare Coating

  In a shallow bowl, beat the egg. Place the panko breadcrumbs in another bowl.
  
• Dredge the Balls

  Dip each potato ball into the egg, then roll in panko breadcrumbs to coat evenly.
  
• Air Fry

  Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes. Spray the air fryer basket lightly with oil. Place the balls in a single layer, not touching. Spray or brush the tops with oil. Air fry at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and crispy.
  
• Serve Hot

  Serve immediately with sour cream, ranch, or your favorite dipping sauce.
  

Video

Notes

• Leftover Love: This is a perfect recipe for leftover mashed potatoes, but make sure they’re cold and firm before rolling.
• Add a Kick: Mix in a bit of chopped jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce for spicy potato balls.
• Crispier Crust: Double-coat the balls by dipping in egg and panko twice before air frying.
• Freezer-Friendly: Freeze before air frying. Air fry straight from frozen at 380°F for 12–14 minutes.

Keyword American Cuisine, Potatoes

Best Tips for Air Frying Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls

To get perfect results every time, follow a few simple tips. These steps help the mashed potato balls hold their shape, turn golden, and stay crispy on the outside.

Start with cold mashed potatoes. Rolling warm or hot mashed potatoes is a mess. The shape will not hold and they will fall apart in the air fryer. Cold mashed potatoes are firmer and easier to roll. Make them the day before and let them chill in the fridge overnight.

Always use an egg wash. The egg helps everything stick together. It keeps the filling inside and helps the breadcrumbs hold to the surface. If you want a thicker crust, dip them in egg and breadcrumbs twice. That double layer makes the outside extra crunchy.

Use cooking spray. Spray the air fryer tray and spray the whole potato ball. This keeps them from sticking and gives that nice golden crust without oil. Skipping the spray can lead to uneven color or a stuck mess.

Add cheese carefully. A cube of mozzarella in the center melts beautifully, but it can sometimes cause the ball to burst open. If you want less risk of a cheesy explosion, leave out the cheese cube or press it deep into the center so it stays sealed.

Smart Add-In Ideas

• Chopped cooked broccoli or spinach for a bit of green without changing the texture
• Crumbled sausage if you want a heartier snack
• Minced onion or garlic powder for more flavor depth
• Crushed red pepper if you want a stronger kick without messing with jalapeños

How to Freeze and Reheat Properly

Form the mashed potato balls and freeze them raw on a baking sheet. Once frozen, move to a sealed freezer bag. When ready to cook, air fry straight from frozen. Add 2 to 4 extra minutes to the cook time. Do not thaw first or they may get soggy.

The Bottom Line

Cheesy Air Fryer Loaded Mashed Potato Balls check every box. They are easy to prep, full of flavor, and turn out crispy with almost no effort. Perfect for parties, quick snacks, or holiday spreads like St Patrick’s Day.

You can freeze them, tweak the filling, and cook them any way you want. Once you try them, they will stay in your go-to list.

Kelly Barlow

Hi there, my name is Kelly Barlow and kellytoeat.com is my blog. Here, I write about various recipes I want to reccommend to readers.

I try to find the best possible recipes that can attract the attention of readers, and at the same time, I strive to write it in the most engaging manner possible.

When I was younger, I wanted to become a chef. Sadly, it wasn’t meant to be, but at the very least, I write about it.