Introduction
Do you love crispy snacks with a cheesy center? If yes, then you’ll love these Air Fryer Cheesy Potato Balls! They are soft on the inside, crunchy on the outside, and filled with gooey melted cheese. The best part? You don’t need to deep fry them. The air fryer does all the magic—less oil, less mess, and super tasty results.
These potato balls are great for parties, snacks, or even lunchboxes. Kids love them, and adults do too! With just a few simple ingredients, you can make a batch in no time. So let’s dive in and learn how to make this easy and cheesy recipe.
Ingredients – Air Fryer Cheesy Potato Balls
Here is what you’ll need to make about 15-18 cheesy potato balls:
For the Potato Mixture:
- 3 medium-sized potatoes (boiled and mashed)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika or red chili flakes (for a mild kick)
- 1 tablespoon corn flour or all-purpose flour (helps bind the mix)
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley or coriander (optional for flavor)
For the Filling:
- 3/4 cup mozzarella cheese (cut into small cubes)
For Coating:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup water (for the flour slurry)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
For Air Frying:
- Cooking spray or a brush of oil
Step by Step Process – Air Fryer Cheesy Potato Balls
Let’s go step-by-step to make these delicious cheesy potato balls.
Step 1: Prepare the Potato Mixture
- Boil and mash the potatoes in a bowl. Make sure they are smooth and lump-free.
- Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, corn flour, and herbs if using.
- Mix everything well until it becomes a soft dough-like mixture.
Step 2: Shape the Balls
- Take a small amount of the potato mix in your hand and flatten it.
- Place a small cube of cheese in the center.
- Carefully wrap the potato around the cheese and roll it into a ball.
- Repeat with the rest of the mixture and cheese cubes.
Step 3: Coat the Balls
- In one bowl, mix flour and water to make a smooth slurry (not too thick, not too watery).
- In another bowl, place the breadcrumbs.
- Dip each potato ball into the flour slurry, then roll it in breadcrumbs to coat it well.
- Place the coated balls on a plate.
Step 4: Air Fry the Potato Balls
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes.
- Spray or brush a little oil on the air fryer basket.
- Place the potato balls in the basket in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd.
- Lightly spray oil on top of the balls to help them get golden and crispy.
- Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 22 g |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Fat | 8 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3.5 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Sodium | 280 mg |
| Calcium | 80 mg |
| Iron | 1 mg |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can shape and coat the potato balls and keep them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just air fry them when you’re ready to serve.
Q2: Can I freeze these cheesy potato balls?
Absolutely. Place the uncooked, coated balls on a tray, freeze them for an hour, then transfer to a zip-lock bag. You can store them in the freezer for up to a month.
Q3: What type of cheese works best?
Mozzarella is perfect because it melts well and stretches nicely. But you can also try cheddar, gouda, or even cream cheese for a twist.
Q4: I don’t have an air fryer. Can I bake or fry them?
Yes! You can bake them at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes or deep-fry them in oil until golden. But air frying is healthier and cleaner.
Q5: How do I make it spicier?
Add chopped green chilies, red chili flakes, or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the potato mixture.
Final Thoughts
These Easy Air Fryer Cheesy Potato Balls are the perfect snack for any time of day. Whether you’re making them for a party, game night, or just to satisfy your cheesy cravings, they are sure to be a hit with everyone.
What makes them even better is how quick and healthy they are compared to deep-fried snacks. With a few pantry items and your air fryer, you can make something that looks fancy but is super easy. Even beginners can master this recipe!
So next time you have leftover mashed potatoes or need a crowd-pleasing snack, give these cheesy potato balls a try. You’ll love the crispy outside and cheesy surprise inside. Happy cooking and enjoy your cheesy bites!
