On the search for fast and easy appetizers, I came across this Crispy Fried Mashed Potato Balls recipe and since then, it has become a mainstay for me. If you already have leftover mashed potatoes, the Fried Mashed Potato Balls become even easier to prepare as you only need a couple more ingredients. Without taking too much of our time, let’s get right into it.
Crispy Fried Mashed Potato Balls Recipe
This recipe takes your leftover mashed potatoes and transforms it into a crispy, yummy appetizer infused with a delightful flavor. This recipe is fast and easy to prepare, in less than 30 minutes, you’ll be having a bite.
How to Prepare Crispy Fried Mashed Potato Balls
This is one of my go-to easy appetizers now as it is simple to prepare and only needs a few more ingredients and a couple of minutes in the pan. Here’s what you’ll need and how you’ll prepare this yummy recipe at home.
Ingredients for Preparing Crispy Fried Mashed Potato Balls
Here are the ingredients you need to prepare some of these delicious fried mashed potato balls.
- 3 cups of leftover mashed potatoes
- 3 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- ½ cup of cheddar cheese, shredded
- ⅓ cup of Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons of chives, chopped
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon of Kosher salt, to taste
- ¼ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1½ cups of panko bread crumbs
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions for Preparing Crispy Fried Mashed Potato Balls
Here are the step-by-step instructions on preparing this unique crispy fried mashed potato balls recipe.
Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes with cooked bacon, cheddar, Parmesan, chives, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Stir together until all the ingredients are well combined.
Step 2: In a shallow bowl, break in the eggs and beat them well. In another bowl, add the panko bread crumbs.
Step 3: Using a small cookie scoop, scoop around 1 to 2 inches of the mashed potato mixture, and roll it into the ball shape in your hands.
Step 4: Dredge the mashed potato ball in the beaten eggs covering all sides, then toss in the panko bread crumbs, making sure it coats all the sides. Repeat until all the mashed potato balls are dredged and coated.
Step 5: Set a Dutch oven over medium heat, and pour in your vegetable oil until it reaches about 3 inches of depth. Allow it to heat until it reads 375°F (190°C) using a candy thermometer.
Step 6: Once the oil is heated to our desired temperature, toss in the mashed potato balls and fry for about 3 minutes, until it is golden on all sides. Fry in batches as it can’t all go at once.
Step 7: Once fried, set the fried mashed potato balls on a plate lined with a paper towel so excess oil can drain.
Step 8: Set on a plate and garnish with some extra salt, grated Parmesan, and chopped chives.
Using an Air Fryer
Step 1: Continuing from step 4 above, rather than transferring to a pot with heated oil, we’d switch it to an air fryer.
Step 2: Arrange the mashed potato balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook in the air fryer at 375°F (or 190°C) for about 10 minutes until it is golden. Work in batches if all don’t go in at once.
Step 3: Set on a plate and garnish. Enjoy!
Notes:
- For a great and satisfactory experience, the appetizers should be finished on the same day they were prepared.
- It is possible to make them ahead, make the mashed potato mixture, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, then leave the dredging, coating, and frying for the big day.
Crispy Fried Mashed Potato Balls Recipe
Equipment
- Air fryer optional
Ingredients
- 3 cups leftover mashed potatoes
- 3 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
- ½ cup cheddar cheese shredded
- ⅓ cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 2 tablespoons chives chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon Kosher salt to taste
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 eggs beaten
- 1½ cups panko bread crumbs
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes with cooked bacon, cheddar, Parmesan, chives, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Stir together until all the ingredients are well combined.
- In a shallow bowl, break in the eggs and beat them well. In another bowl, add the panko bread crumbs.
- Using a small cookie scoop, scoop around 1 to 2 inches of the mashed potato mixture, and roll it into the ball shape in your hands.
- Dredge the mashed potato ball in the beaten eggs covering all sides, then toss in the panko bread crumbs, making sure it coats all the sides. Repeat until all the mashed potato balls are dredged and coated.
- Set a Dutch oven over medium heat, and pour in your vegetable oil until it reaches about 3 inches of depth. Allow it to heat until it reads 375°F (190°C) using a candy thermometer.
- Once the oil is heated to our desired temperature, toss in the mashed potato balls and fry for about 3 minutes, until it is golden on all sides. Fry in batches as it can't all go at once.
- Once fried, set the fried mashed potato balls on a plate lined with a paper towel so excess oil can drain.
- Set on a plate and garnish with some extra salt, grated Parmesan, and chopped chives.
Using an Air Fryer
- Continuing from step 4 above, rather than transferring to a pot with heated oil, we'd switch it to an air fryer.
- Arrange the mashed potato balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook in the air fryer at 375°F (or 190°C) for about 10 minutes until it is golden. Work in batches if all don't go in at once.
- Set on a plate and garnish. Enjoy!
Notes
- For a great and satisfactory experience, the appetizers should be finished on the same day they were prepared.
- It is possible to make them ahead, make the mashed potato mixture, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, then leave the dredging, coating, and frying for the big day.
Nutrition
The Crispy Fried Mashed Potato Balls are a great way to use your leftover mashed potatoes, making for a simple yet delicious appetizer. The mashed potato balls have a sophisticated flavor profile that I love. When you try this recipe, make sure to drop a comment below.
