Description
These Fried Mashed Potato Balls are a delicious way to use leftover mashed potatoes. They are crispy on the outside, cheesy and flavorful on the inside, featuring bacon, cheddar, and chives. You can cook them in a skillet on the stovetop or in an air fryer.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups leftover mashed potatoes
- 3 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 Tbsp. thinly sliced chives
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 1/3 cups panko bread crumbs
- Vegetable oil, for frying (if using stovetop method)
Instructions
- Combine the mashed potato mixture: In a large bowl, mix leftover mashed potatoes with cooked bacon, cheddar cheese, chives, and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper. Stir until evenly combined.
- Shape and coat the potato balls: Set up bowls with beaten eggs and panko bread crumbs. Scoop 1 to 2-inch balls of the potato mixture and roll them into smooth balls. Dip each ball in egg, then coat thoroughly with panko bread crumbs.
- Fry the potato balls (Stovetop Method): Heat about 3 inches of vegetable oil in a skillet to 375°F. Fry the balls in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels and season with salt.
- Fry the potato balls (Air Fryer Method): Arrange the potato balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 375°F for about 10 minutes until golden and crisp. Season with salt immediately.
Notes
- Use cold mashed potatoes for easier shaping.
- Regular bread crumbs can be used instead of panko, but panko provides a crispier texture.
- The air fryer method is a healthier option.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste.
- Use a candy thermometer to maintain the correct oil temperature for frying.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 5 potato balls)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 1.5 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg