Description

Deliciously crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, these Fried Mashed Potato Balls are a perfect way to transform leftover mashed potatoes into a savory snack or appetizer. Featuring crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and fresh chives, these golden bites are fried or air-fried to perfection and seasoned with garlic and black pepper for a flavorful treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Mashed Potato Mixture

3 cups leftover mashed potatoes
3 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
2/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons thinly sliced chives
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Kosher salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Coating and Frying

2 eggs, beaten
1 1/3 cups panko bread crumbs
Vegetable oil, for frying (about 3 inches deep in skillet)

Instructions

Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the mashed potatoes with cooked bacon, shredded cheddar, chives, garlic powder, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper until well combined.
Prepare Coating Station: Place the beaten eggs in one shallow bowl and the panko bread crumbs in another for easy dredging.
Form Potato Balls: Using a small cookie scoop, scoop 1 to 2-inch portions of the mashed potato mixture. Roll each portion into a smooth ball using your hands.
Coat Potato Balls: First dip each ball into the beaten eggs, then roll it thoroughly in the panko bread crumbs to coat evenly. Repeat until all the mixture is used.
Heat Oil for Frying: In a large cast iron skillet, heat about 3 inches of vegetable oil until it reaches 375°F (190°C), using a candy thermometer to monitor temperature.
Fry the Potato Balls: Carefully drop the potato balls into the hot oil in batches. Fry them until they turn golden brown on all sides, approximately 2 to 3 minutes per batch.
Drain and Season: Remove the fried potato balls with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Immediately season with additional kosher salt.
Alternate Air Fryer Method: Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat for about 8 minutes until crispy, then crumble it. Combine with mashed potatoes, cheddar, chives, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Form balls and coat with egg and panko as above. Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook at 375°F for about 10 minutes until golden and crispy. Season with salt and serve.

Notes

Use leftover mashed potatoes that are chilled and firm for best results.
If using freshly made mashed potatoes, make sure they are thickened and not too watery.
You can customize the filling by adding cooked onions, herbs, or different cheeses.
For a crispier texture, double coat potato balls by dipping again in egg and panko before frying.
If air frying, flip the balls halfway through cooking for even browning.
Serve warm with dipping sauces like sour cream, ranch, or spicy ketchup.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes (frying) or 10 minutes (air frying)
Category: Appetizer
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American

Keywords: mashed potato balls, fried mashed potatoes, potato appetizer, crispy potato snack, bacon cheddar potato balls