Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 8-12 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes (cold, ideally a little thicker consistency)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend work well)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free all-purpose blend)
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives or green onions (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste, mashed potatoes are usually already salted)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional:
- Pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a little kick
- Cooking spray or oil for the air fryer basket
Instructions:
Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheat function, let it run empty at that temperature for 3-5 minutes.
Combine Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, shredded cheese, flour, egg, chives/green onions (if using), garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly distributed. If you’re using cayenne pepper, add it now.
Form Puffs: Use a cookie scoop or spoon to portion out the mashed potato mixture. Roll each portion into a ball with your hands. (Damp hands can help prevent sticking.)
Air Fry: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or oil. Place the mashed potato puffs in the basket in a single layer, leaving a little space between each one. Don’t overcrowd the basket; you may need to cook in batches.
Optional: Gently flatten the tops of the puffs slightly with a fork for a more even shape.
Cook: Air fry for 8-12 minutes, or until the puffs are golden brown and crispy. Flip them halfway through cooking (around 4-6 minutes) to ensure even browning. Check frequently towards the end to prevent burning.
Serve: Carefully remove the mashed potato cheese puffs from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving.
Tips and Variations:
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like parmesan, pepper jack, or a smoky gouda for different flavor profiles.
- Add-ins: Cooked and crumbled bacon, diced ham, or sautéed mushrooms can be added to the mashed potato mixture for extra flavor.
- Spice It Up: Add a dash of hot sauce or some finely chopped jalapeños to the mixture for a spicy kick.
- Breadcrumbs: For extra crispiness, you can roll the puffs in breadcrumbs (plain, panko, or seasoned) before air frying. Lightly spray the breaded puffs with cooking spray before placing them in the air fryer.
- Dipping Sauces: Serve with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch dressing, sour cream, ketchup, or a cheese sauce.
- Consistency: If your mashed potato mixture is too wet, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a workable consistency. If it’s too dry, add a tiny splash of milk or cream.
Freezing:
You can freeze the uncooked puffs. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. When ready to cook, air fry them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Garlic: Instead of garlic powder you can use a clove or two of minced garlic sauteed in a little butter. Let the butter cool before adding it to the mixture.
Notes:
Air fryer cooking times can vary depending on the model. Keep a close eye on the puffs during cooking and adjust the time accordingly.
Make sure to leave enough space between the puffs in the air fryer basket for proper air circulation, which is essential for even cooking and crisping.
Don’t overload the air fryer. Cooking in batches is better than overcrowding.
Enjoy your crispy, cheesy, and delicious Air Fryer Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs! They’re a perfect way to transform leftovers into something new and exciting.
