Looking for a fun way to turn leftover mashed potatoes into something everyone will want to try? These Air Fryer Mashed Potato Bites are a delicious way to give mashed potatoes a new life. With savory bacon, green onions, and sharp cheese, they bring together familiar comfort-food flavors in a bite-sized snack or side dish.
The air fryer is a handy tool for recipes like this because it can give food an appealing golden exterior without the need for deep-frying. The result is a satisfying contrast between the outside and the soft, flavorful potato filling. These bites are a great option when you want something a little different from serving mashed potatoes in the usual way.
Leftover mashed potatoes make this recipe especially convenient. Chilled potatoes are often easier to shape than freshly prepared, warm potatoes, so start with a cold mixture if your recipe instructions allow. Keep the bites similar in size so they cook more evenly, and leave a little room between them in the air fryer basket. Cooking in batches is better than overcrowding the basket.
Bacon adds a smoky, savory flavor, while green onions bring a fresh, mild bite. Sharp cheese rounds everything out with a rich, cheesy taste. You can serve these potato bites alongside a casual dinner, put them out as a party appetizer, or enjoy them as a creative way to use up holiday leftovers.
For easier cleanup and food preparation, consider using air fryer parchment liners that are specifically sized for your air fryer. Always follow the manufacturer’s directions and never place a liner in the appliance during preheating unless food is holding it down, as loose parchment can contact the heating element.
Whether you’re planning a game-day snack or looking for a new potato side dish, these Air Fryer Mashed Potato Bites are a fun, flavorful option. Follow the recipe card below for the exact ingredient amounts and cooking instructions, then serve them hot for the best texture.
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Related Recipes: Potato Recipes and Simple Air Fryer Recipes
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Air Fryer Mashed Potato Bites
- Total Time: :35
- Yield: 25 Balls 1x
Ingredients
- 10 Potatoes Medium Sized
- 10 slices Bacon
- 1 tbsp Unsalted Butter
- 1 1/2 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese
- 3/4 cup Green Onion
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 2 Eggs
- 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese
- 1 1/2 cups Bread Crumbs
- Cooking Spray
Instructions
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Peel the potatoes. Once peeled, rinse the potatoes in a colander under cold water for about 1 minute.
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Carefully heat a stovetop burner on high heat. Put the potatoes in a deep pot, then fill with water until the potatoes are covered. Season with some salt – around ½ tbsp. Boil on high heat for about 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are soft and cooked through.
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Carefully heat a stovetop burner over medium heat. Add the bacon to a frying pan and fry until the bacon is cooked through, it should be crispy, but not burnt.
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Shred the cheddar cheese, either using a grater or a food processor.
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Chop the green onion.
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Once the potatoes are cooked strain the water and put the potatoes back into the pot or a deep bowl. Add the butter and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then mash it all together. (You could also add this to your stand mixer and allow the mixer to mix it for you!)
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Add the bacon, green onion, and cheese to the mashed potatoes and mash together again.
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Cool the potatoes in the fridge for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
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Whisk the eggs in a bowl.
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Add the breadcrumbs to a bowl and shred the parmesan cheese, then mix them both together.
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Once the potatoes are cooled use the trigger release scoop to form potato balls. Roll the balls in the egg wash, then in the breadcrumb mixture. Set aside on a tray until you are ready to fry them.
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Spray the air fryer with cooking spray, then place the potato balls (5 – 6 at a time depending on your air fryer) spray the potato balls with cooking spray, turn them over and spray the other side with the cooking spray. Air Fry for 5 minutes at 400F.
Notes
- Make sure to cool the potatoes before you begin to roll them. It is difficult to roll the potatoes when they are hot or warm. Cooling the potatoes will also help them keep their shape in the air fryer.
- Do not skip rolling the potatoes in the egg wash. Eggs act as a binder and will also help the potatoes keep their shape. They will help to hold in the cheese and not let it melt out through the breadcrumbs!
- Make sure to use cooking spray and spray the entire potato ball. This will ensure you get that golden crispy outer shell.
- Prep Time: :30
- Cook Time: :05
- Category: Appetizer, Dinner, Snack
- Method: Air Fryer