Transform your leftover mashed potatoes into a delicious and crispy snack with these easy-to-make cheese puffs. Perfect for a quick snack or a side dish, these puffs are cheesy, flavorful, and wonderfully crispy thanks to the air fryer. Here’s a detailed and exclusive recipe to keep your visitors engaged and eager to try these delightful bites.
Ingredients
- 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or breadcrumbs)
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
- Olive oil spray (for air fryer basket)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Potato Mixture:
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the leftover mashed potatoes, shredded cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, flour (or breadcrumbs), green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Form Puffs: Scoop about 1-2 tablespoons of the mixture and form it into a small ball or puff. Repeat with the remaining mixture. If the mixture is too sticky, you can wet your hands slightly to make shaping easier.
2. Air Fry the Puffs:
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Prepare Basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray to prevent sticking.
- Arrange Puffs: Place the potato puffs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches.
- Cook: Air fry the puffs at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through cooking, until they are golden brown and crispy on both sides.
3. Serve:
- Garnish: Transfer the cooked puffs to a serving plate and garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
- Enjoy: Serve the potato puffs hot, with your favorite dipping sauce such as sour cream, ranch, or marinara.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs:
- Consistency: Ensure your mashed potatoes are not too runny. If they are, you can add a bit more flour or breadcrumbs to help bind the mixture.
- Even Sizes: Make sure the puffs are evenly sized to ensure even cooking.
- Batch Cooking: If cooking in batches, keep the cooked puffs warm in a low oven while you finish air frying the rest.
These Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are a fantastic way to repurpose leftovers into a tasty and satisfying snack. The air fryer gives them a perfect crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and cheesy. Enjoy this exclusive recipe and share the joy of delicious, creative cooking with your visitors!