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Fried Mashed Potato Balls
4.4 from 21 votes

Fried Mashed Potato Balls

These cheesy fried mashed potato balls are the perfect way to use up leftover mashed potatoes, transforming last night's side dish into a crispy, craveable appetizer!

Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
35 mins
Servings: 19 mashed potato balls
Calories: 67 kcal
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups mashed potatoes cold from fridge from previous 1-3 days, leftover
  • ½ cup cheddar cheese packed, sharp
  • ¼ tsp garlic powder
  • 1 TBSP chives or scallions, chopped
  • ⅛ tsp salt
  • ⅛ tsp black pepper
  • ¼-⅓ cup flour
  • 1 egg large
  • ¾ cup panko
  • cooking oil avocado oil, peanut oil, or vegetable oil, for frying
  • sour cream for dipping, optional

Instructions

STEP 1: PREP THE POTATOES
    Cup of Yum
  1. In a medium bowl, combine cold leftover mashed potatoes (straight from the fridge is best) with cheddar, chives, and garlic powder. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper and mix well with a large spoon.
STEP 2: SCOOP INTO BALLS
  1. Use a small cookie scoop with a 2 teaspoon capacity to easily scoop mixture into small balls. If you don’t have an easy-release cookie scoop, you can absolutely measure out 2 teaspoons per mashed potato ball using a regular teaspoon. For best results, we want the mashed potato balls to be no larger than 1 inch in diameter.
  2. Roll each scooped portion into balls. If they aren’t cold and keeping their shape, place in the fridge for 10-20 minutes to set so they will hold their shape when fried.
STEP 3: PREPARE THE COATING
  1. Place flour, egg, and panko each in their own shallow bowl. Whisk the egg until the white and yolk are well combined.
  2. Dredge each mashed potato ball in flour, then in beaten egg, then panko.
STEP 4: FRY THE MASHED POTATO BALLS
  1. In a small pot, heat about 2-3 inches of oil to 375℉.
  2. Use a slotted metal spoon to carefully add in the mashed potato balls to the hot oil, frying just 3-4 at a time.
  3. Use the slotted spoon to lightly stir the balls in the beginning to prevent sticking.
  4. Fry each batch for 2-3 minutes or until they are fully browned and crispy. Use the slotted spoon to remove from the oil and place on a paper towel lined baking sheet to drain. Repeat with the remaining mashed potato balls.
  5. Enjoy while hot and crispy with sour cream (or your favorite dip) for dunking!

Notes

  • Leftover mashed potato balls can be fried, cooled, frozen, then air fried at a later date. I use the air fry setting on my oven for the frozen mashed potato balls, which takes around 16-18 minutes at 375℉. A small countertop airfryer can cook them even faster. Arrange in a single layer (working in batches if needed) and check at around 10 minutes (then a few minutes after) for a crispy exterior and a piping hot center.
  • ℉. A small countertop airfryer can cook them even faster. Arrange in a single layer (working in batches if needed) and check at around 10 minutes (then a few minutes after) for a crispy exterior and a piping hot center.
  • Find yourself with 3 cups of mashed potatoes instead of a cup and a half? That's cause for celebration! Simply double the recipe and you're good to go!
  • Nutrition Facts below are estimated for each fried mashed potato ball (made with 2 tsp of filling per ball) using an online recipe nutrition calculator. Adjust as needed and enjoy!

Nutrition Information

Calories 67kcal (3%) Carbohydrates 3g (1%) Protein 1g (2%) Fat 4g (6%) Saturated Fat 1g (5%) Polyunsaturated Fat 0.4g (2%) Monounsaturated Fat 2g (10%) Trans Fat 0.001g (0%) Cholesterol 12mg (4%) Sodium 55mg (2%) Potassium 13mg (0%) Fiber 0.2g (1%) Sugar 0.2g (0%) Vitamin A 49IU (1%) Vitamin C 0.1mg (0%) Calcium 27mg (3%) Iron 0.2mg (1%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 19 mashed potato balls

Amount Per Serving

Calories 67

% Daily Value*

Calories 67kcal 3%
Carbohydrates 3g 1%
Protein 1g 2%
Fat 4g 6%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.4g 2%
Monounsaturated Fat 2g 10%
Trans Fat 0.001g 0%
Cholesterol 12mg 4%
Sodium 55mg 2%
Potassium 13mg 0%
Fiber 0.2g 1%
Sugar 0.2g 0%
Vitamin A 49IU 1%
Vitamin C 0.1mg 0%
Calcium 27mg 3%
Iron 0.2mg 1%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.