Air Fryer Potato Jalapeno Balls

Air Fryer Potato Jalapeno Balls

8 min
20 servings

These cheesy and crispy Air fryer Potato Jalapeno Balls (or Potato Jalapeno bites) are one of our favorite appetizers with creamy mashed potatoes. I love how they turn out crispy outside with the fluffy and cheesy inside. And with a dollop of sour cream on top, a bit of bacon crumble you'll get a loaded mashed potato explosion in your mouth. With the spicy touch of Jalapeno, they are a BOMB!

Ingredients

  • 2 cups mashed potatoes. Not too liquidy or too runny. Please see the picture below for reference.
  • 3 Fresh Jalapeno peppers, finely chopped. Or chopped in a food processor. I used my Ninja Chopper Express. Pulse for 2-3 seconds or until the desired chopped jalapeno consistency. Note: You can add more Jalapenos to your liking. To my taste, 3 jalapenos were good enough for a spicy kick.
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder.
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder.
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning. Can sub for seasoning of choice.
  • 3 Tablespoons All-purpose flour. Can sub for flour of choice.
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese. Can sub with cheddar cheese or cheese of choice
  • 1/2 cup parmesan for coating
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs or Panko.
  • Salt and pepper to taste.
  • For garnish:
  • Fresh chopped parsley for garnish. Can sub with green onions or fresh dill, finely chopped.
  • A dollop of sour cream on top of each ball.
  • Bacon crumbles. To add to the top. Or feel free to add to potato jalapeno balls.
  • Copycat Chick-Fil-A sauce for dipping.

Directions

  1. 1

    In a large bowl, add the mashed potatoes, egg, chopped jalapenos, garlic and onion powder, 1/2 cup shredded cheese, seasoning, salt & pepper, and 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. Mix until all ingredients are well combined.

  2. 2

    Place 1/2 cup parmesan cheese and 1/2 cup breadcrumbs in a shallow dish and mix together.

  3. 3

    Using your hand and fingers, pick up a small amount of potato-jalapeno mixture and shape it into a ball, approximately 1 or 1 ½ inch thick. Roll the balls in the parmesan/breadcrumbs mixture to coat. It is helpful to use the help of a spoon to coat. Work in batches, like 3-5 balls at a time.

  4. 4

    Spray Air fryer basket tray with spray oil or lightly brush with oil.

  5. 5

    Preheat air fryer to 375F/190C for 3 minutes.

  6. 6

    Carefully place potato jalapeno balls into air fryer basket/tray. Do not overcrowd, give them some space.

  7. 7

    Air fry mode 375F/190C 8 minutes, flipping halfway. Once flipped on the other side, be sure to spray again. In other words, cook 4 minutes per side or until the breading crisps up and reach golden color with brownish spots.

  8. 8

    Let them cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley, sour cream on top, bacon crumbles, and scallions, if desired.

  9. 9

    9. Serve along with copycat Chick-Fil-A sauce, homemade chipotle sauce, or a favorite dip of choice.