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Crispy Air Fryer Potato Balls Recipe

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3.9 from 71 reviews

Crispy Air Fryer Potato Balls are a delightful vegan snack featuring mashed potatoes blended with spices, cornstarch, and lightly tossed in oil, then air fried to golden perfection. These bite-sized treats are seasoned with oregano, garlic, onion powders, smoked paprika, cumin, and nutmeg, finished with a sprinkle of vegan Parmesan and fresh parsley for a flavorful, crispy outside and fluffy inside experience.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 27 servings

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 500 g potatoes
  • 50 g cornstarch (or potato starch)
  • 1 Tbsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • Salt & black pepper (to taste)
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp oil
  • Vegan Parmesan Cheese (for sprinkling)
  • Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Potatoes: Peel and chop the potatoes into 3cm (or 1-inch) chunks. This size helps them cook evenly and thoroughly.
  2. Cook Potatoes: Boil the chopped potatoes in a large pot of salted water until fork-tender, approximately 10-15 minutes. Once cooked, drain thoroughly and let them cool slightly to avoid burning your hands during mashing.
  3. Mash Potatoes: Using a potato masher or ricer, mash the potatoes until smooth, ensuring there are no lumps for a creamy texture.
  4. Make Dough: Add the cornstarch and all the spices—dried oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, ground nutmeg, salt, and black pepper—into the mashed potatoes. Mix first with a fork, then knead gently by hand until a soft, pliable dough forms.
  5. Shape Potato Balls: Divide the dough evenly and roll into balls about 3-4cm (1-1.5 inch) in diameter, perfect bite-sized portions for crispy air frying.
  6. Prepare for Air Frying: Gently toss the potato balls with the oil to ensure an even coating, which helps them crisp up beautifully. Arrange them in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
  7. Air Fry: Cook the potato balls in the air fryer at 380°F (190°C) for 13-16 minutes until they turn golden brown and develop a crispy exterior, flipping or shaking the basket midway if required for even cooking.
  8. Serve: Transfer the crispy potato balls to a bowl, sprinkle with vegan Parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve warm as a snack or appetizer.

Notes

  • Use cornstarch or potato starch as a binding agent to help the balls hold shape and get crispy.
  • Adjust spices to taste; smoked paprika adds a nice smoky flavor, but you can omit it if desired.
  • Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
  • If vegan Parmesan is unavailable, nutritional yeast can be used as a substitute for a cheesy flavor.
  • These potato balls are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in the air fryer to retain crispiness.
  • Author: Madelynn
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Snack
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: Vegan, American
  • Diet: Vegan