Are you tired of eating the same old leftover mashed potatoes? Well, fear not! With the help of an air fryer, you can transform those boring leftovers into delicious and creative dishes. Air fryers have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their ability to cook food using little to no oil. They use hot air circulation to cook food evenly and create a crispy exterior. In this article, we will explore some exciting ways to repurpose your leftover mashed potatoes using an air fryer.
Crispy Mashed Potato Balls
Ingredients:
– Leftover mashed potatoes
– Bread crumbs
– Grated Parmesan cheese
– Chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley or thyme)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Egg, beaten
– Cooking spray
Instructions:
1. Take your leftover mashed potatoes and roll them into small balls.
2. In a separate bowl, combine bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Dip each mashed potato ball into the beaten egg, ensuring it is coated completely.
4. Roll the coated ball in the breadcrumb mixture until it is fully covered.
5. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
6. Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
7. Place the mashed potato balls in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching each other.
8. Cook for approximately 15-20 minutes or until the balls are golden brown and crispy.
9. Remove from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving.
10. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, such as marinara or sour cream.
Loaded Mashed Potato Patties
Ingredients:
– Leftover mashed potatoes
– Shredded cheddar cheese
– Chopped green onions
– Cooked and crumbled bacon
– Bread crumbs
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Cooking spray
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, cooked and crumbled bacon, bread crumbs, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
2. Shape the mixture into patties of your desired size and thickness.
3. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
4. Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
5. Place the mashed potato patties in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching each other.
6. Cook for approximately 10-15 minutes or until the patties are crispy and golden brown.
7. Flip the patties halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
8. Remove from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving.
9. Serve with a dollop of sour cream and additional chopped green onions for garnish.
Cheesy Mashed Potato Stuffed Mushrooms
Ingredients:
– Leftover mashed potatoes
– Button mushrooms
– Shredded mozzarella cheese
– Chopped fresh parsley
– Garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Olive oil
Instructions:
1. Remove the stems from the button mushrooms and set them aside.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the leftover mashed potatoes, shredded mozzarella cheese, chopped fresh parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Spoon the mashed potato mixture into each mushroom cap, filling it generously.
4. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
5. Lightly brush the mushroom caps with olive oil.
6. Place the stuffed mushrooms in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching each other.
7. Cook for approximately 10-12 minutes or until the mushrooms are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Remove from the air fryer and sprinkle with additional chopped fresh parsley for garnish.
9. Serve as a delicious appetizer or side dish.
Crispy Mashed Potato Waffles
Ingredients:
– Leftover mashed potatoes
– All-purpose flour
– Baking powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Egg, beaten
– Chopped fresh chives or scallions
– Cooking spray
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine leftover mashed potatoes, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
2. Add the beaten egg and chopped fresh chives or scallions to the mixture. Mix until everything is well incorporated.
3. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
4. Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
5. Spoon the mashed potato mixture onto the preheated air fryer and spread it evenly to form a waffle shape.
6. Cook for approximately 15-18 minutes or until the waffle is golden brown and crispy.
7. Carefully remove the mashed potato waffle from the air fryer and let it cool slightly before serving.
8. Serve with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, chives, or even melted cheese.
With these creative ideas, you can now enjoy your leftover mashed potatoes in a whole new way. The air fryer allows you to achieve that crispy texture without using excessive oil. Whether you prefer bite-sized balls, loaded patties, stuffed mushrooms, or waffles, there is a delicious option for everyone. So, next time you find yourself with leftover mashed potatoes, don’t let them go to waste. Get creative and let your air fryer work its magic!