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Potato Pops

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These genius potato pops are the most amazing way to transform leftover mashed potatoes into something entirely new and crave-worthy! With just two simple ingredients, you shape those leftover potatoes into these perfect little bites that turn wonderfully golden and crispy in the air fryer. The outside gets this incredible crunch while the inside stays perfectly creamy and soft - it's like magic how they transform! What I love most is how they turn something that might have gone to waste into these addictive little treats that everyone fights over. They're so good, you might start making extra mashed potatoes on purpose!
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Updated on Tue, 14 Jan 2025 20:58:06 GMT
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A plate of golden, crispy fried dough balls, garnished with salt and surrounded by fresh green herbs. Pin it
A plate of golden, crispy fried dough balls, garnished with salt and surrounded by fresh green herbs. | tastygusto.com

I discovered this amazing way to use up leftover mashed potatoes and now my family begs for these Potato Pops. They turn out perfectly crispy on the outside and so fluffy inside. The best part? You can whip these up in just 30 minutes and they're absolutely addictive with your favorite dipping sauce.

Why You'll Love Making These

These little bites of heaven are my go to recipe when I have leftover mashed potatoes. They're super quick to make and the kids always want to help shape them. Whether you're having friends over or just need a fun snack these pops never disappoint.

What You'll Need

  • Mashed Potatoes: Leftovers work perfectly or you can make fresh ones.
  • Cornstarch: This is my secret for getting that perfect texture inside.
  • Cooking Spray: Helps get that golden crispy outside we all love.
  • Extra Options: Try rolling them in breadcrumbs or seeds for extra crunch.

Let's Make Them

Get Your Mix Ready
Just mix your mashed potatoes with cornstarch until it feels like soft dough.
Heat Up Your Air Fryer
Set it to 400°F while you roll your potato mix into little balls keep them similar in size.
Time to Cook
Put them in your air fryer give them space spray with oil and cook until they're golden about 15 minutes.
Ready to Serve
Serve them hot with whatever dips you love ketchup aioli or my favorite green goddess sauce.
A close-up view of a black bowl filled with golden-brown, crispy fried dough balls, garnished with green herbs. Pin it
A close-up view of a black bowl filled with golden-brown, crispy fried dough balls, garnished with green herbs. | tastygusto.com

Fun Ways to Mix It Up

Roll them in breadcrumbs or cornmeal before cooking for extra crunch. I love adding different spices to the mix garlic powder paprika or fresh herbs are amazing. No cornstarch? Regular flour works just fine. If you don't have an air fryer your oven works great just line a baking sheet and cook at 400°F.

Perfect for Serving

These are great on their own but they really shine with dips. Sometimes I serve them with classic ketchup other times I make a quick aioli. They're perfect for parties or just as a fun side dish with dinner.

Good for You Too

I love that potatoes are such a healthy budget friendly ingredient. They're packed with good stuff like potassium vitamin C and fiber. Plus they're naturally gluten free which makes these pops perfect for everyone to enjoy.

Saving Leftovers

Keep any extra pops in an airtight container in your fridge they'll stay good for 3 days. When you want to reheat them pop them back in the air fryer or oven at 375°F for about 5 minutes they'll crisp right up. Skip the microwave though it makes them soggy.

A black bowl filled with golden-brown, crispy round snacks garnished with green herbs, accompanied by a small bowl of dipping sauce in the background. Pin it
A black bowl filled with golden-brown, crispy round snacks garnished with green herbs, accompanied by a small bowl of dipping sauce in the background. | tastygusto.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I bake these in a regular oven?

Yes, you can bake them in a preheated oven on a lined baking sheet. The cooking time should be about the same as the air fryer method.

→ What can I use instead of cornstarch?

You can use arrowroot powder or regular flour as a binding agent. The texture might vary slightly but they'll still work well.

→ Can I add different seasonings?

Yes, you can add your favorite spices to the mashed potatoes before forming the balls. This allows the seasonings to be incorporated throughout.

→ What dipping sauces work best?

These potato pops pair well with ketchup, aioli, or vegan green goddess sauce. Any favorite dipping sauce will work nicely.

→ Can I add extra texture?

Yes, you can roll the potato balls in seeds, cornmeal, or breadcrumbs before cooking for extra crunch and flavor.

Potato Pops

Crispy air-fried potato balls made from leftover mashed potatoes. A creative way to transform leftovers into a fun new snack.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
20 Minutes


Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 20 Servings (20 potato pops)

Dietary: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 2 cups mashed potatoes, leftover or fresh.
02 5 tbsp cornstarch or arrowroot powder.
03 Cooking spray.

Instructions

Step 01

Mix mashed potatoes with cornstarch until a thick dough forms that holds its shape. Add more cornstarch if needed.

Step 02

Roll dough into balls slightly smaller than golf balls using clean hands.

Step 03

Place in air fryer, spray with oil, and cook at 450F for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.

Step 04

Serve immediately with preferred dipping sauce.

Notes

  1. Can be baked in regular oven instead of air fryer.
  2. Can roll in seeds, cornmeal or breadcrumbs before cooking.
  3. Flour can substitute for cornstarch.
  4. Can add spices to potato mixture.

Tools You'll Need

  • Air Fryer.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • None.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 29
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: 7 g
  • Protein: ~