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Crispy Loaded Thanksgiving Mashed Potato Bites

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Transform leftover mashed potatoes into crispy, golden-brown appetizer bites loaded with sharp cheddar cheese and bacon bits. These air-fried treats are crunchy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and perfect for game day or holiday parties.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked mashed potatoes (cold and firm)
  • 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/3 cup cooked bacon bits
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Cooking spray or olive oil for air frying

Instructions

  1. If using leftover mashed potatoes, let them sit for 10 minutes to soften slightly. If making fresh, mash potatoes while hot and let cool completely until cold and firm.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, and bacon bits.
  3. Add the egg, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to the bowl.
  4. Mix all ingredients until well combined. The mixture should be sticky but hold together when pressed. Add a little more flour if too wet, or a splash of milk if too dry.
  5. Use a cookie scoop or your hands to form the mixture into small balls, approximately 1 inch in diameter. Roll gently to smooth out cracks. You should get about 20-25 bites.
  6. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). If using an oven, preheat to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  7. Place the potato bites in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
  8. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy. If baking in the oven, bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway.
  9. Let the bites cool for 1-2 minutes before serving. Serve warm with ranch dressing, sour cream, or extra bacon bits.

Notes

Ensure mashed potatoes are cold and firm for best results. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even crisping. Shake the basket halfway through cooking. If using fresh potatoes, let them cool in the fridge for an hour to dry out excess moisture. These can be frozen raw on a baking sheet before cooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: mashed potato bites, air fryer appetizer, leftover mashed potatoes, Thanksgiving appetizer, crispy potato balls, bacon cheddar bites, game day food, finger food

Find it online: https://lindabake.com/crispy-loaded-thanksgiving-mashed-potato-bites-10-min-appetizer/