Crispy Potato Jalapeno Balls with Parmesan Coating
Discover a tantalizing way to repurpose leftover mashed potatoes with our delectable Crispy Potato Jalapeno Balls recipe. Perfectly seasoned with garlic and parmesan, these delightful bites offer a delightful contrast of crispy exteriors and fluffy, spicy interiors. Dipped in Panko breadcrumbs for added texture, they are a culinary explosion waiting to be savored. Let’s dive into the intricate details of this delightful dish, perfect for both casual gatherings and elegant occasions.
Introduction: Indulge in the culinary magic of our Crispy Potato Jalapeno Balls, a creative twist on a classic favorite. Whether you’re seeking a satisfying snack or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these flavorful morsels are sure to impress even the most discerning palates. With their crispy coating and spicy kick, they elevate the humble mashed potato to new heights of gastronomic delight.
Ingredients Overview: To craft these delectable treats, you’ll need 2 cups of mashed potatoes, preferably with a firm consistency. Fresh jalapeno peppers add a fiery burst of flavor, while an egg binds the mixture together. A blend of garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning enhances the taste profile, creating a harmonious blend of savory goodness. Shredded mozzarella cheese lends a creamy texture, while grated parmesan and breadcrumbs provide a crispy outer layer.
Preparation Instructions: Begin by finely chopping the jalapeno peppers and preparing the mashed potatoes. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes with the chopped jalapenos, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, all-purpose flour, shredded cheese, salt, and pepper. Ensure thorough mixing to distribute the flavors evenly throughout the mixture.
Shaping and Coating: With your hands, shape the potato-jalapeno mixture into uniform balls, approximately 1 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Next, roll each ball in a mixture of grated parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs until evenly coated. This step adds a delightful crunch to the exterior of the balls, creating a textural contrast with the soft interior.
Cooking Process: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for optimal cooking results. Lightly spray the air fryer basket or tray with oil to prevent sticking. Carefully arrange the coated potato jalapeno balls in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. This allows for even cooking and ensures that each ball achieves a golden-brown perfection.
Air Frying Method: Once your air fryer is preheated, place the potato jalapeno balls inside and cook at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 8 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking process. The hot air circulation within the air fryer ensures that the balls cook evenly on all sides, resulting in a uniform golden brown color and crisp texture.
Garnishing and Serving: After cooking, allow the potato jalapeno balls to cool for a few minutes before garnishing with chopped parsley, a dollop of sour cream, and optional bacon crumbles. These garnishes add visual appeal and additional layers of flavor to the dish. Serve the crispy potato jalapeno balls alongside your favorite dipping sauce, such as copycat Chick-Fil-A sauce or homemade chipotle sauce, for a delightful culinary experience.
Additional Tips and Variations: For those with dietary restrictions, consider substituting gluten-free flour or almond flour for the all-purpose flour to create a gluten-free version of this recipe. Additionally, feel free to experiment with different seasonings and herbs to customize the flavor profile to your preferences. Fresh dill or green onions can add a burst of freshness, while cooked bacon pieces lend a savory touch.
Conclusion: In conclusion, our Crispy Potato Jalapeno Balls with Parmesan Coating offer a tantalizing blend of flavors and textures that are sure to delight your taste buds. Whether enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, these irresistible bites are guaranteed to leave a lasting impression on all who indulge. Elevate your culinary repertoire with this easy-to-follow recipe and savor the mouthwatering goodness of crispy potato jalapeno balls.
Are my new favorite way to use leftover mashed potatoes 😋 Seasoned with garlic and parmesan, dipped in Panko, I love how they turn out crispy outside with the fluffy, spicy, and cheesy explosion inside 💣
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.
Instructions:
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.
Place 1/2 cup parmesan cheese and 1/2 cup breadcrumbs in a shallow dish and mix together.
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.
Spray Air fryer basket tray with spray oil or lightly brush with oil. Preheat air fryer to 375F/190C for 3 minutes. Carefully place potato jalapeno balls into air fryer basket/tray. Do not overcrowd, give them some space.
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.
Let them cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley, sour cream on top, bacon crumbles, and scallions, if desired.
- Serve along with copycat Chick-Fil-A sauce, homemade chipotle sauce, or a favorite dip of choice.