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Easy Air Fryer Mashed Potato Cakes Recipe: Crispy, Cheesy Comfort Food

Easy Air Fryer Mashed Potato Cakes

Cold mashed potatoes become crisp, cheesy, golden potato cakes in the air fryer. This easy recipe makes 8 small cakes or 6 medium cakes and is ready with just a few pantry staples.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 14 minutes
Total Time 29 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 cups Cold prepared mashed potatoes
  • 1 Large egg
  • 1/4 cup All-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup Shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons Finely sliced green onion or chopped chives
Seasonings
  • 1/2 teaspoon Garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon, or to taste Salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper
For the Basket
  • 1 teaspoon, approximately Nonstick cooking spray or oil
Optional Add-Ins
  • 1/4 cup, if needed Seasoned breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons Cooked crumbled bacon
  • 1-2 tablespoons Grated Parmesan

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Use fully cooled mashed potatoes. Add the potatoes, egg, flour, cheddar cheese, green onion, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to a large mixing bowl.
  2. Stir the mixture just until the ingredients are evenly combined. If it seems loose or wet, add seasoned breadcrumbs 1 tablespoon at a time until it is thick enough to shape.
  3. Divide the mixture into 6 medium or 8 small portions. Shape each portion into a patty about 1/2 inch thick, handling the mixture gently.
  4. Chill the shaped cakes for 15 to 30 minutes if the mixture is soft or difficult to handle. Preheat the air fryer if your model requires it, then lightly spray the basket and both sides of each cake with oil.
  5. Arrange the potato cakes in a single layer with space between them. Air fry at 400°F for 5 to 7 minutes, carefully turn them, and cook for another 5 to 7 minutes until golden brown and crisp.
  6. Let the cakes stand for 2 to 3 minutes before serving. This brief rest allows the centers to firm slightly while the crust stays pleasantly crisp.

Notes

Cold, firm mashed potatoes work best. Very creamy potatoes may need extra flour or breadcrumbs. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket, and turn the cakes gently after the first side has browned. Begin checking at 10 minutes because cooking time varies by air fryer and cake thickness.