Air Fryer Cheesy Potato Balls

Air Fryer Cheesy Potato Balls is a easy Italian recipe that serves 4. 442 calories per serving. Recipe by Essen Recipes on YouTube.

Prep: 52 min | Cook: 35 min | Total: 1 hr 42 min

Cost: $5.60 total, $1.40 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1.2 lb Yellow Small Potatoes (cut in half)
  • ½ tsp Salt (for seasoning the first batch of potatoes)
  • ½ tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
  • ½ tsp Dried Thyme
  • ½ tsp Smoked Paprika
  • ½ tsp Onion Powder
  • ½ tsp Garlic Powder
  • 2 tbsp Melted Butter (or olive oil)
  • ½ cup Parmesan Cheese, grated (about 40 g)
  • 2 Whole Potatoes (unpeeled) (for boiling and grating)
  • 1 tbsp Salt (for boiling)
  • 50 g Mozzarella Cheese, grated
  • 50 g Halloumi Cheese, grated
  • 30 g White Rice Flour (about ¼ cup)
  • few drops Olive Oil (to grease hands and optional coating)
  • 1 tbsp Fresh Parsley (chopped, for garnish)
  • 2 tbsp Parmesan Cheese, extra (for final garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Air Fryer

    Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for about 5 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 400°F

  2. Season First Batch of Potatoes

    In a large bowl combine the halved 1.2 lb potatoes, ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper, ½ tsp dried thyme, ½ tsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp onion powder, ½ tsp garlic powder, 2 tbsp melted butter (or olive oil) and ½ cup grated Parmesan. Toss until evenly coated.

    Time: PT10M

  3. Air‑Fry Seasoned Potatoes

    Place the seasoned potatoes in the preheated air‑fryer basket in a single layer. Air‑fry for 10 minutes, shaking halfway through.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: 400°F

  4. Boil Whole Potatoes

    While the first batch cooks, bring a pot of water to a boil, add 1 tbsp salt and the 2 whole unpeeled potatoes. Boil for 10 minutes until tender but still firm.

    Time: PT15M

    Temperature: 212°F

  5. Cool and Grate Boiled Potatoes

    Drain the boiled potatoes, spread them on a plate and let them cool completely (about 10 minutes). Then grate them using a coarse grater into a large bowl.

    Time: PT15M

  6. Combine All Potato Ingredients

    To the bowl with grated potatoes add the mozzarella, halloumi, white rice flour, a pinch of salt, a pinch of black pepper, ½ tsp garlic powder and ½ tsp smoked paprika. Mix thoroughly with a spatula or clean hands until a cohesive dough forms.

    Time: PT10M

  7. Shape Potato Balls

    Grease your hands with a few drops of olive oil. Scoop the mixture with an ice‑cream scoop (or tablespoon) and roll into uniform balls (about 1‑inch diameter). Optionally brush each ball lightly with olive oil for extra crispness.

    Time: PT10M

  8. Air‑Fry Potato Balls

    Arrange the balls in a single layer in the air‑fryer basket. Air‑fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes, shaking or turning halfway through, until golden and crisp on the outside.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: 400°F

  9. Finish and Serve

    Transfer the hot potato balls to a serving plate, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and extra grated Parmesan. Serve immediately.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
442
Protein
15 g
Carbohydrates
55 g
Fat
20 g
Fiber
5 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Allergens: Milk, Cheese, Butter

Last updated: April 19, 2026

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Air Fryer Cheesy Potato Balls

Recipe by Essen Recipes

Crispy, golden‑brown potato balls packed with mozzarella, halloumi and Parmesan, cooked to perfection in an air fryer. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or side dish for any gathering.

EasyItalianServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
32m
Prep
55m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 37m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$5.60
Total cost
$1.40
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Seasoning the first batch of potatoes evenly
  • Boiling whole potatoes just until tender
  • Mixing the grated potatoes with rice flour to achieve a binding dough
  • Shaping uniform balls to ensure even air‑frying
  • Avoiding overcrowding in the air‑fryer basket

Safety Warnings

  • Handle the boiling water with care to avoid burns.
  • The air fryer basket becomes extremely hot; use tongs or oven mitts when removing.
  • Olive oil droplets can cause splatter; add drops slowly when greasing hands.

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