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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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





