Crispy Air Fryer Potato Cakes: The Best Way to Use Leftover Mashed Potatoes
Discover the ultimate solution for those inevitable leftover mashed potatoes with our incredibly simple yet delicious Air Fryer Potato Cakes! These golden-brown wonders are perfectly crispy on the outside, offering a delightful contrast to their light, fluffy, and creamy center. Forget about waste and hello to a new family favorite that serves as a fantastic side dish, a tempting appetizer, or even a hearty breakfast option, especially when topped with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh chives.
If you’re anything like me, making mashed potatoes often results in a generous surplus. It’s a common kitchen dilemma – you always want to ensure there’s enough for everyone, leading to more than you actually need. Instead of letting those delicious leftovers go to waste, this easy air fryer recipe provides a brilliant way to transform them into something entirely new and equally satisfying.
While leftover mashed potatoes are perfect for classic dishes like shepherd’s pie, sometimes you crave something quicker and less involved. That’s where these versatile mashed potato patties come in. Known interchangeably as potato cakes or potato pancakes, they’re incredibly adaptable and can be customized to your taste.
What makes this recipe truly stand out is its simplicity. Beyond your cold mashed potatoes, you only need a handful of common pantry staples: eggs, flour, and a few basic seasonings. The magic of the air fryer ensures they achieve that desirable golden crispness without the need for excessive oil or messy pan-frying.
Traditionally, we enjoy these crispy potato cakes as a comforting side dish with dinner. However, their versatility extends far beyond! They make an excellent addition to a brunch spread or a filling breakfast. Imagine them alongside fluffy air fryer egg bites and savory air fryer turkey bacon for a complete and satisfying meal that will keep you energized.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Air Fryer Potato Cake Recipe
- Effortless Crispy Perfection: Forget the traditional dredging in flour and deep-frying! These potato cakes achieve a beautiful golden-brown and satisfyingly crispy exterior in the air fryer with just a minimal amount of oil. This makes them a healthier and much less messy alternative to stovetop versions.
- Perfect for Meal Prep & Make-Ahead: This recipe specifically calls for cold mashed potatoes, which means it’s perfect for prepping ahead of time. You can make your mashed potatoes a day or two in advance, or even shape the patties and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to air fry. It’s an ideal solution for busy weeknights or entertaining.
- Smart Way to Repurpose Leftovers: This recipe is an ingenious way to give leftover mashed potatoes a delicious second life. Instead of letting them sit in the fridge, you can effortlessly transform them into a completely new and exciting dish. Plus, you likely already have all the necessary ingredients in your pantry and fridge, making it a budget-friendly and convenient option.
Essential Ingredients for Your Air Fryer Potato Cakes
Below, you’ll find a detailed overview of the key ingredients required for these delicious potato patties. For precise quantities and a complete list, please refer to the comprehensive recipe card located at the end of this post.
- Mashed Potatoes: You’ll need about 3 cups of mashed potatoes for this recipe. The crucial tip here is to ensure they are *cold*. Cold mashed potatoes have a much thicker, firmer consistency, which is essential for shaping the patties and preventing them from falling apart during cooking. If your mashed potatoes are too loose, they won’t hold their shape.
- Eggs: Two large eggs act as a vital binding agent, helping to hold the potato cakes together. They contribute to the overall structure and provide a slight richness.
- Flour: All-purpose white flour is used here, also serving as a binder. It helps absorb any excess moisture from the mashed potatoes and ensures the patties maintain their form. For a gluten-free option, a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend can be successfully substituted.
- Seasonings: A simple yet effective combination of salt, pepper, and garlic powder is all it takes to elevate the flavor. Remember that the amount needed might vary based on how well your leftover mashed potatoes were seasoned initially. Always taste your mashed potatoes first and adjust salt and pepper accordingly. Feel free to experiment with other spices like onion powder, paprika, or even a pinch of cayenne for a subtle kick.
- Chives: Freshly chopped chives add a beautiful oniony, herbaceous note that complements the potatoes perfectly. They’re incorporated into the mixture and can also be used as a garnish for a fresh finish. If chives aren’t available, finely chopped green onions (scallions) make an excellent substitute.
- Oil: To achieve that irresistible golden brown and crispy exterior in the air fryer, a small amount of oil is necessary. A cooking spray or a non-stick spray works well for even coverage. Alternatively, you can lightly brush the patties with a high-heat oil like extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil.
How to Make Perfect Mashed Potato Cakes in Your Air Fryer
Creating these crispy air fryer potato cakes is incredibly straightforward. Follow these steps for golden perfection:
- Prepare the Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine your cold mashed potatoes, eggs, all-purpose flour, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated. If your mashed potatoes are particularly thick or lumpy, a potato masher can help achieve a smoother, more uniform consistency.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Gently stir in the chopped fresh chives. These add a wonderful fresh flavor and visual appeal to your potato patties.
- Portion the Patties: To ensure consistent size and even cooking, use a 1/4 cup measuring cup or a large cookie scoop to portion out the potato mixture. This will help you create uniformly sized patties.
- Shape the Patties: With slightly moistened hands (this helps prevent sticking), gently shape each portion into a patty, aiming for approximately 1/2-inch thick. You should be able to form about 10 patties from this recipe.
- Prepare for Air Frying: Lightly grease your air fryer basket with cooking spray or a little oil. Carefully arrange the potato patties in a single layer within the basket. It’s crucial not to overcrowd the basket, as this prevents even airflow and crisping. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you will likely need to cook the patties in 2 or 3 batches.
- Oil the Tops: Spray the tops of the patties with oil or gently brush a thin layer of oil onto each one. This ensures they achieve that beautiful golden-brown color and crispy texture.
- Air Fry to Perfection: Air fry the patties at 400°F (200°C) for 8-9 minutes. Carefully flip each potato cake over, then spray or brush the other side with more oil. Continue air frying for an additional 6-7 minutes, or until both sides are perfectly browned and crispy. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Storage and Freezing Tips for Air Fryer Potato Cakes
These mashed potato pancakes are undoubtedly at their best when enjoyed fresh, hot, and wonderfully crispy. However, if you find yourself with leftovers, proper storage ensures you can savor them later.
For refrigerated storage, allow the potato cakes to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They will keep well in the fridge for 3-4 days. It’s important to consider the initial age of your mashed potatoes; if they were already a few days old when you made the patties, it’s best to consume the potato cakes within a day or two to ensure optimal freshness and safety.
These potato cakes also freeze beautifully! Once completely cooled, arrange the patties in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment or wax paper to prevent sticking. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months, making them a fantastic make-ahead option for quick meals.
To reheat, simply air fry the patties at 400°F (200°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and re-crisped. If reheating from frozen, it’s best to let them defrost in the fridge first before air frying for the best results, though you can air fry from frozen by adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time and ensuring they are heated through to the center.
Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Potato Cakes
The best potatoes for potato cakes are those that yield the best mashed potatoes. Opt for low-moisture, starchy varieties such as Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes. These types are known for creating a fluffy, creamy, and thick mashed potato base, which is ideal for shaping firm patties that won’t fall apart during air frying.
Potato cakes typically fall apart if the mixture is too wet. This can happen if your mashed potatoes have too much moisture or if the consistency isn’t thick enough. The good news is, it’s an easy fix! Simply add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the potato cake mixture becomes cohesive and holds its shape. Be cautious not to add too much flour, as this can result in dry or dense patties.
While this recipe hasn’t been specifically tested with instant mashed potatoes, it might be possible. The key is to ensure the instant mashed potatoes are prepared to be thick and not overly wet, allowing them to bind properly with the eggs and flour. If you try it, aim for a consistency that is firm enough to shape into patties without crumbling.
Absolutely! Making air fryer potato cakes in advance is one of their best features. Since you need cold mashed potatoes for the recipe, you can prepare your mashed potatoes the day before. You can also fully prepare and shape the patties a day in advance, store them covered in a single layer in the refrigerator, and simply air fry them when you’re ready to serve. This makes them perfect for entertaining or quick weeknight meals.
Yes, this recipe can easily be adapted to be gluten-free. Simply substitute the all-purpose white flour with a good quality 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Ensure your chosen blend is designed for baking and has a good binding capability.
For air frying, it’s best to use oils with a high smoke point. Avocado oil, grapeseed oil, or a light olive oil work well. You can use an olive oil spray or a cooking oil mister for even coating. A light brushing with extra virgin olive oil also works effectively for achieving a crispy exterior.
Absolutely! Adding cheese is a fantastic way to elevate these air fryer potato cakes. Simply mix about 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Parmesan cheese into the potato mixture along with the chives. The cheese will melt and create a wonderfully gooey center.
Key Recipe Tips for the Best Air Fryer Potato Cakes
- Seasoning is Key: The recipe calls for a moderate amount of seasoning because most mashed potatoes are already seasoned. However, if your leftover mashed potatoes are unseasoned or bland, you will definitely want to increase the salt and pepper, and possibly the garlic powder, to taste. Don’t be afraid to taste the mixture (before adding raw eggs) and adjust!
- Managing Wet Mashed Potatoes: If your mashed potatoes are on the wetter side, they might not bind properly. This is easily remedied by adding a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until the mixture is firm enough to form into patties that hold their shape. The goal is a firm, pliable consistency.
- Dealing with a Sticky Mixture: The potato patty mixture can be a bit sticky, which is normal. To make shaping easier, keep a small bowl of water nearby and rinse or moisten your hands periodically. This prevents the mixture from sticking excessively to your palms.
- Avoid Parchment Paper: Based on testing, I highly recommend against using air fryer parchment paper (even with holes) to line the basket for this recipe. The patties tend to stick to the parchment, and they don’t achieve the same level of crispness. Direct contact with the air fryer basket (when lightly greased) is essential for that perfect crispy exterior.
- Air Fry in a Single Layer: For consistent, even cooking and maximum crispiness, it is crucial to air fry these potato cakes in a single layer without overcrowding the basket. The patties will puff up slightly as they cook, requiring space for proper airflow. This recipe yields 10 patties, so you will likely need to cook them in two (or even three) batches. The cook time in the recipe card accounts for this.
- Air Fryer Model Variations: I developed this recipe using a Cosori 5.8-quart air fryer. Keep in mind that air fryer models, sizes, and brands can vary significantly in their cooking power and efficiency. You may need to adjust the air frying time and temperature slightly to achieve the perfect golden-brown and crispy potato cakes in your specific appliance.
- Don’t Skimp on Oil: While the air fryer uses minimal oil, don’t skip the step of spraying or brushing oil onto the patties. This thin layer of oil is what helps create that beautiful golden color and delicious crispy texture that makes these potato cakes so irresistible.
Serving Suggestions for Your Air Fryer Potato Cakes
These incredibly versatile crispy potato cakes can be enjoyed in so many ways! Their mild flavor and delightful texture make them a perfect accompaniment to a variety of meals. For a simple and classic presentation, serve them hot with a dollop of cool sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh chopped chives or green onions. They also pair wonderfully with applesauce for a touch of sweetness, or a side of creamy ranch dressing for a savory dip. Consider them as a unique substitute for hash browns or home fries at breakfast, served alongside eggs and bacon or sausage. For dinner, they complement roasted chicken, grilled fish, or even a hearty vegetarian stew. Get creative and enjoy!
More Delicious Air Fryer Potato Recipes to Try
- Crispy Air Fryer Potato Wedges
- Perfectly Roasted Air Fryer Baby Potatoes
- Easy Air Fryer Potato Slices
- Sweet and Savory Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges
- Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Potatoes
- Classic Air Fryer Home Fries
If you’ve tried this recipe for Air Fryer Potato Cakes and loved them as much as we do, please share your thoughts in the comments section below! Your feedback is always appreciated.
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Air Fryer Potato Cakes
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- Author: Leanne
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 10 patties
Category: Side Dish, Appetizer
Method: Air Fry
Cuisine: American, Canadian
Description
These Air Fryer Potato Cakes offer a quick and delicious way to use up your leftover mashed potatoes. They emerge from the air fryer perfectly crispy and golden brown on the outside, while maintaining a wonderfully light and fluffy texture within. With minimal oil, they’re a healthier and easier alternative to pan-fried versions, making them an ideal side dish or appetizer for any meal.
Ingredients
- 3 cups (600g) cold mashed potatoes (crucial for firm patties)
- 2 large eggs (for binding)
- 1/2 cup (70g) all purpose white flour (or 1:1 gluten-free flour blend)
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt (adjust to taste based on mashed potatoes)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives (plus more for garnish, or use green onions)
- Oil (such as olive or avocado oil, to spray or brush on patties for crisping)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the cold mashed potatoes, eggs, flour, salt, garlic powder, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined. If your mashed potatoes are particularly thick or slightly lumpy, you may use a potato masher or your hands to ensure a smooth, uniform mixture.
- Gently stir in the chopped chives, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the potato mixture.
- Use a 1/4 cup measuring cup or a large cookie scoop to portion out the potato mixture. This helps create consistently sized patties for even cooking.
- With slightly moistened hands to prevent sticking, gently shape each portion into a round or oval patty, aiming for approximately 1/2-inch thick. You should yield about 10 patties.
- Lightly grease your air fryer basket with spray oil. Arrange the potato patties in a single layer within the basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. You will need to air fry the patties in 2-3 batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Spray or lightly brush the tops of the arranged patties with oil. This promotes browning and crispiness.
- Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8-9 minutes. Carefully flip the potato cakes over using a spatula, then spray or brush more oil on the other side. Continue air frying for an additional 6-7 minutes, or until the patties are beautifully golden brown and crispy on both sides. Serve immediately.
Notes
- This recipe uses a modest amount of seasoning, assuming your leftover mashed potatoes were already seasoned. If your mashed potatoes were plain, you’ll need to add more salt and pepper to the mixture. Taste and adjust before shaping.
- If your mashed potatoes are very wet or loose, add an extra tablespoon of flour at a time until the mixture is firm enough to easily form patties.
- The potato mixture can be sticky. Keep your hands slightly damp while shaping the patties to prevent sticking.
- For optimal crispiness and even cooking, always air fry the potato cakes in a single layer without overcrowding the basket. Since the recipe yields 10 patties, you’ll likely need to cook them in at least two batches.
- The total cook time indicated in the recipe card (30 minutes) is an estimation for cooking all 10 patties in batches.
- Cooking times can vary between different air fryer models and brands. This recipe was tested with a Cosori 5.8-quart air fryer. You may need to adjust the air frying time and temperature slightly for your specific appliance.
- Be sure to review the “Key Recipe Tips” and “FAQs” sections above the recipe card for more in-depth advice, troubleshooting, and suggestions to ensure the best results for your Air Fryer Potato Cakes.
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