Air Fryer Potato Cakes – Crispy Mashed Potato Patties

Crispy mashed potato patties with a savory, rich flavor and a satisfying panko crunch. Minimal prep and hands-off cooking.

Equipment

• Air fryer
• Large mixing bowl
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Shallow dish
• Wire rack

Ingredients

• Cold mashed potatoes
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• 1 beaten egg
• Flour
• Chives
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Panko breadcrumbs
• Cooking spray

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cold mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar, Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, flour, chives, garlic powder, and onion powder. Season generously with salt and pepper.
2. Use a sturdy spatula or a wooden spoon to mix all the ingredients until they are fully incorporated. The mixture should be thick and hold together when pressed. If it feels too wet, add an extra tablespoon of flour.
3. Scoop about 1/4 cup of the potato mixture and form it into a ball. Gently flatten it into a patty that is roughly 3 inches wide and 3/4 inch thick. Repeat this process with the remaining mixture.
4. Place the panko breadcrumbs in a shallow dish. Carefully dredge each potato patty in the panko, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere well to all sides.
5. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.
6. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the potato cakes in a single layer in the basket, leaving a small space between each for air circulation. Depending on your air fryer size, you may need to cook them in batches. Lightly spray the top of the patties with cooking spray to promote browning.
7. Air fry for 12-16 minutes, or until the patties are deep golden brown and crispy. Flip the potato cakes halfway through the cooking time to ensure they cook evenly on both sides.
8. Carefully remove the potato cakes from the air fryer and let them rest on a wire rack for a couple of minutes. This helps maintain their crispiness. Serve hot.

Notes

Using cold mashed potatoes is essential for shaping. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary. For extra crispiness, chill formed patties for 30 minutes before coating. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes.

Nutrition

Calories: 178 kcal · Total Fat: 7g · Saturated Fat: 3.5g · Cholesterol: 42mg · Sodium: 310mg · Total Carbohydrates: 21g · Dietary Fiber: 2g · Sugars: 2g · Protein: 6g · Vitamin D: 1% DV · Calcium: 10% DV · Iron: 6% DV · Potassium: 6% DV