Air fryer potato cakes

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of mashed potatoes (about 4 medium-sized potatoes)
• 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)
• Cooking spray or oil (for coating the air fryer basket)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Potatoes:
   • Peel and dice the potatoes into small chunks.
   • Place them in a large pot of boiling water and cook until they are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
   • Drain the potatoes and mash them thoroughly. Allow them to cool slightly.
2. Combine Ingredients:
   • In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, grated cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.
3. Form Potato Cakes:
   • Divide the potato mixture into equal portions and shape them into patties or cakes. You can make them as thick or thin as you prefer.
4. Preheat Air Fryer:
   • Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
5. Air Fry Potato Cakes:
   • Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or a small amount of oil.
   • Place the potato cakes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd them. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
   • Air fry the potato cakes at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
6. Serve:
   • Once the potato cakes are cooked to your desired level of crispiness, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes:

• You can customize these potato cakes by adding ingredients like diced bacon, chopped herbs, or different types of cheese to the mixture for added flavor.
• Be sure to use cold, leftover mashed potatoes or allow freshly mashed potatoes to cool down before using in this recipe. Cold mashed potatoes hold their shape better when cooking.
• The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your potato cakes and the specific model of your air fryer. Keep an eye on them and adjust the cooking time as needed.
• Serve your air fryer potato cakes with sour cream, ketchup, or your favorite dipping sauce for a delicious snack or side dish.
• Remember to preheat your air fryer to ensure even cooking and crispiness.

Enjoy your homemade air fryer potato cakes!

Tips:

1. Panko Bread Crumbs: For extra crispiness, consider using panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs in the potato mixture.
2. Seasoning: Feel free to experiment with different seasonings and herbs. Fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or dill can add a burst of flavor.
3. Freezing: You can make a larger batch of potato cakes and freeze them for later use. Place the formed potato cakes on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer them to a resealable freezer bag. When you’re ready to cook them, you can air fry them directly from frozen, but you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
4. Leftover Mashed Potatoes: This recipe is a great way to use up leftover mashed potatoes from a previous meal. Just make sure they are well-seasoned to enhance the flavor of your potato cakes.

Variations:

1. Loaded Potato Cakes: Add crumbled cooked bacon, sour cream, and shredded cheddar cheese to the potato mixture for a loaded potato cake experience.
2. Sweet Potato Cakes: Swap out the regular potatoes for sweet potatoes for a sweeter and slightly different flavor profile. You can also add a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg for extra seasoning.
3. Vegetable Additions: Mix in finely grated carrots, zucchini, or spinach for added color and nutrition.
4. Spicy Potato Cakes: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the potato mixture for a spicy kick.
5. Dipping Sauces: Experiment with various dipping sauces like aioli, sriracha mayo, or a homemade ranch dressing.
6. Mini Potato Cakes: Make smaller potato cakes for appetizers or finger foods. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
7. Gluten-Free Version: If you’re following a gluten-free diet, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers in place of regular breadcrumbs.

Remember that air fryers can vary in cooking times and temperatures, so it’s a good idea to check the potato cakes periodically while they cook to ensure they don’t overcook or burn. Enjoy your potato cakes with your favorite accompaniments!