Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Mashed Potato Cakes

Air Fryer mashed potato cakes are a delicious and easy way to enjoy your favorite comfort food. The potatoes are first mashed with garlic and Parmesan cheese, then formed into small cakes. They are then rolled in Panko and air fried to perfection, resulting in a crispy golden brown exterior and a fluffy interior. 

It’s my new favorite way to use up leftover mashed potatoes. If you have extra mashed potatoes, try these Potato Jalapeno cheese bites for a spicy kick.

Air Fryer Mashed Potato Cakes

Mashed potato cakes are one of my all-time favorite foods. They're super flavorful and endlessly versatile. I love to serve them with a dollop of sour cream on top and a few bacon crumbles and green onions. I love that they can be served as a side dish or as an appetizer, and they're always a hit with friends and family.

How to Make air-fried Potato Cakes

To make the potato cakes, simply combine leftover mashed potatoes with some shredded cheese, an egg, and some chopped green onions. Then shape the mixture into small patties and air fry for about 10 minutes.

Ingredients

• 2 cups mashed potatoes. Not too liquidy or too runny
• 1 egg
• 3 garlic cloves, finely minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
• 3 Tablespoons All-purpose flour (or flour of choice)
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese. (Can sub with cheddar cheese or cheese of choice) +½ cup parmesan for coating
• 1 teaspoon seasoning of choice. I used Italian seasoning
• ½ cup breadcrumbs. I use Panko breadcrumbs
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh chopped parsley for garnish (or green onions or fresh dill, finely chopped)
• A dollop of sour cream on top of each potato cake
• Bacon crumbles (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the air fryer to 375F/190C for 3 minutes

In a large bowl, add the mashed potatoes, egg, minced garlic, ½ cup grated parmesan cheese, seasoning, salt & pepper, and 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. Mix until all ingredients are well combined.

Place ½ cup parmesan cheese and ½ cup breadcrumbs in a shallow dish and mix them together.

Divide the potato mixture into 8 equal parts and using your hand form 8 patties. approximately ½ to ¾ inch thick. Roll the patties in the parmesan/breadcrumbs mixture to coat.

Spray Air fryer basket tray with spray oil or lightly brush with oil.

Carefully place mashed potato patties into air fryer basket/tray. Do not overcrowd them, give them some space.

Air fry mode 375F/190C for 8 minutes, flipping halfway. Once flipped on the other side, be sure to spray again. In other words, cook for 4 minutes per side or until the breading crisps up and reach golden brown color.

Let them cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley, sour cream on top, bacon crumbles, and scallions, if desired.

What Potatoes Can I Use for Mashed Potato Cakes?

While you can technically use any type of potato for mashed potato cakes, certain varieties will produce better results. 

For air fryer mashed potato cakes, you'll want to use potatoes that are high in starch and low in moisture. This will help to create a light and fluffy cake that browns nicely in the air fryer. 

Idaho potatoes or Yukon gold potatoes are both good choices. 

If you have time, it's also worth taking the extra step of boiling the potatoes in salted water before mashing them. This will help to bring out their natural flavor.

Potato Tips for the Best Air-fried Potato Cakes

Be sure your mashed potatoes are not too liquid or runny. If they are on the runnier side, you may need to add extra flour to make the batter thicker.

Work with cold mashed potatoes that were sitting in the fridge for a while. Best overnight mashed potatoes.

While boxed mashed potatoes may work, it is better to make real mashed potatoes from scratch.

Storage

If you have any leftover mashed potato cakes, they can be stored in the fridge for up to a week. Simply place them in an airtight container and enjoy them within seven days. Reheat in the air fryer for 2 minutes per side to bring back their outer crisp and inner warmth.

Freeze them in a single layer on parchment paper and transfer them to a freezer zip-lock bag. Use them within 3 months. Reheat in the air fryer at a lower temp (350F/175C) for 2-3 minutes per side.

Serving

Mashed Potato Cakes pair well with other simple sides like steamed vegetables or a salad. 

They can be served with a variety of sauces, from ketchup and mustard to homemade Chipotle sauce. 

If you're feeling creative, mashed potato cakes can also be used as a base for other dishes like Shepherd's pie or Vegetarian pot pie.

Other Air fryer Potato Appetizers

• Jalapeno poppers cheese balls
• Air fryer Potato fritters with scallion and bacon
• Sweet potato fritters
• Loaded Potato Skins