Our mashed air fryer potato pancakes are the best way to use leftover mashed potatoes into a new meal or side dish. Crispy outside with cheese inside. Similar to our homemade air fryer latkes but creamy with holiday leftovers.
Looking for the best leftover mashed potato recipe? Try these made with cheese, bacon bits and chives. With a crispy outside and creamy inside you’ll get hooked on these after Thanksgiving for sure. One of many easy air fryer recipes you’ll want to make after the holidays.
Ninja Foodi (Option)
You can use whichever brand of machine you have. I have three of them and really they all work basically the same except with this one you use the lid that is attached. Also, some have a larger air fryer basket so you can cook in fewer batches but other than that there’s no difference. Gets all my food crispy and crunch on the outside like we love.
We started this journey by making air fryer mashed potato balls which are fun too. I hate wasting food so if I can make a delicious second dish the next day (that takes like it’s new and fresh) it’s a win.
Tips: My Favorite models are the Cosori or making Ninja Foodi recipes with the lid that is attached.
It is best practice to put food into a hot basket. This is how to preheat air fryer first before adding your food so it becomes as crispy as possible. For best results, here’s a printable free air fryer cooking time chart here for your fridge.
Can you make potato pancakes with instant mashed potatoes?
Yes you could certainly make these out of freshly made Instant Pot mashed potatoes or if you wanted them year round, fast, you can buy a bag that just needs water to transform from flakes to this favorite fluffy side. Then just add the add ins with all purpose flour to thicken it up into almost a dough and you are ready to “fry”.
What should you add to mashed potato pancakes?
Bacon bits are probably the most common and popular. After the holidays like Easter you will have a lot of leftover ham diced fine. Diced chives are nice for a little color and texture as well as shredded cheese (we like sharp cheddar). As for seasonings I would add salt, pepper and finely diced air fryer garlic bits.
Sour cream is a must at the end though if you ask me. It adds a creaminess to the crispy outside texture and is the way I ate them as a child so we go with that as a must.
How long do you cook potato pancakes in an air fryer?
About 15 minutes but cook time will depend on how thick and large yours are. You may have made smashed potatoes air fryer style the day before and made way too many. This would work great for those too even if the skins were left on.
Made with Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Typically these are made with “regular” mashed taters but air fryer mashed sweet potatoes would be wonderful too. In this case I would top with a sugar and cinnamon blend for a breakfast treat maybe.
Tips for Success
You’ll want to add a bit of all purpose flour into the mix to stiffen them up. Makes sense since as is they would be too soft.
An egg works together to make them into a stiffer dough of sorts that you can flatten with the palms of your hands. To prevent sticking for this, use a bit of foil or parchment paper underneath them. Typically I do not recommend this because it prevents the air flow but it’s kinda’ a must for these.
You’ll want to flip these babies over half way thru because the bottom is not exposed to the hot air. This way both sides get crispy the way you’ve had them at restaurants. There is a printable recipe card at the bottom of this post but here’s a quick peek at how we did it here:
You do not need a pan like we used with our air fryer pancakes for breakfast as the batter is thick enough using this method. Make just a few or in batches keeping what is already cooked on a tray in the oven until they are all done.
These are different than air fryer latkes as those you would need to grate potatoes from scratch. I am working on creating those so you can have both on hand to try out. This potato pancake recipe is just as good, just different. You can jump to recipe below but remember the nutritional information will vary depending on your prior recipe.
Air Fryer Potato Pancakes Recipe
Equipment
- 1 air fryer
Ingredients
- 2 cup mashed potatoes
- 1 cup cheddar cheese
- 2 large green onions, diced
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup all purpose flour
- 1 pinch salt, to taste
Instructions
- In a bowl mix all ingredients together. Preheat air fryer to 380 degrees F for 5 minutes. Lay a small piece of non stick aluminum foil in your air fryer basket, or spray foil with olive oil spray.
- Make patties that use about 1/4 c. of your mixture. Lay on foil without overlapping patties.
- Cook for 8 minutes, then flip patties over and cook an additional 5-8 minutes or until the outsides are as crispy as you'd like.
- Top with sour cream, salt and pepper and diced chives.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
How to reheat leftovers
Didn’t finish them all the first go around? Can you save them? Yes and no. If you used leftovers I probably wouldn’t chill again and then reheat once more. However if you made from fresh I’d keep and reheat in your air fryer at 400 fro 2 minutes the next day. Wrap them in foil once cooled and enjoy again within 1-2 days later for best results.
They are really best fresh right out of the basket though because the texture will change quite a bit when they are chilled.
Oooh such a fantastic use of leftovers and I love those crispy edges using the air fryer!
This was such a unique and unexpected recipe that does not disappoint! Turned out perfectly crispy and delicious; easily, the best way to enjoy potatoes!
Any ideas on what to serve with them besides sour cream? They turned out amazing, and next time, I want to pair them with a couple sauce options.
These were so tasty! Topped them with sour cream, chives and bacon bits, delish!
These potato pancakes were so easy to make in the air fryer! They turned out extra crispy, the kids loved them!
I loved the cheesy center of these delicious potato pancakes! Thank for an awesome recipe!
What an absolutely wonderful recipe! These potato pancakes are so heavenly – cheesy, crispy and delicious!