Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Mashed Potato Cakes

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 12-14 minutes

Total Time: Under 30 minutes

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Cooking Intensities

• Overall Difficulty: Easy

• Prep Work: Low (Mostly mixing and shaping)

• Cleanup: Low (One mixing bowl and the air fryer basket)

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Ingredients

For the Potato Cakes:

• 2 cups cold, leftover mashed potatoes

• 1 large egg, lightly beaten

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• ⅓ cup Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs (or plain Panko)

• 2 cloves garlic, minced (or ½ tsp garlic powder)

• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives or parsley

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• Salt, to taste (see note)

For the Crispy Coating:

• ⅓ cup Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs (or plain Panko)

• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

• Olive oil or avocado oil spray

For Serving (Optional):

• Sour cream or Greek yogurt

• Extra chopped chives

• Marinara sauce for dipping

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Mixture

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the cold mashed potatoes, beaten egg, ½ cup Parmesan cheese, ⅓ cup breadcrumbs, minced garlic, fresh herbs, and black pepper. Mix gently until everything is fully incorporated. Pro-Tip: If your leftover mashed potatoes were already well-seasoned, be cautious with adding extra salt. Taste a small amount of the mixture and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 2: Shape the Potato Cakes

Using your hands, divide the mixture into 8 equal portions. Form each portion into a patty about ¾-inch thick. Ensure the patties are compact so they hold together during cooking.

Step 3: Create the Crispy Coating

On a small plate or shallow bowl, combine the remaining ⅓ cup breadcrumbs and 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese. Press both sides of each potato patty firmly into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring an even coating.

Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection

1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes. This ensures a crispier start.

2. Lightly spray the preheated air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking.

3. Arrange the coated potato cakes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching. You may need to cook in two batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

4. Lightly spray the tops of the potato cakes with oil. This will help them brown beautifully.

5. Air fry for 12-14 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time, until the exterior is deep golden brown and crispy.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the potato cakes from the air fryer and let them cool for a minute or two on a wire rack (this helps maintain their crispness). Serve immediately while hot and crispy, with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of chives, or your favorite dipping sauce.

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Chef’s Notes & Tips for Success

• The Secret to Firm Cakes: Cold mashed potatoes are non-negotiable. Warm potatoes will make the mixture too sticky and difficult to shape. If your leftovers are at room temperature, chill them in the fridge for at least an hour before starting.

• Consistency is Key: If your mixture feels too wet to hold shape, add more breadcrumbs, one tablespoon at a time, until it’s manageable. If it’s too dry, add another egg yolk or a teaspoon of milk.

• Don’t Skip the Preheat: Preheating the air fryer is a small step that makes a big difference in achieving a perfectly crispy crust.

• Batch Cooking: Avoid overcrowding the basket. Cooking in a single layer with space between each cake allows for optimal hot air circulation and even crisping.

• Oven Method: No air fryer? No problem! Bake the potato cakes on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for 18-22 minutes, flipping halfway through.

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Dietary Information & Swaps

• Gluten-Free: Use certified gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers for the coating.

• Dairy-Free: Omit the Parmesan cheese. For flavor, add a tablespoon of nutritional yeast and ensure your mashed potatoes were made with dairy-free milk and butter.

• Add-Ins: Feel free to get creative! Fold in ¼ cup of cooked, crumbled bacon, finely diced ham, or shredded cheddar cheese into the potato mixture.

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Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 2 potato cakes
Calories: ~245
Total Fat: 8g

• Saturated Fat: 3.5g
  Cholesterol: 65mg
  Sodium: ~580mg
  Total Carbohydrates: 30g

• Dietary Fiber: 2g

• Sugars: 3g
  Protein: 12g

Nutritional information is an estimate and will vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, particularly the composition of your original mashed potatoes.