Crispy Potato Balls Recipe

Meet your new favorite party snack: Crispy Potato Balls! These golden, cheesy spheres have an irresistibly crunchy shell with a fluffy, spiced potato center. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just in the mood for a satisfying treat, this recipe always turns humble potatoes into pure happiness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Unbeatable Crunch: Every bite bursts with the shattering crunch of a perfectly fried shell.
  • Simple Ingredients: You probably have everything you need in your kitchen—no fancy shopping required.
  • Customizable Flavors: From classic to bold, you can play with spices and toppings to suit any tastebud.
  • Party Approved: Crispy Potato Balls are always the first thing to disappear at gatherings, and they reheat beautifully for late-night snacks.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Just a handful of kitchen staples come together to create these Crispy Potato Balls. Each ingredient brings something special—whether it’s that signature crunch, a pop of color, or a cheesy note that’ll have everyone reaching for seconds.

  • Potatoes (3, peeled & chopped): The starchy star—choose russet for an ultra-fluffy inside, or Yukon Gold for a buttery finish.
  • Corn starch (3 tbsp): The secret to the crispiest exterior; it binds the potatoes and gives the balls their signature golden crunch.
  • Parsley, minced: Adds a burst of freshness and color to every bite.
  • Parmesan cheese, grated: For a salty, umami flavor that melts tantalizingly throughout the potato.
  • Spices—garlic powder (2 tsp), onion powder (2 tsp), smoked paprika (2 tsp), cumin powder (1/2 tsp), and salt: These boost every ball with savory warmth and depth; feel free to swap or add other favorites based on what you love.
  • Sweet Chilli Mayo (optional): Mix equal parts sweet chilli sauce and mayonnaise for the perfect creamy, tangy dip.
  • Neutral oil for frying: Any high smoke point oil (canola, vegetable, or sunflower) will give you that delicious golden coat.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

The beauty of Crispy Potato Balls is how easy they are to adapt. Don’t be shy about swapping in new herbs, cheeses, or even making them gluten-free—they’re meant to be your canvas for culinary creativity!

  • Cheese Lover’s Edition: Add shredded mozzarella or cheddar for an extra cheesy, gooey center.
  • Herb Garden: Try mixing in chopped chives, dill, or basil for delicious bursts of fresh flavor.
  • Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of cayenne or hot paprika gives your potato balls some heat—perfect for spice fans.
  • Gluten-Free Delight: These are naturally gluten-free, but always double-check your corn starch and seasonings!

How to Make Crispy Potato Balls

Step 1: Boil and Prepare the Potatoes

Start by peeling and chopping your potatoes into even chunks. Drop them into a pot of well-salted boiling water and cook until fork-tender, usually about 15-18 minutes—just until they break apart effortlessly. Once ready, drain them thoroughly and let them steam off any excess moisture in the colander, which keeps your potato balls light and fluffy inside.

Step 2: Mash and Season

Transfer those perfectly cooked spuds to a large mixing bowl. Mash them up (a potato ricer makes life easier, but a fork works just fine). Sprinkle in the corn starch, fresh parsley, grated parmesan, and all your spices—garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cumin, and a big pinch of salt. Mix until smooth and completely combined.

Step 3: Shape the Balls

Once your mixture is cool enough to handle, scoop out about two tablespoons at a time and roll the mixture between your palms into even little balls. If the mix feels sticky, dust your hands with a bit of corn starch. Keep going until you’ve used up all the potato goodness.

Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat neutral oil in a deep pot or fryer to 170°C (350°F). Gently lower each potato ball into the oil—avoid crowding—and fry for 10-12 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re deeply golden and sporting a gorgeously crispy exterior. Set them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

While still warm, shower your Crispy Potato Balls with a little more grated parmesan. Serve right away with sweet chilli mayo, and watch them disappear in minutes!

Pro Tips for Making Crispy Potato Balls

  • Steam Off Excess Moisture: Let your drained potatoes sit in the colander for a few minutes before mashing—this helps evaporate water and ensures your potato balls stay crisp, not soggy.
  • The Parmesan Trick: Mix some parmesan right into the potato for cheesy flavor throughout, then grate more on top when serving for double the deliciousness.
  • Keep That Oil Hot: Always check your frying oil temperature—if it drops too low, the balls will absorb oil rather than crisp up. A kitchen thermometer is your best friend here.
  • Batch Frying: Fry in small batches so each ball gets an even, golden crust (and so your oil temperature doesn’t dip!).

How to Serve Crispy Potato Balls

Crispy Potato Balls Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Finish your Crispy Potato Balls with a shower of freshly grated parmesan cheese and a generous dusting of minced parsley. The bright green and snowy cheese make them look as tempting as they taste, and the fresh herbs add a pop of flavor that elevates every bite.

Side Dishes

Pair these irresistible bites with a zesty salad, a bowl of tomato soup, or an array of dips (think tangy sweet chilli mayo, herbed yogurt, or even classic ketchup). They make a fantastic starter before any meal and are brilliant alongside burgers or roasted vegetables.

Creative Ways to Present

Try skewering your Crispy Potato Balls on cocktail sticks for an eye-catching appetizer platter, or pile them into a rustic bowl with a beautiful drizzle of your favorite dip. For parties, serve them in paper cones or mini fry baskets for that bistro-style wow factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, keep your Crispy Potato Balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure they’re completely cool before sealing them up so they retain their freshness.

Freezing

These freeze beautifully! Once fried and cooled, set the balls on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to a month—just pull out as many as you need, whenever the craving strikes.

Reheating

To bring back that irresistible crunch, reheat your potato balls in an oven or air fryer at 350°F (180°C) for about 8-10 minutes, or until piping hot and crispy. They’re just as good (maybe better!) the second time around.

FAQs

  1. Can I make Crispy Potato Balls in advance?

    Absolutely! You can shape (but not fry) the balls up to a day ahead. Keep them covered in the fridge, then fry fresh just before serving for the very best crunch.

  2. What’s the best potato to use for this recipe?

    Russet potatoes yield a fluffy inside and a beautifully crisp shell, but Yukon Golds create a lovely buttery flavor. Both work wonderfully—just use what you have on hand!

  3. Is there an alternative to deep frying?

    For a lighter option, you can air fry the potato balls at 400°F (200°C) for about 12-14 minutes, turning once, until golden and crispy. The shell won’t be as thick, but they’re still delicious.

  4. Can I add meat or other fillings to the potato balls?

    Definitely! Mix in cooked crumbled bacon, shredded chicken, or chopped cooked veggies for a heartier twist. Just be careful the mixture isn’t too wet—otherwise, the balls may fall apart when frying.

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about a plate of Crispy Potato Balls—comforting, crowd-pleasing, and packed with flavor in every bite. I hope you give this recipe a try and share it with the people you love. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to save a few for yourself!

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Crispy Potato Balls Recipe

Crispy Potato Balls Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 103 reviews
  • Author: Nora
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 16 balls 1x
  • Category: Frying
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Global

Description

These crispy potato balls are a delightful snack or side dish, featuring a flavorful blend of spices, Parmesan cheese, and a hint of parsley. Serve them with a sweet chilli mayo dip for an extra kick of flavor.


Ingredients

Scale

Potato Balls:

  • 3 potatoes, peeled & chopped
  • 3 tbsp corn starch
  • Parsley, minced
  • Parmesan cheese, grated
  • Spices:
    • 2 tsp garlic powder
    • 2 tsp onion powder
    • 2 tsp smoked paprika
    • 1/2 tsp cumin powder
    • Salt, to taste

Sweet Chilli Mayo (optional):

  • 1 part sweet chilli sauce
  • 1 part mayo

Instructions

  1. Boil and Mash Potatoes: Boil the chopped potatoes in salted water until fork-tender. Drain and mash the potatoes, then mix in corn starch, parsley, and spices.
  2. Form Potato Balls: Roll 2 tbsp of the mixture into balls and set aside.
  3. Fry the Potato Balls: Heat oil to 170C/350F, fry the balls for 10-12 minutes until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
  4. Serve: Grate Parmesan over the balls and serve with sweet chilli mayo.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 potato ball
  • Calories: 85
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 120mg
  • Fat: 3g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 13g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 2mg

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