Air Fryer Loaded Mashed Potato Cakes Recipe

Mashed potatoes: The base of the recipe, providing a creamy texture.

Cheddar cheese: Adds a rich, cheesy flavor to the cakes.

Bacon bits: Provides a smoky, savory taste.

Green onions: Adds a fresh, slightly sharp flavor.

Egg: Helps bind the ingredients together.

Breadcrumbs: Gives the cakes a crispy exterior.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor.

Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and depth.

When forming the potato cakes, make sure to press them firmly to ensure they hold their shape during cooking. If the mixture feels too loose, you can add a bit more breadcrumbs to help bind it together. Additionally, for an extra crispy exterior, lightly spray the potato cakes with cooking oil before placing them in the air fryer.

• mashed potatoes - Substitute with cauliflower mash: Cauliflower mash is a lower-carb alternative that still provides a creamy texture similar to mashed potatoes.

• shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with shredded mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella has a mild flavor and melts well, making it a good alternative to cheddar.

• cooked bacon bits - Substitute with turkey bacon bits: Turkey bacon is a leaner option that still offers a similar smoky flavor.

• chopped green onions - Substitute with chopped chives: Chives provide a similar mild onion flavor and can be used as a direct replacement.

• large beaten egg - Substitute with flaxseed egg: Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water to create a vegan egg substitute that helps bind the ingredients.

• breadcrumbs - Substitute with crushed cornflakes: Crushed cornflakes add a similar crunchy texture and can be used as a gluten-free alternative.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a salty flavor along with a bit of umami, enhancing the overall taste.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat and flavor but with a slightly different aroma, making it a suitable substitute.

• To keep your loaded mashed potato cakes fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place a sheet of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Refrigerate the container with the potato cakes for up to 3 days. This ensures they maintain their texture and flavor.
• For longer storage, freeze the potato cakes. Lay them out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours.
• Once frozen, transfer the potato cakes to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.
• When ready to enjoy, reheat the potato cakes in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
• If reheating from frozen, increase the air fryer time to 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even heating.
• Avoid microwaving as it may make the potato cakes soggy. The air fryer is the best method to retain their delightful crispiness.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the mashed potato cakes in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
  3. Heat for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are warmed through and crispy on the outside.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Place the potato cakes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  3. Bake for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are heated through and have regained their crispiness.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of olive oil or butter.
  2. Place the potato cakes in the skillet.
  3. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, until they are heated through and have a golden, crispy exterior.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the potato cakes on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover them with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out.
  3. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they are evenly heated. Note: This method may not retain the crispiness as well as other methods.

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl used to combine all the ingredients together.

• Spatula: Useful for mixing the ingredients thoroughly and scraping down the sides of the bowl.

• Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring the mashed potatoes, cheese, and breadcrumbs.

• Measuring spoons: Necessary for measuring smaller quantities like salt and pepper.

• Knife: Used for chopping the green onions.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping the green onions.

• Air fryer: The main appliance used to cook the potato cakes to a golden brown and crispy texture.

• Air fryer basket: The part of the air fryer where the potato cakes are placed for cooking.

• Tongs: Handy for flipping the potato cakes halfway through the cooking process.

• Plate: Used to place the cooked potato cakes once they are done.

• Cooling rack: Optional, but useful for letting the potato cakes cool slightly before serving.

Use pre-cooked bacon: Save time by using pre-cooked bacon bits instead of cooking bacon from scratch.

Shredded cheese: Buy pre-shredded cheddar cheese to avoid the time-consuming task of shredding cheese yourself.

Preheat air fryer: Start preheating the air fryer while you form the potato cakes to streamline the cooking process.

Form patties in advance: Prepare the potato patties ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to cook.

Use leftover mashed potatoes: Utilize leftover mashed potatoes to save the time needed to make fresh ones.