This recipe provides instructions for making Air Fryer Potato Cakes with Cheese, a delicious and relatively quick way to transform leftover mashed potatoes into crispy and cheesy patties. These potato cakes offer a delightful combination of a golden-brown and slightly crisp exterior with a warm, soft, and cheesy interior. The air fryer helps to achieve a fried-like texture with significantly less oil, making them a healthier alternative to traditional pan-fried potato cakes. They are versatile and can be enjoyed as a side dish for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, or even as a light snack. The addition of cheese enhances their flavor and adds a gooey, melty element. The image shows several golden-brown, round potato cakes arranged on a white plate. Each cake appears to have a crispy exterior and is topped with melted cheese and fresh chopped parsley. The cakes have a slightly rustic, hand-formed look. Fresh parsley sprigs are also visible in the background, suggesting they are used as a garnish. The overall impression is of a savory and appealing dish made from potatoes and cheese with a crispy texture.
Based on common recipes for potato cakes and the visual cues, the ingredients likely include:
- Leftover Mashed Potatoes: The primary ingredient, providing the base for the cakes. They should be cold or at least cooled for easier handling.
- Shredded Cheese: Cheddar cheese is a likely choice for its melting properties and savory flavor, but other cheeses like mozzarella, Gruyere, or a blend could also be used.
- All-Purpose Flour or Breadcrumbs: Used as a binder to help hold the potato cakes together and provide a slightly crispier exterior.
- Egg: Another binding agent that also adds richness.
- Butter or Oil: A small amount might be used to lightly grease the air fryer basket or to brush the tops of the potato cakes for added crispness and browning.
- Seasonings: Salt, black pepper, and possibly other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or dried herbs (such as chives or parsley) to enhance the flavor.
- Fresh Parsley or Other Herbs: For garnish, adding a touch of freshness and visual appeal.
The preparation involves first combining the cold mashed potatoes with shredded cheese, flour or breadcrumbs, egg, and seasonings in a bowl. This mixture is then gently formed into small, round patties or cakes. The air fryer basket is lightly greased, and the potato cakes are placed in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd. They are then air-fried at a moderate temperature until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside and heated through, with the cheese melted and bubbly. Depending on the air fryer and the thickness of the cakes, they might need to be flipped halfway through cooking to ensure even browning. Once cooked, they are carefully removed from the air fryer and garnished with fresh chopped parsley or other herbs before serving.
Air Fryer Potato Cakes with Cheese are best enjoyed hot, right after cooking, when they are at their crispiest and the cheese is perfectly melted.
The texture offers a delightful contrast between the golden-brown and slightly crisp exterior and the warm, soft, and cheesy interior.
The flavor is savory and comforting, with the earthy taste of potatoes enhanced by the richness of cheese and the subtle notes of the added seasonings. The air frying method imparts a slightly toasted flavor.
Air Fryer Potato Cakes with Cheese are patties made from leftover mashed potatoes, cheese, and binders, air-fried until crispy and golden brown, offering a healthier alternative to pan-fried versions.
The preparation involves combining ingredients, forming patties, air-frying until crispy and heated through with melted cheese, and garnishing with fresh herbs.
Ingredients ( अनुमानित based on common recipes and the image):
- 3 cups cold leftover mashed potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your preferred cheese)
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour or breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 tablespoon butter or oil, melted (optional, for brushing)
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley, plus more for garnish
Equipment:
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Fork or spatula
- Air fryer
- Parchment paper (optional, for lining the air fryer basket)
- Plate for serving
Instructions:
- Prepare the Potato Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cold leftover mashed potatoes, shredded cheese, all-purpose flour or breadcrumbs, lightly beaten egg, salt, pepper, garlic powder (if using), and chopped fresh parsley. Mix gently until all the ingredients are well incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the potato cakes tough.
- Form the Potato Cakes: Take approximately ¼ cup of the potato mixture and gently form it into a round or slightly oval patty, about ¾ inch thick. Repeat with the remaining mixture until you have about 6-8 potato cakes, depending on the size you prefer.
- Preheat Air Fryer (Optional): Some air fryers benefit from preheating. If your model recommends it, preheat it to 375°F (190°C) for a few minutes.
- Air Fry the Potato Cakes: Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper. Place the potato cakes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring there is some space between them to allow for even cooking and crisping. You may need to cook them in batches if your air fryer is small.
- Cook Until Golden and Crispy: Air fry the potato cakes at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes, flipping them gently halfway through cooking, until they are golden brown and crispy on both sides and heated through. The cheese should be melted and slightly bubbly. If you want them extra crispy, you can brush the tops with a little melted butter or oil before air frying.
- Check for Doneness: The potato cakes are done when they are nicely browned and feel firm to the touch. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Garnish and Serve: Carefully remove the cooked potato cakes from the air fryer and arrange them on a serving plate. Garnish with additional fresh chopped parsley. Serve hot.
Enjoy these delicious and easy Air Fryer Potato Cakes with Cheese as a tasty side dish or snack! They are a great way to use up leftover mashed potatoes and offer a satisfyingly crispy and cheesy bite.