Name: Crispy Potato Balls Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: International
Ingredients: 3 potatoes, peeled and chopped; 3 tbsp corn starch; Parsley, minced, to taste; Parmesan cheese, grated, for topping; 2 tsp garlic powder; 2 tsp onion powder; 2 tsp smoked paprika; 1/2 tsp cumin powder; Salt, to taste; 1 part sweet chilli sauce; 1 part mayonnaise

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 8 reviews

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If you have a love for golden, crunchy bites that pop with flavor, you are going to adore this Crispy Potato Balls Recipe. These delightful little orbs are packed with tender mashed potatoes, perfectly spiced, and fried to a crispy perfection that feels like a comforting hug in every bite. Whether you’re serving them as an irresistible appetizer or a standout side dish, these crispy potato balls bring a wonderful combination of textures and savory flavors that are bound to become a new favorite at your table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up view of a blue pot filled with large, peeled potato pieces submerged in clear water; the potato pieces are cut into thick chunks and slices, showing a smooth, light yellow surface with some small dark spots, all sitting in the water that has small bubbles rising, against a white marbled background photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering these simple yet impactful ingredients is the first step toward creating this crispy masterpiece. Each component plays a crucial role, adding texture, flavor, or freshness to make these potato balls truly shine.

Potatoes (3, peeled & chopped): The soft, fluffy base that holds everything together and ensures a creamy interior.
Corn starch (3 tbsp): Helps bind the mixture and gives a light, crispy crust when fried.
Parsley (minced): Adds a fresh, herbal note that cuts through the richness.
Parmesan cheese (grated): Sprinkled on top for a salty, nutty finish that enhances depth.
Spices: Garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cumin, and salt combine for a balanced, deeply flavorful kick.
Sweet chilli mayo (optional): A luscious and tangy dipping sauce made from equal parts sweet chili sauce and mayo, perfect for adding a creamy, spicy contrast.

How to Make Crispy Potato Balls Recipe

Step 1: Boil and Prepare Potatoes

Start by boiling your peeled and chopped potatoes in salted water until they are tender enough to easily pierce with a fork. This ensures the potatoes cook evenly and remain moist but not waterlogged. After draining, let them steam off excess moisture — this step is essential to achieving that perfect crispy texture later on.

Step 2: Mash and Mix

Transfer the drained potatoes to a bowl and mash thoroughly until smooth using a fork or a potato ricer. Mix in the corn starch, fresh parsley, and all your chosen spices, making sure every bite bursts with vibrant flavor. The corn starch will give your potato balls that much-coveted crunch while holding everything together beautifully.

Step 3: Shape the Potato Balls

Using your hands, scoop about two tablespoons of the potato mixture and gently roll it into a ball. Don’t worry if they aren’t perfectly uniform — their rustic charm adds to the homemade feel. Continue rolling until you’ve used up all the potato mixture, setting each ball aside carefully.

Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat a pot of neutral oil to about 170C (350F). Carefully drop the potato balls into the hot oil in batches to avoid crowding. Fry for approximately 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until each ball is a glorious golden brown and irresistibly crispy on the outside. Once cooked, drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Immediately grate fresh Parmesan cheese over the hot potato balls so it melts slightly, lending an indulgent finish. Serve them warm alongside the optional sweet chilli mayo for a dip that brings a touch of creaminess and heat, perfectly complementing the crispy bites.

How to Serve Crispy Potato Balls Recipe

A white bowl filled with about ten golden brown round fritters, each with a crispy outer texture showing some roughness and a few flakes of coarse salt on top, stacked slightly uneven inside the bowl. One fritter is broken open and placed outside the bowl on the white marbled surface, revealing a soft, light-colored inside. The background shows a blurred white jar and a wooden pepper mill, with a light grey and white striped cloth partially visible near the bowl. The overall setting is bright and clean, with the food as the clear focus. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkling freshly chopped parsley or a dusting of extra smoked paprika adds vibrant color and an extra pop of flavor that elevates the presentation and entices all the senses. A light drizzle of garlic-infused olive oil can also add a delightful aroma and subtle richness.

Side Dishes

Crispy potato balls go brilliantly alongside fresh garden salads, crisp coleslaw, or even a rich tomato-based pasta. They also pair well with grilled or roasted vegetables, offering a crunchy contrast to soft, smoky bites or bright, tangy sides.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn these into a party favorite by serving them on wooden skewers with dipping bowls in the middle for easy sharing. Or arrange them in a colorful platter surrounded by fresh herbs and edible flowers to make your appetizer table truly pop. They also work wonderfully as bites on a tapas board alongside cured meats and cheeses.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To keep the crispiness intact, avoid stacking them tightly and place a paper towel in the container to absorb any moisture.

Freezing

You can freeze shaped, uncooked potato balls by placing them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and freezing until solid, then transferring to a sealable freezer bag. This allows you to fry them fresh whenever the craving strikes, keeping the taste and texture remarkably well after cooking from frozen.

Reheating

Bring back that crispy magic by reheating leftover or frozen cooked potato balls in a hot oven or air fryer rather than the microwave. This helps restore their golden exterior without turning them soggy, giving you that fresh-from-the-fryer sensation again.

FAQs

Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?

Absolutely! Sweet potatoes bring a lovely natural sweetness and a slightly different texture that works beautifully in this recipe. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning slightly to balance their flavor.

What oil is best for frying the potato balls?

Neutral oils with a high smoke point like vegetable, canola, or sunflower oil work best. They allow the potato balls to crisp up nicely without imparting unwanted flavors.

Can I bake the potato balls instead of frying?

Yes, baking at a high temperature (around 220C/425F) can yield a crispy result, though frying generally produces a superior crunch. Spray or brush the balls lightly with oil before baking and turn them halfway through for even browning.

How can I make the potato balls spicier?

Try adding cayenne pepper, chili flakes, or a dash of hot sauce into the potato mixture or serve with a spicy dipping sauce for an extra kick that excites the palate.

What’s the secret to achieving the crispiest exterior?

The key is removing excess moisture from the potatoes before mixing and ensuring the oil is at the right temperature. Too low, and the balls absorb oil; too high, and they brown too quickly without cooking through.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Potato Balls Recipe is pure joy on a plate—comfort food that manages to be playful and sophisticated all at once. Whether it’s a casual weekend snack or part of a festive spread, these golden bites bring warmth and happiness with each crunchy, flavorful mouthful. Trust me, once you try making these, they’ll quickly become your go-to recipe whenever you need a little crispy magic in your day.

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