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Easy Air Fryer Potato Pancakes

Air Fryer Mashed Potato Pancakes

4.78 from 9 votes
Author: Laurie Fleming
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings

Description

Crispy, golden mashed potato pancakes made in the air fryer in 25 minutes. The 10-minute freezer step keeps them from falling apart and gives you a shatter-crisp panko exterior with a fluffy, cheesy interior. Perfect for using up leftover mashed potatoes

Ingredients 

  • 2 cups mashed potatoes, cold
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ¼ cup real bacon bits
  • 1 scallion, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • Cooking oil spray, for the basket and tops

Instructions

  • In a medium bowl, mix the mashed potatoes, egg, flour, cheddar, bacon bits, and sliced scallion until evenly combined.
  • Pour the panko onto a plate. Scoop ⅓-cup portions of the potato mixture, shape into ½-inch-thick patties, and coat both sides in panko. Place on a parchment-lined plate.
  • Freeze the breaded patties for 10–15 minutes — until firm enough to handle without bending.
  • Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for 3 minutes. Spritz the basket with oil. Place the patties in a single layer, leaving space between each, and spritz the tops with oil.
  • Air fry at 380°F for 12–15 minutes total, flipping carefully at 7 minutes and spritzing the second side with oil. The pancakes are done when both sides are deeply golden and the coating is crisp.
  • Serve immediately, topped with sour cream and extra scallions.

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • Cooking Spray
  • Parchment Paper, optional

Notes

Notes

  • Cold mashed potatoes are essential — warm ones won't hold their shape.
  • Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes give the best texture.
  • For an oven version: bake at 425°F on parchment for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway.
  • To freeze uncooked: flash-freeze the breaded patties, then bag. Cook from frozen at 380°F for 15–18 minutes.

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 169kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 8gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.003gCholesterol: 42mgSodium: 278mgPotassium: 205mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 192IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 122mgIron: 1mg