If you’re looking for the ultimate potato snack, these Crispy Potato Balls are the perfect treat! Crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, they are seasoned with chili powder and cornmeal for that extra bite of flavor. This easy-to-make recipe is ideal for snacking, as a side dish, or even a fun appetizer at parties!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Crunchy & Soft: The perfect combination of crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.
Quick & Simple: Ready in just under 30 minutes with minimal ingredients.
Customizable: Add herbs, spices, or cheese for a unique flavor twist.
Ingredient Highlights
Potatoes: The star of the dish, potatoes provide a soft and fluffy base when mashed.
Cornmeal: Adds a crispy texture to the potato balls, making them extra crunchy.
Chili Powder: Brings a little heat and flavor, perfect for savory snack lovers.
Nutritional Benefits of the Key Ingredients
Potatoes: A great source of vitamin C, potassium, and fiber, making them both filling and nutritious.
Cornmeal: Provides a crunchy texture along with some extra fiber.
Chili Powder: Adds flavor and contains antioxidants that can help boost your metabolism.
Detailed Instructions
Step 1: Boil the Potatoes
Prepare the Potatoes: Peel and cut 600g of potatoes into small pieces to speed up cooking.
Boil: In a large pot, bring 500ml of water to a boil. Add the potato pieces and cook for about 15 minutes or until soft.
Step 2: Mash the Potatoes
Mash: Drain the boiled potatoes and transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Use a fork or spoon to mash until smooth and lump-free.
Step 3: Season the Potatoes
Add Seasonings: Mix in ½ tsp of salt, ½ tsp of chili powder, and 3 tbsp of cornmeal (90g).
Oil the Mixture: Add 40ml of cooking oil. The purpose of cooking oil is so that potatoes do not stick and are easier to shape.
Step 4: Shape the Potato Balls
Shape: With oiled hands, shape the seasoned potato mixture into small balls about the size of marbles.
Step 5: Fry the Potato Balls
Heat the Oil: Heat the oil in a frying pan on low heat.
Start Frying: Once the oil is slightly warm, add the potato balls and slowly increase the oil temperature to 160°C (320°F).
Fry Until Golden: Fry the potato balls for about 7 minutes or until they are crispy and golden brown.
Step 6: Serve
Drain and Serve: Remove the fried potato balls from the oil and place them on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
Enjoy: Serve immediately while hot and crispy!
Cooking Tips & Techniques
Boil the Potatoes Until Soft: Ensure your potatoes are completely soft before mashing to achieve a smooth and lump-free texture.
Start Frying on Low Heat: This helps the potato balls hold their shape and cook evenly without falling apart.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry in batches to allow the potato balls to cook evenly and get that perfect golden crispiness.
How to Serve It
Serve these Crispy Potato Balls hot and fresh with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ketchup, aioli, or a spicy mayo. They’re perfect as a party snack, a game day appetizer, or even a tasty side dish for your meals.
Herb Addition: Try adding fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to the potato mixture for added flavor.
Temperature Control: Start frying at a lower temperature and gradually increase the heat to ensure the potato balls cook evenly without falling apart.
Best Enjoyed Hot: These crispy potato balls are best when eaten fresh and hot!
How to Perfect the Recipe And Common Mistakes to Avoid
Boiling Potatoes Incorrectly: Make sure the potatoes are fully cooked before mashing to avoid any lumps in the mixture.
Frying at Too High a Temperature: Starting with lower heat helps keep the potato balls from falling apart. Gradually increasing the heat ensures they cook through while getting crispy.
Shaping the Balls Properly: Use oil on your hands when shaping the potato balls to prevent them from sticking and to make them easier to handle.
Diet-Friendly Options
Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free as it uses cornmeal and potatoes, making it perfect for those with gluten sensitivities.
Vegan: These potato balls are also vegan-friendly since no dairy or animal products are used.
Low-Sodium: Reduce the amount of salt if you’re looking for a lower-sodium option, and opt for sodium-free seasonings to keep the flavor without the salt.
Perfect Pairings
Dips: Pair with ketchup, ranch, or garlic aioli for extra flavor.
Main Course: Serve alongside burgers, sandwiches, or grilled chicken as a crispy side dish.
Beverages: Enjoy these snacks with a refreshing iced tea, soda, or a cold beer for a casual and fun snack experience.
Checkout This Beverage: Quick & Zesty Orange Mojito: Your Perfect Summer Sip!
Best Ways to Store and Reheat
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in an oven at 180°C (350°F) for 5-7 minutes to restore the crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the potato balls soggy.
Freezing: You can freeze the shaped potato balls before frying. When ready to cook, fry them straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
Recipe Variations
Cheesy Potato Balls: Add grated cheese, like cheddar or parmesan, to the mashed potatoes for a deliciously cheesy version.
Herb-Infused: Mix in fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary for extra flavor and freshness.
Spicy Potato Balls: Increase the amount of chili powder or add a dash of cayenne pepper for a spicier kick.
Common Questions Answered
Can I bake these instead of frying? Yes! You can bake the potato balls at 200°C (400°F) for 20-25 minutes, turning them halfway through for even crispiness.
Can I use sweet potatoes? Absolutely! Sweet potatoes will add a slightly sweeter flavor and still give you that soft and crispy texture.
What other spices can I use? You can experiment with spices like cumin, paprika, or garlic powder to suit your taste preferences.
With this easy recipe, you can whip up a batch of these Crispy Potato Balls in no time and enjoy a satisfying, golden snack that’s sure to please everyone!
Crispy Potato Snacks Recipe | Amazing Potato Recipes
Equipment
- Pot for boiling
- Large mixing bowl
- Fork or spoon (for mashing)
- Frying pan
- Slotted spoon
- Paper towels
Ingredients
- 600 g Potatoes
- 3 tbsp Cornmeal (90g)
- 1/2 tsp Chili powder
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 40 ml Cooking Oil (for shaping and frying)
- Water (for boiling)
- Oil for frying
Instructions
Step 1: Boil the Potatoes
- Peel 600g of potatoes and cut them into small pieces for quicker cooking.
- Boil 500ml of water and add the potatoes.
- Boil the potatoes for about 15 minutes until soft.
Step 2: Mash the Potatoes
- Drain the boiled potatoes and transfer them to a large bowl.
- Use a spoon or fork to mash the potatoes until smooth.
Step 3: Season the Potatoes
- Add 1/2 tsp of salt, 1/2 tsp of chili powder, and 3 tbsp of cornmeal (90g) to the mashed potatoes.
- Mix everything thoroughly.
- Add 40 ml of cooking oil to prevent sticking and to make shaping easier.
Step 4: Shape the Potatoes
- Shape the seasoned potato mixture into small balls, roughly the size of marbles.
Step 5: Fry the Potato Balls
- Heat the oil on low heat. Add the potato balls when the oil is slightly hot (not fully heated).
- Gradually increase the oil temperature to 160°C.
- Fry the potato balls for about 7 minutes or until they turn golden and crispy.
Step 6: Serve
- Remove the fried potato balls from the oil and place them on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the crispy, golden snack!
Notes
Notes:
- For an extra twist, you can add herbs like parsley or grated cheese to the potato mixture before shaping them.
- Be sure to start frying at a lower temperature to avoid the balls falling apart, then gradually increase the heat.
- These snacks are best enjoyed fresh and hot!
