Mashed Potato Fritters
Last Updated on January 20, 2024 by Allison Lancaster
These Mashed Potato Fritters are the perfect way to use leftover mashed potatoes that may otherwise go to waste! These are the best potato cakes I’ve tried, calling for simple and minimal ingredients.
Whip up a batch in less than 15 minutes and serve as a tasty snack or light meal with an optional dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of chopped green onions!
It really doesn’t matter the time of year, we love our comfort food around here. Mashed potatoes are the ultimate comfort food, right? If you love them as much as we do, hang on to your skillets! I have a great way to make an entirely new dish out of the leftovers.
Table of Contents
Who knew something so simple could be so delicious and easy? They are super kid-friendly, and hubby friendly too. Josh and Levi absolutely love them, and I feel great knowing that our food budget stays under control with good use of leftovers.
Mashed Potato Fritters Ingredients & Substitutions:
Mashed Potatoes – Use up any leftover potatoes you may have from other meals or cook raw potatoes from scratch specifically for this mashed potatoes recipe. Leftover mashed sweet potatoes can also be used to make these fritters. You can also whip up some instant mashed potatoes if you want for this recipe.
Eggs – Allow your egg to reach room temperature prior to mixing it in. This helps to bind the ingredients.
Crumbled Bacon – Packaged crumbled bacon is great for convenience. I love Aldi’s brand of bacon bits for this recipe! You can cook bacon strips and crumble it yourself or use up leftover bacon for this recipe as well. Choose turkey bacon if you want to reduce total calories and fat content.
Shredded Cheese – Sharp cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, or any of your favorite cheeses can be used in this easy recipe. I personally like to use cheddar cheese.
Ranch Mix – Adds great flavor to the potato mixture. Onion powder and garlic powder could be used instead.
All-purpose flour – You may not need the full amount of flour listed when making these crispy potato fritters. Gluten-free flour is best for anyone with gluten allergies.
Vegetable Oil – Canola oil or avocado oil can also be used. Olive oil may leave a distinct taste though so I prefer to use vegetable oil.
Toppings (optional) – Top the mashed potato patties with a dollop of sour cream and chopped green onions, or other fresh herbs.
How To Make Mashed Potato Fritters
- Add the mashed potatoes, eggs, bacon, cheese, ranch mix, and one cup of flour to a large mixing bowl. Stir it very carefully until it is well combined.
- Add the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, to get a thick consistency. You want them to be thick enough to form a patty, but not so thick that they are like rocks. It’s better to err on the side of “not thick enough”.
- Heat your oil in a large nonstick skillet. You want it large enough that the potato cakes are not crowded and will flip easily.
- Carefully add your potato cakes to the hot oil and fry them for 3-4 minutes, then flip and fry for 3 – 4 additional minutes. They should be a nice, golden brown color.
- Remove the crispy potato pancakes from the large skillet to a paper towel to drain slightly.
- Top the fried potato cakes with sour cream and onions.
Serve
Enjoy these tasty mashed potato pancakes as a snack with sweet chili sauce, sour cream, ketchup, or another favorite dipping sauce.
These mashed potato fritters can also be served as a light lunch alongside grilled vegetables, a simple green salad, reheated leftover turkey from Thanksgiving dinner with cranberry sauce, poached egg, or smoked salmon. The options are endless!
How To Store Mashed Potato Fritters
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Thaw frozen potato fritters in the fridge and reheat them in the oven at 375F for about 10 minutes. You can also microwave them for 20-30 seconds on high.
How to Make Mashed Potato Fritters in the Air Fryer
You can make these mashed potato fritters in the air fryer. To make mashed potato cakes in the air fryer follow these instructions
- Pre-heat air fryer to 375F for 10 minutes
- Lightly spray air fryer basket with oil of your choice
- Place mashed potato fritters in the air fryer, spraying the top lightly with oil, and air fry for 3-4 minutes
- Flip and air fry for another 3-4 minutes or until completely golden brown
Recipe FAQ’s:
How Do I Get Uniform-Sized Potato Patties?
Use a large cookie scoop if you want to get uniform-sized fritters. Another benefit of this is that they will all cook evenly at the same time.
What Type of Potato Works Best In This Recipe?
Use leftover mashed potatoes for convenience. If you mash potatoes from scratch for these fritters, use Russet potatoes as these are recommended for mashed potatoes.
Why Are My Mashed Potato Fritters Soggy?
Frying the fritters in too much oil can result in soggy potato fritters. You also need the temperature of the oil in the skillet to be hot enough to fry the fritters without them soaking up all the oil, which tends to happen when the oil isn’t hot enough.
How Do I Get Crispy Mashed Potato Fritters?
Don’t move the fritters for at least 3-4 minutes before flipping them so that they have enough time to get a crispy exterior. The oil in the skillet should also be hot enough to fry the fritters and create the desired golden-brown finish.
More Comforting Potato Recipes!
- Easy Taco Potato Bake
- Loaded Smashed Potatoes
- Mama’s Homemade Potato Salad
- Sausage Potato Soup in Crockpot
I hope you enjoy this easy and delicious recipe for mashed potato fritters! If you try them, please come back and leave me a comment letting me know how you liked them. And if you have any questions, please feel free to ask! I love hearing from you!
Mashed Potato Fritters Recipe:
Mashed Potato Fritters
Mashed Potato Fritters are the perfect way to use leftover mashed potatoes! Not only are they easy to make they are my favorite leftover mashed potato recipe!
Ingredients
- 3 cups mashed potatoes
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup cooked bacon crumbled
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- 1/2 package dry ranch mix
- 3 cups flour may not need all of it
- vegetable oil enough to cover 1 inch deep in skillet
- sour cream
- green onions chopped
Instructions
Add mashed potatoes, eggs, bacon, cheese, ranch mix, and ONE cup of flour into a large mixing bowl. Stir until WELL combined.
Gradually add flour, 1/2 cup at a time, until potatoes become thick and can be formed into a patty. Don't make them too thick.
Shape them into 2-3 inch balls and gently flatten into patties.
Heat large skillet on medium high heat, and add oil to fill about 1 inch
.Place patties into oil. Cook and flip until each side is golden brown. Remove to a paper towel to drain, then place on plate.
Top with sour cream and green onions. Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 413Total Fat: 16gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 96mgSodium: 560mgCarbohydrates: 50gFiber: 3gSugar: 2gProtein: 15g
