These crispy potato lollipops, also known as mashed potato balls, are a quick and delicious appetizer that you can make in just 10 minutes, especially if you have leftover potatoes. The recipe involves mixing mashed potatoes with seasonings, forming small balls, and frying them until golden and crispy. Whether served as party snacks or a quick meal, these vegan-friendly treats are perfect for everyone, though you can add cheese if you’re not vegan.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 4 large boiled potatoes (cooled and mashed)

• 1 cup breadcrumbs

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 1 tsp garlic powder (or 3 minced garlic cloves)

• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

• 2 tsp red chili flakes

• 1 tsp salt (or to taste)

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or oregano and basil)

• For Slurry:

  • 1 tbsp all-purpose flour

  • 2 tbsp cornstarch

  • 3 tbsp water

• For Coating:

  • ½ tsp Italian seasoning

  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs

• Refined vegetable oil (for deep frying or shallow frying)

Directions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes with breadcrumbs, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper (optional), red chili flakes, salt, and Italian seasoning. Mix well to form a dough-like mixture.

2. Grease your palms and form small, lemon-sized balls from the mixture. Place them on a tray and refrigerate for 20-30 minutes to help them set.

3. In a separate bowl, prepare a slurry by mixing flour, cornstarch, and water to form a flowing consistency.

4. In another plate, mix panko breadcrumbs with Italian seasoning and a pinch of salt.

5. Dip each potato ball into the slurry, then roll it in the seasoned panko breadcrumbs to coat.

6. Heat oil in a deep frying pan and fry the potato balls in batches of 8-10 at a time, until golden and crispy.

7. Drain the fritters on a paper towel-lined plate. Serve hot with your favorite dip or salad.

Nutrients (per serving)

• Calories: 215 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 35g

• Protein: 3g

• Fat: 7g

  • Saturated Fat: 1g

• Cholesterol: 0mg

• Sodium: 500mg

• Potassium: 500mg

• Fiber: 4g

• Sugar: 2g

• Vitamin A: 250 IU

• Vitamin C: 20mg

• Calcium: 20mg

• Iron: 2mg

Why Crispy Potato Lollipops Are So Popular

Crispy potato lollipops are an instant hit due to their simplicity and versatility. Whether served at a party, as a side dish, or even as a snack for a busy day, these potato balls provide a delicious bite-sized treat that everyone can enjoy. Potatoes are a universally loved ingredient, and when they are transformed into crispy, golden, and seasoned delights, they become even more irresistible.

The beauty of potato lollipops lies in their customizable nature. The base of mashed potatoes provides a soft and comforting texture, while the seasonings—ranging from onion powder and garlic to red chili flakes—infuse the potato balls with rich, bold flavors. The addition of panko breadcrumbs and a crispy coating helps create a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft interior. For vegan eaters, this recipe is a perfect choice, but it can easily be adapted to suit non-vegan preferences by adding cheese or even bacon bits.

The fact that they can be made from leftover mashed potatoes makes them a great option for reducing food waste. Instead of throwing out leftover mashed potatoes, you can repurpose them into this delightful snack. Even if you don’t have leftovers, making fresh mashed potatoes for this dish is quick and easy, making it ideal for busy weeknights.

How to Make Crispy Potato Lollipops: Tips and Tricks

To make the best crispy potato lollipops, a few simple tips can help elevate the dish and ensure a perfect outcome. Start by using boiled potatoes that have cooled down completely before mashing them. This will prevent the mashed potatoes from being too watery, which can affect the consistency of the potato balls.

The key to a firm dough-like texture lies in mixing the mashed potatoes well with breadcrumbs and the spices. The breadcrumbs not only add texture to the interior but also help bind the mashed potatoes together so that they hold their shape when forming the balls. Refrigerating the mixture for 20 to 30 minutes before shaping the potato balls helps them set and makes them easier to handle.

When forming the potato balls, it’s best to grease your palms to prevent the mixture from sticking to your hands. This will make the process much smoother and prevent the balls from becoming misshapen. If the mixture feels too sticky, you can add a little extra breadcrumbs to make it easier to form.

The slurry made from flour, cornstarch, and water is an essential step in creating a crispy coating. It allows the panko breadcrumbs to adhere better to the potato balls, ensuring that they become golden brown and crispy when fried. The seasoned panko breadcrumbs add extra flavor and texture, making the exterior of the lollipops crunchy and delicious.

Frying the Potato Balls to Golden Perfection

The frying process is crucial to getting that perfect crispy texture. To achieve golden and crispy potato lollipops, it’s important to fry them in batches. Overcrowding the frying pan can lead to uneven cooking and result in soggy potato balls. Frying them in small batches ensures that each ball has enough room to crisp up properly.

Heat the oil to a medium-high temperature, but be careful not to make it too hot. If the oil is too hot, the outside may brown too quickly while the inside remains uncooked. Aim for an oil temperature of around 350°F (175°C), which is ideal for frying crispy snacks like these. Fry the potato balls until they are golden brown and crispy, typically 3-4 minutes per side. Once they’re cooked, remove them from the oil and drain them on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.

How to Serve Crispy Potato Lollipops

Crispy Potato Lollipops can be served in a variety of ways, depending on the occasion and your personal preferences. For a simple and delicious serving suggestion, pair these potato balls with your favorite dipping sauce. Classic options like ketchup, mustard, ranch dressing, or even a spicy sriracha mayo all work wonderfully with these crispy snacks. The creamy dip complements the crunchiness of the potato balls, adding an extra layer of flavor.

You can also serve them with a fresh side salad to balance out the richness of the fried potato balls. A light, zesty salad with a tangy vinaigrette dressing would make an excellent accompaniment, helping to cut through the greasiness of the fried food while offering a refreshing contrast.

For a party or gathering, arrange the potato lollipops on a serving platter and garnish them with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. The pop of green will add a beautiful touch to the presentation, making the dish even more visually appealing.

If you’re making them for a meal, consider pairing these potato lollipops with other comfort foods like a hearty soup, sandwich, or even grilled vegetables to create a well-rounded meal.

Health Considerations for Crispy Potato Lollipops

While crispy potato lollipops are undeniably delicious, they are deep-fried, which makes them higher in fat compared to baked options. However, if you want to make them slightly healthier, you can opt for shallow frying or use an air fryer to achieve a similar crispy texture without using as much oil.

Additionally, you can customize the ingredients to make them healthier. For example, you can use whole wheat breadcrumbs or panko for added fiber. If you prefer to avoid frying altogether, baking them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, can still yield crispy results with less oil.

The nutritional content of these crispy potato lollipops is relatively moderate, with each serving containing around 215 calories. They are a good source of carbohydrates and fiber, thanks to the potatoes and breadcrumbs. While they provide a modest amount of protein, you can make them more filling by adding additional ingredients, such as cheese or legumes, to the mixture.

Conclusion: Why You Should Try Crispy Potato Lollipops

In conclusion, Crispy Potato Lollipops are an easy, fun, and tasty snack that’s perfect for any occasion. Their versatility, quick preparation time, and customizable ingredients make them ideal for meal prep, snacks, and parties. Whether you’re serving them as a snack for your kids or as an appetizer for your guests, these mashed potato balls are sure to be a hit.

With their crispy exterior and soft, flavorful interior, these potato lollipops are a satisfying treat that will leave everyone wanting more. Vegan-friendly, customizable, and easy to make, they are the ultimate comfort food that can be enjoyed by everyone. Try them out next time you’re craving something crispy, golden, and full of flavor—you won’t be disappointed!