After a long week of hectic schedules and endless takeout options, I found myself craving something deliciously homemade. One afternoon, as I mashed my thoughts into the kitchen, the smell of buttery potatoes filled the air—an irresistible comfort that instantly lifted my spirits. That’s when it hit me: why not create something crispy and satisfying that everyone could enjoy?
Enter these Crispy Potato Balls with Spicy Sriracha Mayo. Golden on the outside and creamy within, these little gems pack a flavorful punch, making them the perfect snack or appetizer for any occasion. Even better, they’re a simple vegan recipe that requires minimal fuss but delivers maximum taste. Whether you’re sharing them with friends at a casual get-together or savoring them during a cozy movie night, they’re sure to impress everyone—regardless of their dietary preferences.
So, let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into this scrumptious recipe that will have you saying goodbye to fast food for good!
Why are Crispy Potato Balls a Must-Try?
Comforting Crunch: These Crispy Potato balls are an instant crowd-pleaser that blend the comforting taste of home with an exciting crunch.
Easy to Make: With only a handful of ingredients, this recipe ensures you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your creation.
Flavor Packed: The combination of spices and creamy mayonnaise delivers a burst of flavor that will leave your taste buds dancing.
Versatile Snacking: Perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a movie night snack, a party appetizer, or a fun addition to a potluck.
Vegan Delight: Even non-vegans will adore these tasty bites, making them a universally loved dish!
Crispy Potato Ingredients
For the Potato Balls
• Potatoes – Use starchy varieties like Russets for the best texture.
• Cornstarch – Acts as a binder, ensuring your balls are light and crispy.
• Dried Oregano – Adds a herby touch; Italian seasoning works as a substitute.
• Garlic Powder – Enhances the overall savory flavor.
• Onion Powder – Complements the garlic for a robust taste experience.
• Smoked Paprika – Provides a rich, smoky flavor and appealing color.
• Ground Cumin – Adds depth; feel free to omit if desired.
• Chopped Fresh Parsley – Brings freshness and color; cilantro is a tasty alternative.
• Salt & Pepper – Essential for seasoning; adjust to your preference.
• Neutral Oil – Needed for frying; it helps achieve that perfect crispy exterior.
For the Spicy Sriracha Mayo
• Mayonnaise – Use vegan mayo for a plant-based dip; it’s the creamy base here.
• Sriracha Sauce – Introduces a spicy kick; swap with your favorite hot sauce for variety.
How to Make Crispy Potato Balls
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Boil Potatoes: In a pot of salted water, cook the starchy potatoes until fork-tender, about 12-15 minutes. Drain them well and let them steam for 1-2 minutes to lose excess moisture.
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Mash & Season: In a large mixing bowl, mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy. Stir in cornstarch, dried oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, fresh parsley, salt, and pepper to combine everything into a cohesive and flavorful dough.
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Form Balls: Scoop out approximately 2 tablespoons of the mixture and roll it into compact balls using your hands. Repeat this process until all the mixture is used, which should yield about 12-14 balls.
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Fry: In a deep skillet, heat the neutral oil to 170°C (350°F). Carefully fry the potato balls in batches for about 7-10 minutes, turning occasionally until they are golden brown and crispy all over.
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Prepare Dipping Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and Sriracha sauce until smooth and well-combined. Adjust the spice level to your preference, adding more Sriracha if you like it hotter.
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Serve: Arrange the crispy potato balls on a serving platter. Optional: Garnish with additional chopped parsley or grated vegan parmesan, and serve alongside the spicy Sriracha mayo for dipping.
Optional: Serve with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for added color and flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Crispy Potato Variations
Customize these delightful Crispy Potato balls to suit your cravings and pantry ingredients!
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Garlic Boost: Add minced garlic directly into the potato mixture for a robust flavor that’ll elevate these bites.
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Herb Swap: Use fresh herbs like cilantro or basil instead of parsley for a refreshing twist that adds a new dimension.
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Spicy Kick: Swap Sriracha for harissa or your favorite hot sauce for a unique flavor profile that brings the heat.
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Creamy Alternative: Replace regular mayonnaise with vegan sour cream to create a tangy dipping sauce that pairs perfectly with the crispy exterior.
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Cheese Lovers: Incorporate nutritional yeast into the potato mixture for a cheesy flavor without the dairy—perfect for plant-based eaters!
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Flavorful Add-ins: Toss chopped sun-dried tomatoes or jalapeños into the mixture for a savory surprise and delightful texture.
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Crunchy Coating: Roll the potato balls in panko breadcrumbs before frying for an extra crunchy and satisfying exterior.
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Freezing for Convenience: Prep and freeze the formed potato balls for a quick homemade snack—just fry them straight from the freezer!
Expert Tips for Crispy Potato Balls
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Steam After Draining: Allowing the boiled potatoes to steam for a couple of minutes ensures a drier mash, which enhances the overall texture and crispiness of your Crispy Potato balls.
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Cornstarch is Key: Opt for cornstarch rather than flour when binding your mixture; it helps achieve that coveted light and crispy bite.
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Fry in Batches: To avoid overcrowding the skillet, fry the potato balls in small batches. This allows for even cooking and a golden, crispy coating.
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Chill for Best Results: For a make-ahead option, chill the formed potato balls in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before frying. This helps them hold together better during cooking.
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Oil Brush for Baking: If you prefer baking or air frying, ensure you brush the potato balls lightly with oil to maintain that perfect crispy texture.
How to Store and Freeze Crispy Potato Balls
Fridge: Store leftover crispy potato balls in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in an air fryer to restore their crispy texture before serving.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze pre-formed potato balls before frying. Lay them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, fry from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the cook time to ensure they’re heated through and crispy.
Best Served Fresh: Although they can be stored, these crispy potato balls are best enjoyed fresh for that perfect crunch and flavor.
What to Serve with Crispy Potato Balls with Sriracha Mayo?
Transform your crispy potato balls into a delightful meal by pairing them with complementary sides and treats that elevate every bite.
- Zesty Coleslaw: The crunch and acidity of coleslaw balance the rich flavors, creating a refreshing counterpoint that enhances every mouthful.
- Crispy Brussels Sprouts: Slightly sweet and smoky, these roasted sprouts provide a satisfying texture contrast to the fluffy potato balls.
- Spicy Garlic Edamame: Bursting with umami and a bit of heat, this snack makes a dynamic pairing for your crispy bites, creating a flavor fiesta.
- Sweet Potato Fries: Their natural sweetness beautifully contrasts the savory and spicy notes of the potato balls, making for a comforting combination.
- Chilled Cucumber Salad: Refreshing and bright, this salad’s cool crunch brings a lightness that balances the meal’s richness.
- Mango Salsa: A fruity, zesty salsa lifts the flavor profile, adding a tropical twist that perfectly harmonizes with the spiced sriracha mayo.
- Crispy Lettuce Wraps: Stuff the potato balls in crisp lettuce leaves with fresh herbs for a playful, hands-on eating experience that’s both fun and satisfying.
- Herbed Quinoa Salad: Nutty and protein-packed, this salad adds a heartiness while remaining light and bursting with flavor, rounding out the meal beautifully.
- Sparkling Lemonade: A refreshing, fizzy drink with citrus notes is perfect to cleanse the palate between bites, ensuring you savor the delightful crunch.
Make Ahead Options
These Crispy Potato Balls are an excellent choice for meal prep, saving you time during busy weeknights! You can prepare the potato mixture and form the balls up to 24 hours in advance, simply cover and refrigerate them. To maintain their crispy texture during cooking, ensure the formed balls are chilled and optionally dust them with a little extra cornstarch before frying. When you’re ready to serve, all that’s left to do is heat the oil and fry the potato balls for about 7-10 minutes until golden brown and deliciously crispy. This way, you can impress family or guests with freshly cooked snacks that are just as tasty as if made on the spot!
Crispy Potato Balls with Sriracha Mayo Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right potatoes for this recipe?
Absolutely! For the best texture in your crispy potato balls, I highly recommend using starchy potatoes like Russets. They create a light and fluffy interior when mashed, leading to that scrumptious contrast between the crispy exterior and creamy center.
How should I store any leftover crispy potato balls?
You can keep leftover crispy potato balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat and retain their crunch, pop them into an air fryer for a few minutes—this will help restore that delightful crispiness that you love!
Can I freeze the potato balls before frying?
Very! To freeze your pre-formed crispy potato balls, lay them out on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze them until solid. Then, transfer the frozen balls to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, simply fry them straight from the freezer—just add an extra minute or two to the cooking time.
What are some common issues when making these potato balls?
A common hiccup is if your mixture is too wet to form proper balls. If this happens, simply add a bit more cornstarch until you achieve the right texture. Also, make sure to steam the potatoes well after draining to reduce moisture as it helps with the consistency and crispiness of the final product.
Are these crispy potato balls safe for those with dietary restrictions?
Absolutely! This recipe is vegan, making it suitable for plant-based diets. However, always check labels on your mayonnaise and Sriracha to ensure they don’t contain any allergens if you’re cooking for someone with food sensitivities. Plus, the ingredients can easily be adjusted to fit other dietary needs—just have fun experimenting!
How can I achieve the best crispiness when frying the potato balls?
After boiling your potatoes, allow them to steam for 1-2 minutes to remove excess moisture, which is key for achieving that perfect crispy texture. Additionally, make sure the oil is at the right temperature (170°C or 350°F) when frying, as too cool oil can lead to greasy balls. Fry in small batches to allow each one to cook evenly, turning them for a golden brown finish!
Crispy Potato Balls: The Ultimate Vegan Snack Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a pot of salted water, cook the starchy potatoes until fork-tender, about 12-15 minutes. Drain them well and let them steam for 1-2 minutes to lose excess moisture.
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy. Stir in cornstarch, dried oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, fresh parsley, salt, and pepper to combine everything into a cohesive and flavorful dough.
- Scoop out approximately 2 tablespoons of the mixture and roll it into compact balls using your hands. Repeat this process until all the mixture is used, which should yield about 12-14 balls.
- In a deep skillet, heat the neutral oil to 170°C (350°F). Carefully fry the potato balls in batches for about 7-10 minutes, turning occasionally until they are golden brown and crispy all over.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and Sriracha sauce until smooth and well-combined. Adjust the spice level to your preference, adding more Sriracha if you like it hotter.
- Arrange the crispy potato balls on a serving platter. Optional: Garnish with additional chopped parsley or grated vegan parmesan, and serve alongside the spicy Sriracha mayo for dipping.