Broccoli Potato Balls Recipe – Air Fryer Indian Snack

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Broccoli Potato Balls Recipe – Air Fryer Indian Snack

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for a quick, tasty snack that’s a little bit different. And let me tell you, these Broccoli Potato Balls are a total game-changer. They’re crispy on the outside, soft and flavorful on the inside, and honestly, a brilliant way to sneak in some extra veggies! I first made these when my kids were being particularly picky, and they devoured them – success! They’re perfect for a rainy afternoon, a party, or just when you need a little something to munch on.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These aren’t your average potato balls. The broccoli adds a lovely freshness and subtle flavor that balances the richness of the potatoes. Plus, air frying them means they get wonderfully crispy without all the oil. They’re surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner cooks, and they’re a fantastic way to use up leftover boiled potatoes. Honestly, what’s not to love?

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these deliciousness:

• 350 grams broccoli
• 2 medium potatoes (boiled, peeled, mashed)
• ½ cup sweet corn
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp Kashmiri red chili powder
• 1 tsp roasted cumin powder
• ½ cup quick cooking oats
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt to taste

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! Getting the right ones makes all the difference.

Broccoli: Choosing Freshness & Varieties
Look for broccoli with tightly closed, dark green florets. You can use regular green broccoli, or even try purple sprouting broccoli for a fun color variation!

Potatoes: The Best Type for Mashing
I find that starchy potatoes like Yukon Gold or Russet work best for mashing. They give you that lovely fluffy texture.

Sweet Corn: Fresh vs. Frozen
You can use fresh sweet corn kernels cut from the cob, or frozen sweet corn – both work beautifully. If using frozen, just make sure it’s thawed and drained well.

Garam Masala: Aromatic Spice Blend Explained
Garam masala is a warm, fragrant spice blend that’s a staple in Indian cooking. Every family has their own blend, but it usually includes cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and cumin.

Kashmiri Red Chili Powder: Color & Mild Heat
This chili powder is amazing for adding a vibrant red color and a mild, fruity heat. It’s not super spicy, so it’s great for kids (or spice-sensitive folks!).

Roasted Cumin Powder: Enhancing the Flavor Profile
Roasting the cumin seeds before grinding them really brings out their flavor. You can buy pre-roasted cumin powder, or roast whole cumin seeds in a dry pan for a few minutes until fragrant, then grind them yourself.

Oats: Quick Cooking vs. Rolled Oats – Which to Use?
I recommend quick-cooking oats for this recipe. They bind the mixture together nicely without making the balls too dense. Rolled oats can be used in a pinch, but you might need to add a little more moisture.

Olive Oil: Alternatives & Health Benefits
Olive oil adds a lovely flavor and helps the balls get crispy. You can also use avocado oil or any other neutral-flavored oil.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, steam your broccoli florets until they’re tender-crisp. You don’t want them mushy! Once cooled slightly, give them a fine chop.
2. In a large bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, mashed potatoes, sweet corn, garlic powder, garam masala, Kashmiri red chili powder, roasted cumin powder, and salt. Mix everything together really well – get in there with your hands if you need to!
3. Now, add the quick-cooking oats and mix until the mixture comes together and you can easily form it into balls.
4. Shape the mixture into small balls, about 1-inch in diameter. Place them on a plate or tray lined with parchment paper and pop them in the fridge for 15-20 minutes. This helps them firm up and hold their shape.
5. Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F). Lightly brush or spray the broccoli potato balls with olive oil.
6. Arrange the balls in the air fryer basket in a single layer – don’t overcrowd them! Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they’re golden brown and crispy.

Expert Tips

Want to make these extra amazing? Here are a few of my go-to tricks:

Achieving the Perfect Crispy Texture
Don’t skip the olive oil! It’s key to getting that lovely crispy exterior. Also, make sure the air fryer basket isn’t overcrowded.

Preventing the Balls from Falling Apart
Chilling the balls before air frying is crucial. It helps them hold their shape. If the mixture feels too wet, add a little more oats.

Flavor Boosting Techniques
A squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of chaat masala after air frying can really elevate the flavor.

Variations

Let’s get creative!

Vegan Broccoli Potato Balls
This recipe is already naturally vegetarian! Just ensure your garam masala doesn’t contain any animal-derived ingredients.

Gluten-Free Broccoli Potato Balls
Make sure your oats are certified gluten-free.

Spice Level Adjustment (Mild, Medium, Hot)
Adjust the amount of Kashmiri red chili powder to control the heat. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or green chili paste. My friend loves adding a finely chopped green chili to the mixture!

Festival Adaptations (Holi, Diwali Snack)
These are perfect for festive gatherings! You can serve them with a variety of chutneys and dips.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these hot with your favorite dipping sauce. Ketchup is a classic, but marinara sauce or a vibrant cilantro mint chutney are also fantastic choices. They’re also great as part of a larger Indian snack platter.

Storage Instructions

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer or oven to restore their crispiness.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

Can I bake these broccoli potato balls instead of air frying?
Yes, you can! Bake them in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

How can I make these ahead of time?
You can prepare the mixture and shape the balls up to a day in advance. Store them covered in the fridge until ready to air fry.

What other vegetables can I add to this recipe?
Feel free to experiment! Peas, carrots, or spinach would all be delicious additions.

Is it possible to freeze these broccoli potato balls?
Yes, you can freeze them! Arrange the shaped balls on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag. Air fry from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

What is a good substitute for Kashmiri red chili powder if I don’t have it?
You can use a combination of regular red chili powder and paprika to mimic the color and mild heat. Start with a small amount of red chili powder and add more to taste.