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A close-up view of golden crispy potato balls glazed with garlic butter, sprinkled with sesame seeds and chopped herbs, with one ball being picked up by hand.

Crispy Garlic Butter Potato Balls

Golden fried potato balls coated in a buttery garlic glaze with sesame seeds and herbs. The perfect bite-sized snack or appetizer ready in minutes.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine international
Servings 5 people (5 balls per person)
Calories 110 kcal

Ingredients
  

Potato Balls

  • 3 cups cooked potatoes mashed
  • 1 cup cornstarch or flour for binding
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp paprika optional
  • Oil for frying

Garlic Butter Glaze

  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp honey or sugar
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce optional
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds
  • 1 tbsp chopped parsley or chives

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the mixture: In a bowl, combine mashed potatoes, cornstarch, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix until smooth and firm.
  • Shape the balls: Roll the mixture into small, even-sized balls using your palms.
  • Heat the oil: Preheat oil over medium heat until hot but not smoking.
  • Fry the potato balls: Cook the potato balls until golden brown, turning occasionally. Remove and place on a wire rack or paper towel to drain.
  • Make the glaze: In a pan, melt the butter. Add garlic, honey, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Simmer until slightly thickened.
  • Coat: Toss the fried potato balls in the glaze until shiny and evenly coated.
  • Finish: Sprinkle sesame seeds and herbs on top. Serve hot.

Notes

Tips & Variations

  • Add chili flakes or cayenne for extra heat.
  • Insert small mozzarella cubes for a gooey center.
  • Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway.
  • For a gluten-free version, use only cornstarch and gluten-free soy sauce (or omit soy sauce).
  • Double fry the balls for maximum crunch.

 

Storage

  • Refrigerator: Keeps for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
  • Freezer: Freeze shaped, un-fried balls for up to 2 months.
  • Reheat: Air fryer or oven for best crispiness. Avoid microwaving.
Keyword Crispy garlic butter balls, Crunchy garlic appetizer recipe, Easy garlic butter balls, Fried garlic butter bites, Garlic butter balls recipe, Garlic snack recipe, Savory garlic appetizer