Relleno de Papa (Stuffed Potato Balls) Air Fried

I’m a fan of stuffed food that is deep fried with a crispy crust. Growing up in New York, they had places where you can get some tasty fried treats on demand. However, we know eating deep fried foods isn’t the healthiest on the planet and some of us (like me) have to watch how I eat. But thanks to the air fryer, it makes eating some of my favorite food way easier. I’ll admit that tastes are a bit different, but not by much. If you cook it the right way, you can almost get that deep fried goodness. Relleno de papa has always been a favorite. It is potato balls stuffed with a meat mixture. I did take a short cut with the potatoes because: 1. I didn’t have enough and 2. I have quite a few instant mashed potatoes packets on hand. I know some people would be remiss with using prepackaged potatoes, but I think they work in a pinch when nothing else is available. With a few modifications, I think I came up with a way to have the best of both world’s in a short amount of time. Here’s my take on rellenos de papa. Serves 4-8.

Ingredients

• 1 lb. ground beef, pork, or chicken
• 2 Tbsp. sofrito
• 1 packet of Sazon regular
• 1 packet of Sazon de Jamon (ham)
• About 10 green stuffed olives (optional)
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp cumin powder
• 2 dry oregano
• 2 Tbsp. tomato paste or 4 oz can of tomato sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 packets of Instant Potatoes
• 1/2 cup milk or cream
• 1 cup of water
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1/2 tsp cornstarch
• 2 eggs, beated
• spray oil

1. Follow the instructions on my post on picadillo. Prepare as directed. Let the meat cool.

2. Prepare instant potatoes as directed except reduce the liquid by 1/4 to 1/2 cup according to directions. I used two packs of instant potatoes and each require 2 cups. I ended up using 1/2 cup less of liquid to make the potatoes a little more stiff and easier to handle. You can use your preferred brand or cook about a 1 lb of russet potatoes and mash up and prepare so that it isn’t too mushy.

3. After I prepare the potatoes, I added a little color just to make it pop. This step is optional. Let the potatoes cool down. I refrigerated mine for about 20 minute or so.

4. In separate plates or bowls, combine the flour, breadcrumbs and corn starch together. You can season this if you like. I combined both the flour and breadcrumbs to cut out a step in the air frying and save some time. Beat eggs in a separate bowl. I like the bowels because I’ll be forming little balls and they rolling them in the mixture and it’s really easy this way.

5. Take out potatoes and wet hands a bit. grab a spoon and add the mashed potatoes to forma a ball the size of your palm. Wet you hands a bit so that it won’t be sticky. You can make them any size you like, but smaller ones are easier to control. Make an indentation with your thumb to make a “pocket” to place the meat in.

6. Using about a tsp, add the meat into the indent, making sure not to over stuff. Close over the meat gently using the outer potato. If you need to, add a little more potatoes to cover up an open area. Roll around in hand, using a little water if you need to keep the ball from sticking to your hands. It should like like the photo below this one.

7. After making all the potato balls, grab one at a time ad roll into the egg mixture and then the dry mix, making sure that you gently press crumbs into ball to cover it all over. Shake any excess and set aside.

8. Spray oil on the bottom of your fryer, or use parchment paper, and place 2-4 balls with some room to spare in between so as not to crowd the pan and let the air flow throughout. I use my air fryer attachment for my instant pot, so I only placed three (3) balls at a time. Spray some more oil on top of the ball. close and set your fryer to 400 degrees and cook for 12-14 minute, turning it over gently halfway and spray more oil.

9. When the rellenos look brown and crispy, gently remove (it’s hot) and set aside to cool a bit.

You can now enjoy this tasty rellenos that are a meal unto itself. You can use a light dip you you wish or some other veggies on the side, but I eat them as it, since this is suppose to a kind of street food. I hope you give these a try if you like meat and potatoes and want to have a lunch you can take with you quick and easy. Thank you so much for for stopping by. It’s greatly appreciated. God bless and Buen Provecho!