Crispy Spiced Potato Balls with Sriracha Mayo Recipe

Picture this: golden orbs of crispy, spiced potato perfection, their fragrant aroma filling your kitchen with warm notes of smoked paprika and garlic. As you bite into one, the delicate crunch gives way to a pillowy soft inside, bursting with herby, savory goodness. Paired with a tangy, spicy sriracha mayo, each bite is a delightful explosion of flavor and texture that feels like a celebration in your mouth. Whether you’re whipping up a snack to impress friends or craving comfort food with a kick, this recipe is your new best friend.

Why You’ll Love This Crispy Spiced Potato Balls with Sriracha Mayo Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 40 minutes, this recipe is perfect for satisfying cravings without hours in the kitchen.
• Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday pantry staples like potatoes, spices, and a touch of fresh parsley for vibrant flavor.
• Perfect for Weeknights: Effortless yet impressive, it’s a snack or appetizer that elevates any casual gathering.
• Impressive Presentation: Golden, crispy potato balls paired with a creamy, fiery sriracha mayo make for a show-stopping dish.
• Customizable: Easily adjust the spice level in the mayo or swap in your favorite herbs to make it uniquely yours.

Why This Crispy Spiced Potato Balls with Sriracha Mayo Recipe Works

The magic behind these Crispy Spiced Potato Balls with Sriracha Mayo Recipe lies in a few key techniques and ingredients. First, boiling and steaming the potatoes until perfectly tender ensures a smooth, fluffy texture inside. Next, cornstarch acts as a binding agent, helping the balls hold their shape without being dense. The harmonious blend of dried oregano, smoked paprika, cumin, and garlic powder creates layers of warm, inviting spice that truly awaken the palate. Lastly, frying the balls at the right temperature guarantees a golden, crunchy crust that contrasts beautifully with the creamy Sriracha mayo. These elements combine for an irresistible snack you’ll crave again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple ingredients come together to create big, bold flavors and textures in this recipe. Each component plays its part in crafting the perfect crispy, spiced potato balls and their fiery dipping sauce.

• Potatoes (3 or 600g): The hearty base for tender, fluffy balls.
• Cornstarch (3 tbsp): Helps bind the mixture and keeps the balls crispy.
• Dried Oregano (2 tbsp): Adds an earthy herbaceous note.
• Garlic Powder (2 tsp): Brings savory depth and warmth.
• Onion Powder (2 tsp): A subtle sweetness that rounds flavor.
• Smoked Paprika (2 tsp): Infuses a smoky, slightly spicy kick.
• Ground Cumin (½ tsp): Adds a nutty earthiness for complexity.
• Fresh Parsley (2 tbsp, plus extra to garnish): Brightens and freshens the dish with herbal zest.
• Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Essential for perfect seasoning.
• Neutral Oil (for frying): Such as vegetable or canola oil, ideal for deep frying.
• Mayonnaise (½ cup): Creamy base for the spicy dipping sauce.
• Sriracha Sauce (½ cup): Adds vibrant heat and a touch of sweetness to the mayo dip.

Ingredient Substitutions & Tips

• Potatoes: Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes both work beautifully for fluffiness. Sweet potatoes can offer a fun twist.
• Dried Oregano: Substitute with dried thyme or basil for a slightly different herbal tone.
• Neutral Oil for Frying: Use sunflower or peanut oil as alternatives with high smoke points.
• Mayonnaise: Swap for Greek yogurt or a dairy-free mayo for a lighter or allergy-friendly option.

How to Make Crispy Spiced Potato Balls with Sriracha Mayo Recipe

Step 1: Boil and Steam the Potatoes

Start by filling a pot with salted water and bringing it to a boil. Add the whole potatoes and cook until fork-tender, about 12 to 15 minutes. Once done, drain them thoroughly and return the potatoes to the hot pot for 1 to 2 minutes. This helps steam off any residual moisture so your potato balls aren’t soggy.

💡 Pro Tip: Leaving the potatoes whole for boiling helps retain their natural texture and prevents waterlogging.

Step 2: Mash and Season

Transfer the steaming potatoes to a large bowl. Use a potato ricer or fork to mash them until smooth and lump-free for that perfect soft inside. Add cornstarch, dried oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, fresh parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until it forms a harmonious, slightly sticky dough.

💡 Pro Tip: Incorporate the seasoning gradually and taste the mash to balance the spices to your preference.

Step 3: Shape the Potato Balls

Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and roll it between your palms to form tight, compact balls. You should get approximately 12 to 14 perfectly shaped potato spheres from the batch. Set them aside on a clean plate until ready to fry.

💡 Pro Tip: Wet your hands slightly when shaping to prevent sticking and achieve smooth balls.

Step 4: Heat the Oil and Fry

Pour 2 to 3 inches of neutral oil into a deep skillet or pot and heat to 170°C (350°F). Carefully lower the potato balls into the oil in batches, taking care not to overcrowd and drop the temperature. Fry them for 7 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until they develop an even golden-brown, crispy crust. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried potato balls to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain excess oil, seasoning lightly with salt while still hot.

💡 Pro Tip: Use a thermometer to keep an eye on the oil temperature. If it’s too low, the balls will absorb more oil and become greasy.

Step 5: Whisk the Sriracha Mayo

While the potato balls are frying, prepare your dipping sauce by whisking together mayonnaise and Sriracha in a small bowl until smooth and well combined. Adjust the spiciness by adding more mayo for creaminess or more Sriracha for a fiery kick.

💡 Pro Tip: For a tangy twist, add a squeeze of fresh lime juice or a pinch of garlic powder to the dip.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Arrange the crispy potato balls on a serving platter. Sprinkle extra fresh parsley for bright color and a fresh herbal note. Serve immediately alongside the spicy, creamy sriracha mayo dip for the ultimate flavor contrast and texture experience.

💡 Pro Tip: A light grating of fresh Parmesan over the top adds a subtle umami depth if desired.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Learn from these common pitfalls:

• Potatoes too wet: Not steaming off moisture after boiling leads to soggy, fragile potato balls.
• Overcrowding the oil: Frying too many at once drops temperature, causing greasiness.
• Skipping cornstarch: Without it, potato balls may fall apart during frying.
• Under-seasoning: Mild mashed potatoes can make the dish bland; seasoning is key.
• Uneven frying temperature: Too hot oil burns the exterior before cooking inside, too cool makes them greasy.
• Not draining excess oil: Leaving fried balls on paper towels avoids oily heaviness.

Delicious Variations to Try

Once you’ve mastered the classic Crispy Spiced Potato Balls with Sriracha Mayo Recipe, why not explore some exciting twists?

Cheesy Herb Potato Balls

Add ½ cup of finely shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese into the potato mixture before shaping for melty, cheesy pockets with herby undertones.

Zesty Lemon Parsley

Incorporate lemon zest and extra fresh parsley into the mix and swap smoked paprika for sweet paprika for a brighter flavor profile.

Curried Potato Balls

Swap some of the oregano and paprika for 1 tsp curry powder and add chopped cilantro for an aromatic Indian-inspired bite.

Garlic Parmesan Dip

Replace the sriracha mayo with a creamy garlic parmesan sauce for a rich, indulgent alternative dip.

Spicy Harissa Mayo

Swap Sriracha with harissa paste for a smoky North African spice kick in your mayo dip that’ll tantalize your taste buds.

How to Serve Crispy Spiced Potato Balls with Sriracha Mayo Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh chopped parsley adds vibrancy and freshness. A slight dusting of smoked paprika or freshly cracked black pepper can elevate the look and flavor. For a touch of decadence, grate some Parmesan cheese on top just before serving.

Side Dishes

Pair with a crisp green salad for contrast or serve alongside roasted vegetable crudités. These potato balls also make a fantastic savory companion to grilled chicken or spicy kebabs for heartier meals.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the potato balls stacked in a rustic basket lined with parchment, alongside small bowls of sriracha mayo dip. For parties, present on skewers with alternating dipped potato balls and fresh herb sprigs. You can also create a sharing platter with assorted dips and garnishes to impress your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover cooked potato balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain crispiness, store the dipping sauce separately.

Freezing

Freeze shaped but unfried potato balls on a lined baking sheet until firm, then transfer to resealable freezer bags. They keep well for up to 1 month and can be fried directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to cooking time.

Reheating

Reheat leftover potato balls in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for 8 to 10 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

FAQs

Can I bake the potato balls instead of frying?

Yes! Baking at 200°C (400°F) for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway, makes a healthier but less crispy alternative.

What type of potatoes work best?

Starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds yield the fluffiest texture perfect for these potato balls.

How spicy is the sriracha mayo dipping sauce?

The heat level can be adjusted easily by adding more or less Sriracha to suit your taste buds.

Can I prepare the potato mixture in advance?

Absolutely. Make the mash and mix the spices a few hours ahead, refrigerating it tightly covered until ready to shape and fry.

Is there a gluten-free option?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free when using cornstarch and gluten-free mayonnaise.

What if I don’t have a deep fryer?

A deep, heavy-bottomed skillet or pot works perfectly for deep-frying on the stovetop.

Can I make mini potato balls?

Yes, just reduce the size and frying time slightly for bite-sized morsels—perfect for parties!

What should I serve with sriracha mayo if I want less heat?

Mix extra mayonnaise or a dollop of plain yogurt into the sauce to mellow the spice.

Final Thoughts

These Crispy Spiced Potato Balls with Sriracha Mayo Recipe capture comfort and excitement all in one bite. The way they crackle golden and release a bouquet of herbs and warm spices makes every mouthful a moment to savor. Pairing them with that creamy, spicy dip creates a match made in foodie heaven—perfect for sharing or indulging solo. They’re fun to make, delightful to eat, and sure to become a go-to for gatherings or cozy nights in.

Have you tried this Crispy Spiced Potato Balls with Sriracha Mayo Recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below. If you loved this recipe, please share it with friends and family. Happy cooking! 😊

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