There’s nothing like a bowl full of leftover potatoes, sitting in your fridge, just waiting for you to do something creative with them. After a big turkey dinner, and you’ve been eating leftovers for days sometimes you need a change.

We had leftover mashed potatoes a week ago. My husband said, “We can fry those up and eat them tomorrow.” In my mind, I heard “Let’s make potato pancakes.” So the next day I whipped up potato pancakes.

They were so tasty and I told my husband it was such a good idea to make pancakes out of the potatoes. He had no idea what I was talking about as he was expecting fried up potatoes (lol)!

I always find it funny when two people can be speaking English to each other and completely misunderstand what the other is saying!

Anyways I did these pancakes two ways, on the stove like a traditional pancake and in the air fryer. The air fryer requires an additional step of putting the dough in the freezer to help it stay together. I will say the air fryer did a better job cooking them though!

Both ways of cooking the pancakes tasted good but the ones in the air fryer puffed up and had a light, airy texture. So yummy.

I ate mine plain but you can top them with sour cream or bacon bits or ketchup if you so please. This recipe is also adjustable depending on your preferred taste. You could add chives or other spices to change it up!

It’s kid friendly too. My toddler eats French fries but any other kind of potato (mashed, baked etc) is hit and miss. He ate these pancakes though! But I mean seriously, how can you not like potatoes and cheese?

So if you need an easy meal that uses up some leftovers, try these potato pancakes. They won’t disappoint!

Potato Pancakes – Two Ways!

Ingredients

• 2 cups mashed potatoes cold
• 2 eggs
• 1/3 cup shredded cheese
• 6 TBSP whole wheat flour more may be needed

Directions

1. In a large mixing bowl combine potatoes, eggs, cheese and flour. Mix until combined. If your dough is tacky and doesn’t hold together add flour by the tablespoon until you reach desired consistency.
2. Wet your hands and form small discs with the dough. Smaller discs hold together better so don’t make them too big.

Stovetop Directions

1. Heat a pan over medium heat and melt butter or oil in pan. Drop the potato discs into the pan and cook for 3-5 minutes per side or until done.

Air Fryer Directions

1. Put dough discs in the freezer for about 10 minutes. I put mine on parchment paper to help keep them from sticking and used the parchment in the air fryer.
2. Place in air fryer at 390°F. Cook for 7 minutes and then flip. Continue cooking for 7 more minutes or until done. Be sure to check them periodically.

Enjoy!

Note: Be careful that your parchment paper is not touching the element in the air fryer as it will burn.

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