Air Fryer Croquettes to Savor
Discover the irresistible delight of crispy, golden croquettes made effortlessly in your air fryer. These savory bites feature a creamy mashed potato interior, studded with tender diced ham and rich shredded cheese, all encased in a perfectly crisp breadcrumb crust. A fantastic appetizer, side dish, or even a light meal, they're sure to become a family favorite.
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
10-12 minutes
Total Time
30-35 minutes
Servings
Approximately 12-15 croquettes (4-5 servings)
Keywords
Why This Recipe Delivers
- Achieves perfectly crispy results without deep-frying, using significantly less oil.
- A versatile dish that works as an appetizer, side, or even a delightful snack.
- Utilizes common kitchen staples, making it a budget-friendly and accessible recipe.
- Customizable with various cheeses, meats, and seasonings to suit any palate.
- Ready in under 35 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute entertaining.
Ingredients
- 480 grams (2 cups) prepared mashed potatoes, cooled
- 110 grams (1 cup) shredded sharp cheddar or gruyere cheese
- 70 grams (1/2 cup) cooked ham, finely diced
- 25 grams (1/4 cup) fresh green onions, thinly sliced
- 60 grams (1/2 cup) plain breadcrumbs, panko recommended for extra crispiness
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 2 grams (1/2 teaspoon) fine sea salt, or to taste
- 1 gram (1/4 teaspoon) freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
- Optional: 15 ml (1 tablespoon) olive oil or cooking spray for coating
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (400°F). Ensure the basket is clean and ready for cooking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled mashed potatoes, shredded cheese, finely diced cooked ham, thinly sliced green onions, salt, and black pepper. Gently mix with a spatula or your hands until all ingredients are evenly distributed, being careful not to overmix, which can make the potatoes gummy.
- Take about 20-30 grams (1 to 1.5 tablespoons) of the potato mixture and gently roll it into a small ball, or shape it into a small cylindrical croquette or patty, approximately 4-5 cm (1.5-2 inches) long. Repeat with the remaining mixture, placing the formed croquettes on a plate or baking sheet.
- Set up a breading station. Place the lightly beaten egg in one shallow dish and the breadcrumbs in another. Dip each croquette into the beaten egg, allowing any excess to drip off, then transfer it to the breadcrumbs. Roll and gently press to ensure a complete and even coating of breadcrumbs on all sides.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil or cooking spray, if desired, to prevent sticking. Arrange the breaded croquettes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not touch each other. This allows for optimal air circulation and crisping. Work in batches if necessary.
- Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping the croquettes halfway through the cooking time (around 5-6 minutes). Continue cooking until they are beautifully golden brown and delightfully crispy on the exterior.
- Carefully remove the hot croquettes from the air fryer and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as marinara, sriracha aioli, or a simple sour cream and chive dip.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Shallow dishes for breading
- Air fryer
- Spatula or spoon for mixing
- Tongs for flipping croquettes
- Measuring cups and spoons
Essential Success Tips
- Ensure mashed potatoes are cooled before mixing; warm potatoes can make the mixture too soft and difficult to form.
- Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches to allow proper air circulation for maximum crispiness.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of garlic powder or smoked paprika to your mashed potato mixture.
- Lightly spraying the breaded croquettes with oil before air frying can enhance the golden brown color and crisp texture.
- If the mixture is too sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before forming the croquettes.
Professional Cooking Secrets
- For a gourmet touch, incorporate a small amount of finely grated Parmesan cheese into your breadcrumb mixture for an extra layer of savory depth and a richer crust.
- Achieve superior texture by using freshly made, slightly drier mashed potatoes. Avoid overly wet or runny mashed potatoes, as they will be challenging to form and may not crisp as effectively.
- Freeze unbaked, breaded croquettes on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Air fry from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time, for a convenient make-ahead option.
Notes
- Storage: Leftover croquettes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for 5-7 minutes until hot and re-crisped.
- Variations: Experiment with different cheese types like mozzarella or Monterey Jack. For a vegetarian option, omit the ham and add sautéed mushrooms or finely chopped bell peppers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bake these croquettes instead of air frying?
Yes, you can! Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Place the breaded croquettes on a lightly oiled baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and heated through. Results may vary slightly in crispiness compared to air frying.
My croquettes are falling apart. What went wrong?
This usually happens if the mashed potatoes are too warm or too wet. Ensure your mashed potatoes are thoroughly cooled and not overly runny. You can also try adding a tablespoon or two of all-purpose flour or cornstarch to the mixture to help bind it, or chill the mixture for 30 minutes before forming.
What's the best way to get a really crispy coating?
Using panko breadcrumbs will give you an extra-crispy exterior. Also, a light spray of olive oil or cooking spray directly onto the breaded croquettes before air frying helps achieve that beautiful golden-brown color and irresistible crunch.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Approximate per serving (3 croquettes): Calories: 280, Protein: 12g, Fat: 15g, Carbs: 25g, Fiber: 2g.
Allergy Information
Contains dairy (cheese, mashed potatoes if made with milk/butter), egg, and gluten (breadcrumbs). For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. Ensure mashed potatoes are dairy-free for a dairy-free option.
No comment