Air Fryer Potato Croquettes: 4 Steps to Crispy Bliss

By:

Christina R. Jones

June 22, 2025

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If you haven’t tried air fryer recipes yet, oh boy, you’re in for a treat! Let me tell you, the air fryer is like magic in the kitchen, transforming ordinary ingredients into crispy, golden perfection without the guilt of deep frying. Just picture it: crispy potato croquettes, golden and inviting, with a warm, cheesy center that melts in your mouth. These little bites of heaven are not just delicious; they’re also incredibly easy to whip up! With just a handful of simple ingredients, you’ll have a fantastic appetizer or snack that everyone will adore. Trust me, after one bite of these air fryer potato croquettes, you’ll be hooked and wondering how you ever lived without them!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons to fall head over heels for these air fryer potato croquettes! Here’s why they’ll become your new go-to recipe:

Quick Preparation: With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can have these tasty bites ready to go in no time!
Healthy Cooking Method: The air fryer uses hot air circulation to create that crispy texture we all love, while cutting down on oil. Goodbye, deep frying!
Delicious Taste: Imagine a crunchy exterior giving way to a creamy, cheesy center. These croquettes are bursting with flavor, making them a hit at any gathering.
Versatile Snack: Perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or even a light meal, these croquettes are endlessly adaptable. You can add your favorite herbs or spices for a personal touch!

So go ahead, treat yourself to these delightful air fryer potato croquettes. You won’t regret it!

Ingredients List

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating these mouthwatering air fryer potato croquettes. Here’s what you’ll need:

2 cups mashed potatoes: Use peeled and boiled potatoes for that creamy texture. You can make them from scratch or use leftover mashed potatoes!
1/2 cup grated cheese: I love using sharp cheddar for its bold flavor, but feel free to experiment with your favorite cheese like mozzarella or pepper jack.
1/4 cup chopped green onions: Fresh green onions add a lovely crunch and a hint of oniony goodness to your croquettes.
1/2 cup breadcrumbs: These are essential for that crispy coating. You can use store-bought or make your own from stale bread.
1 egg: This helps bind everything together and gives the croquettes their lovely golden color.
Salt and pepper to taste: Don’t forget to season your mixture well! It really enhances the flavors.

With these simple ingredients, you’re just steps away from crispy, cheesy bliss!

How to Prepare Air Fryer Potato Croquettes

Getting these air fryer potato croquettes ready is as easy as pie! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be munching on crispy, cheesy goodness in no time. Let’s dive in!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the air fryer: Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This step is crucial for achieving that perfect golden-brown crust.
Mix the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine your 2 cups of mashed potatoes, 1/2 cup of grated cheese, 1/4 cup of chopped green onions, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed. Trust me, the aroma will be irresistible!
Form the croquettes: Now comes the fun part! Take a small handful of the potato mixture and shape it into balls or patties. Aim for about 1.5 inches in diameter. Don’t worry about perfection; a little rustic charm is always welcome!
Coat them: In a separate bowl, beat your egg. Dip each croquette into the egg, letting the excess drip off, and then roll it in the breadcrumbs until fully coated. This will give them that crunchy texture we all crave!
Air fry: Place the croquettes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they’re not touching. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even browning. Keep an eye on them; they should come out beautifully golden!

And there you have it! Follow these steps, and you’ll be rewarded with delicious air fryer potato croquettes that are sure to impress!

Nutritional Information

When you’re whipping up these scrumptious air fryer potato croquettes, it’s always good to know what you’re serving up! Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown per serving, which consists of about four croquettes:

Calories: 200
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 50mg
Sodium: 300mg
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 2g
Protein: 5g

These values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. It’s comforting to know that you’re indulging in a tasty snack that’s not only satisfying but also fits nicely into a balanced diet!

Tips for Success

To ensure your air fryer potato croquettes turn out perfectly every time, here are some tried-and-true tips that I swear by:

Ingredient Substitutions: Don’t have green onions? Chopped chives or even finely diced bell peppers work great too! Feel free to switch up the cheese based on your preference – feta or Gouda can add a lovely twist.
Shaping the Croquettes: When forming the croquettes, wet your hands slightly to prevent the mixture from sticking. This little tip makes shaping them a breeze and keeps them from falling apart.
Cooking Tips: Make sure to give your air fryer enough space between the croquettes; overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking. If you have a lot, cook them in batches for that perfect crunch!
Check for Doneness: If you like them extra crispy, feel free to cook them a couple of minutes longer. Just keep an eye on them to avoid burning.

With these tips, you’ll be the star of any gathering, serving up croquettes that are sure to impress!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing your leftover air fryer potato croquettes is super easy! Just place them in an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. They’ll stay good for about 3-4 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them! Just make sure they’re cooled completely, then lay them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. This way, they won’t stick together, and you can grab just as many as you need!

When it’s time to enjoy those delicious leftovers, the best way to reheat them is in the air fryer. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and warm them up for about 5-7 minutes. This method will keep them crispy on the outside and warm on the inside, just like when they were fresh! Trust me, you’ll be amazed at how good they taste reheated!

FAQ Section

Got questions about air fryer potato croquettes? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries folks often have:

Can I use leftover mashed potatoes for this recipe? Absolutely! Leftover mashed potatoes work wonderfully and save you time in the kitchen. Just make sure they’re well-seasoned for the best flavor.
What can I use instead of breadcrumbs? If you’re out of breadcrumbs, crushed cornflakes or panko can give you a crunchy coating. You could even try ground nuts for a gluten-free option!
How do I keep the croquettes from falling apart? The key is to ensure your potato mixture is well-mixed and holds together before shaping. If they seem too loose, add a bit more breadcrumbs to help bind them.
Can I freeze the croquettes before cooking? Yes! You can freeze them after shaping but before air frying. Just place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook them straight from frozen, just add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
What dipping sauces pair well with potato croquettes? Oh, so many options! A tangy dipping sauce like ranch or a spicy aioli works great, but I also love serving them with a classic ketchup or even a sweet chili sauce.

Hopefully, these answers will help you make the most delicious air fryer potato croquettes possible!

Air Fryer Potato Croquettes - detail 1

For more delicious air fryer recipes, check out Air Fryer Potato Skins or Air Fryer Broccoli. You can also learn about the health benefits of air frying here.