Air Fryer Potato Croquettes: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Potato croquettes are a delicious snack or side dish that can be made in an air fryer with minimal fuss and maximum taste. This simple dish is a twist on a French classic, with a crispy, golden exterior and a soft, creamy filling. They are perfect as a party appetiser, side dish, or snack and can be served with a variety of dipping sauces.

How to make the potato mixture

The first step in making potato croquettes is preparing the potato mixture, which will serve as the base for your croquettes. Here's a detailed guide on how to make a delicious and flavourful potato mixture:

Ingredients

• Potatoes: Start by peeling and cutting your potatoes into small pieces. You can use Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, or any variety suitable for mashing.
• Butter: Use unsalted butter for a neutral flavour profile.
• Seasonings: Add salt and pepper to taste. You can also include onion powder and garlic powder for extra flavour.
• Cheese: Shredded cheese adds a creamy texture and a burst of flavour. Try cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack.
• Green Onion or Chives: These ingredients provide freshness and colour, as well as a mild onion flavour.

Instructions

• Cook the potatoes: You can bake or boil the potatoes. If baking, preheat your air fryer to 400°F and poke holes in the potatoes with a fork. Air fry for 45-60 minutes, rotating them every 20 minutes, until they are easily pierced with a fork. If boiling, cut the potatoes into cubes and boil in water for about 20 minutes or until tender.
• Prepare the potato mixture: Once the potatoes are cooked, add butter, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and green onion or chives. Mash the mixture until the butter is fully incorporated, but be careful not to over-mix.
• Add cheese: Next, add the shredded cheese and lightly stir to combine. You can also add other ingredients like ground beef, shredded chicken, or bacon at this stage.
• Portion and shape: Use a small scooper or measuring spoon to portion out the mashed potatoes. Roll them into balls and place them spaced out on a plate. Cover with plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for about 15-20 minutes to help them firm up.

How to shape the croquettes

Shaping the croquettes is a simple yet crucial step in the process of making potato croquettes in an air fryer. Here is a detailed guide on how to shape them effectively:

Start by preparing your workstation. Have your mashed potatoes ready in a large bowl, along with any desired mix-ins like cheese, herbs, or cooked meats. You will also need three separate shallow dishes for the dredging and coating process.

Take a spoonful of the potato mixture and place it in your palm. Use your other hand to flatten it into a small, thin disc. If you plan to add a filling, such as cheese, place it in the centre of the disc now. Carefully fold the edges of the potato disc over the filling, ensuring it is completely enclosed. Gently shape the filled disc into a smooth, even ball, rolling it between your palms until it is compact and uniform. Make sure there are no openings or cracks. Repeat this process until you have formed all the croquettes.

For optimal results, it is recommended to chill the shaped croquettes in the refrigerator for about 15-30 minutes before proceeding to the coating stage. This helps the croquettes firm up, reducing the likelihood of them bursting or cracking during the cooking process.

Once chilled, you can begin the dredging and coating process. Set up your three shallow dishes: one containing all-purpose flour, the second with beaten eggs, and the third with breadcrumbs. You can use regular breadcrumbs or Panko breadcrumbs for a lighter, crispier texture.

Take a potato ball and gently roll it in the flour, ensuring it is evenly coated. Shake off any excess flour before moving to the next step. Next, dip the floured ball into the beaten egg, making sure it is completely coated. Finally, roll it in the breadcrumbs, gently pressing them onto the surface of the croquette to ensure an even and thorough coating. Repeat this process for each croquette.

After shaping and coating your potato croquettes, they are now ready to be placed in the air fryer and cooked to crispy, golden perfection!

How to coat the croquettes

To coat the croquettes, you'll need to set up a breading station with three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, place some all-purpose flour with a pinch of salt and pepper. In the second bowl, whisk together an egg with a splash of water to create an egg wash. In the final bowl, add the breadcrumbs—either regular or panko—along with another pinch of salt and pepper.

Take each potato ball and roll it gently in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the egg wash, ensuring it's evenly coated. Finally, roll it in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently so that the breadcrumbs adhere well. Repeat this process until all the croquettes are formed.

If you have time, it's recommended to chill the breaded croquettes in the fridge for about 20-30 minutes before air frying. This helps the coating set and can prevent the croquettes from bursting during cooking.

How to cook the croquettes

Now that you have your potato croquette mixture ready, it's time to cook them in the air fryer! Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare the Breading Station

Get three shallow bowls and line them up on your countertop. In the first bowl, place some all-purpose flour with a pinch of salt and pepper. You can also add other dried herbs and spices of your choice, such as paprika, garlic powder, or onion powder. In the second bowl, whisk together an egg with a splash of water to create an egg wash. In the third bowl, add breadcrumbs. You can use plain, Italian, or panko breadcrumbs, depending on your preference. For extra crunch, you can even blitz the panko breadcrumbs in a food processor to get finer crumbs.

Step 2: Coat the Croquettes

Take each potato ball and roll it gently in the flour, shaking off any excess. This step ensures that the egg wash will adhere properly to the potato ball. Next, dip the floured potato ball into the egg wash, making sure it is evenly coated. Finally, roll it in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently so that the breadcrumbs stick nicely to the surface. Repeat this process for each croquette until they are all coated.

Step 3: Chill the Croquettes (Optional)

If you have the time, it is recommended to chill the breaded croquettes in the refrigerator for about 15-30 minutes. This step helps the coating set and can prevent the croquettes from bursting or cracking during the cooking process. It also ensures that the coating will be crispier when cooked.

Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 390-400°F. Different air fryers may vary, so adjust the temperature accordingly. Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush a little oil onto it to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Arrange the Croquettes in the Air Fryer

Place the croquettes into the air fryer basket, making sure they are in a single layer and not overcrowded. It is okay if they are touching slightly, but ensure there is space between each one for even cooking. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

Step 6: Spray the Croquettes with Oil

Lightly spray the tops of the croquettes with cooking spray or brush a little oil onto them. This step will help them achieve a golden, crispy exterior.

Step 7: Air Fry the Croquettes

Air fry the croquettes for about 5-10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. You may need to adjust the time depending on your air fryer and the size of your croquettes. Halfway through the cooking process, gently shake the basket or flip the croquettes to ensure even browning on all sides.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!

Remove the croquettes from the air fryer and let them cool slightly on a wire rack to maintain their crispiness. Serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ketchup, aioli, sour cream, or marinara sauce. Enjoy the delicious, crispy treat!

Tips for Success:

• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and prevent steaming.
• Test one croquette first to determine the optimal temperature and timing for your air fryer.
• Let the croquettes chill in the refrigerator before frying, as this helps them hold their shape better and reduces the chances of cracking or bursting.
• For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free cereal for the coating.
• You can also add various fillings to your potato croquettes, such as cheese, cooked meats, or vegetables, to create different flavors.

Now you know how to cook potato croquettes in your air fryer! Enjoy this delicious and crispy treat as an appetizer, side dish, or snack.

How to store and reheat the croquettes

To store your potato croquettes, let them cool down completely, then place them in an airtight container and put them in the fridge. They will last in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 5 days.

If you want to freeze your croquettes, place them on a baking sheet with about 1 inch between each one. Par-freeze them for 20 to 30 minutes, then transfer them to a zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible. They will last in the freezer for up to 3 months.

To reheat your potato croquettes, preheat your air fryer to 350°F and cook for about 5 minutes or until warmed through. If you are reheating from frozen, increase the time by 3 to 4 minutes. You can also reheat them in the oven; place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 400°F for about 10 minutes or until heated through.

Frequently asked questions