We used to call these golden bites “leftover magic.” Now they’re TikTok famous. Air Fryer Potato Croquettes are making a crispy comeback in the coziest way. This easy recipe is beginner-friendly, done in 30 minutes, and tastes like crispy mashed potato dreams.
Warm mashed potatoes get a second chance here rolled with melty cheese, a little garlic, and pantry basics like breadcrumbs. Think: crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, like Grandma’s Sunday leftovers met your air fryer. Full details in the blog!
I still remember my mom mashing extras into little patties, then pan-frying them with whatever cheese we had. These? Slight glow-up, way easier. I tested this until even my pickiest niece approved. You’ll love the one ingredient swap that seals the deal!
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Potato Croquettes
Golden Crunch, Fluffy Center: These croquettes are crispy perfection on the outside and soft, cheesy mashed potato goodness inside. It’s like your favorite comfort food in handheld form!
Quick and Efficient: Thanks to the air fryer, you’ll skip the mess of deep-frying while still getting that gorgeous crispness in a fraction of the time.
Versatile: Snack, side dish, or party appetizer – they fit any occasion. Plus, they’re freezer-friendly for make-ahead magic.
Nostalgic Flavors: With garlic, onion, and cheese, every bite tastes like Sunday family meals – cozy and oh-so-satisfying.
Key Ingredients and Simple Swaps
This recipe keeps things approachable with pantry staples and a bit of creativity. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Ingredient
Purpose
Swaps
Russet Potatoes
Base for the croquettes, fluffy and starchy
Yukon Gold for a creamier texture
Shredded Cheese
Melts into the potatoes for a gooey center
Cheddar, Gruyere, or Monterey Jack
Panko Breadcrumbs
Creates that light, crunchy coating
Regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers
Green Onion
Adds a fresh, savory kick
Chives or skip if preferred
Step-by-Step: How to Make Air Fryer Potato Croquettes
Prep the Potatoes: Air fry the scrubbed potatoes at 400°F for 45-60 minutes, rotating every 20 minutes until fork tender. Cool slightly before scooping out the fluffy insides.
Mix the Filling: Mash the warm potato flesh with butter, garlic powder, onion powder, green onion, and cheese. Season to taste but don’t over-mix!
Roll and Chill: Scoop golf-ball-sized portions, roll into balls, and place on a plate. Cover and freeze for 15-20 minutes to firm them up for breading.
Breading Time: Set up a station with bowls for flour, egg wash (egg + water), and Panko breadcrumbs. Coat each ball: roll in flour, dip in egg wash, then coat with breadcrumbs.
Air Fry to Crispy Perfection: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F again. Spray the basket with oil, arrange croquettes (in batches if needed), and fry for 5-7 minutes, giving the basket a gentle shake halfway through.
Store leftover croquettes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing
Freeze uncooked croquettes on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook from frozen – just add 2-3 extra minutes in the air fryer.
Reheating
Reheat cooked croquettes in the air fryer at 375°F for 3-4 minutes to crisp them up again.
Variations and Creative Twists
Add Herbs: Fresh parsley or dill can go into the potato mix for extra flavor.
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne or paprika to the breadcrumbs for a smoky kick.
Dip Ideas: Serve with marinara, sour cream, or honey mustard – so versatile!
Cheese Swaps: Experiment with smoked Gouda or pepper jack for a fun twist.
Pro Tip: If you’re short on breadcrumbs, mix in crushed crackers or even cornflakes for texture – no need to panic!
Expert Insight: Mastering Air Fryer Potato Croquettes
Air fryer potato croquettes achieve a crisp exterior without excess oil, making them a healthier comfort food option. The key is ensuring the croquettes are evenly coated and properly chilled before cooking to maintain their shape and achieve optimal texture.
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The Journey to Crispy Air Fryer Potato Croquettes
I probably made these air fryer potato croquettes at least a dozen times before nailing the perfect crispiness without drying them out. There was one batch that literally stuck to the basketlesson learned! This recipe is the result of all those trial-and-error moments, bringing you cozy, golden croquettes that always get devoured fast.
FAQs ( Air Fryer Potato Croquettes )
How long do air fryer potato croquettes take to cook?
Air fryer potato croquettes typically take 12-15 minutes to cook at 375°F. Cook them for 6-8 minutes on the first side, then flip and cook for another 6-7 minutes until golden brown and crispy. The exact time may vary depending on the size of your croquettes and your specific air fryer model. Always check that they’re heated through to 165°F internal temperature for food safety.
Can you freeze air fryer potato croquettes?
Yes, you can absolutely freeze potato croquettes before air frying them! Shape the croquettes and place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually for 2 hours, then transfer to freezer bags for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, you can air fry them straight from frozen – just add 2-3 extra minutes to the cooking time. This makes them perfect for meal prep or quick weeknight sides.
What temperature should I cook potato croquettes in air fryer?
The ideal temperature for air fryer potato croquettes is 375°F (190°C). This temperature gives you that perfect golden, crispy exterior while ensuring the inside gets properly heated through. Starting at a lower temperature like 350°F might leave them pale, while going higher than 400°F could burn the outside before the inside is ready. Preheating your air fryer for 2-3 minutes at this temperature will give you even better results.
Do I need to spray oil on air fryer potato croquettes?
Yes, lightly spraying or brushing your potato croquettes with oil will give you much better results in the air fryer. A light coating of cooking spray or brushed-on oil helps achieve that beautiful golden-brown color and extra crispy texture. You don’t need much – just a light, even coating on all sides. Avocado oil, olive oil, or cooking spray all work well for this purpose.
Why are my air fryer potato croquettes falling apart?
Potato croquettes fall apart in the air fryer usually because the mixture is too wet or wasn’t chilled long enough before cooking. Make sure to squeeze out excess moisture from your potatoes and let the shaped croquettes chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before air frying. Adding an egg and enough binding ingredients like flour or breadcrumbs also helps hold them together. If they’re still fragile, try freezing them for 15 minutes before cooking.
Wrapping Up Your Air Fryer Potato Croquettes Adventure
These Air Fryer Potato Croquettes come together in about 30 minutes, turning simple pantry staples into crispy, melty comfort bites you’ll want to make again and again. Fluffy inside, golden outsideit’s a crowd-pleaser that’s as easy as it is delicious.
Feel free to mix in fresh herbs or a dash of spice to keep things interesting. Store leftovers in the fridge or freeze uncooked croquettes for fuss-free future snacksa little kitchen magic that saves time and stress.
Did these crispy bits remind you of something from your own family table? I’d love to hear your tweaks or favorite dips! Share your photos and pass this recipe alongit’s made to bring smiles around your kitchen and beyond.
These crispy golden Air Fryer Potato Croquettes have a soft cheesy center, perfect as a party appetizer, side dish, or snack that the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
Scale
1½–2 lbs Russet potatoes about 2–3 potatoes
ÂĽ cup unsalted butter cubed
Âľ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
3 tablespoon green onion or chives minced
½ cup shredded cheese I used mozzarella
2–3 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 egg plus ½ tablespoon water for egg wash
â…” cup Panko breadcrumbs
Salt and pepper
Oil spray
Instructions
Preheat air fryer to 400°F. Scrub potatoes clean and use a fork to carefully poke holes all over. Air fry for 45-60 minutes or until potatoes are completely fork tender. Time will depend on the size but make sure to rotate every 20 minutes.
Once potatoes are cooked, carefully remove from the air fryer (they’ll be hot!) and cut in half lengthwise. Place a cooling rack over a large mixing bowl and place the potato halves on top, cut side down. Push down on the potatoes so the inside of the potatoes falls into the bowl. Discard the skin.
To the warm potatoes, add butter, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and green onion. Gently mix the potato mixture until butter melts, being careful to not over-mix. Stir in cheese and season to taste.
Use a 1½ tablespoon cookie scooper or measuring spoon to portion potatoes out and roll into golf-sized balls. Place onto a plate with space between each one. Cover with plastic wrap and freeze for 15-20 minutes.
Meanwhile, set up your breading station. Lay out three shallow bowls. Add flour and ⅛ teaspoon salt and pepper in one bowl. In the second, add the egg and ½ tablespoon water. Whisk until homogenous. Then in the third, add the Panko breadcrumbs and ¼ teaspoon salt and pepper.
Roll a potato ball in the flour mixture, shaking off excess. Coat in an even layer of egg wash, then roll into Panko breadcrumbs. Repeat until all the potato balls are breaded.
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F again. Spray the basket with oil and add the croquettes evenly spaced out. If needed, fry in batches. Air fry for 5-7 minutes or until golden and crispy, gently shaking the basket halfway. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Serving size ranges between 16-18 for 1½ tablespoon sized croquettes but ultimately depends on the size of your potatoes and croquettes
Cheese: Use any good-melting cheese, like mozzarella, cheddar, Gouda, Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or Fontina
If you don’t have a wire rack, use a spoon to scoop out the flesh and lightly crumble into the bowl
I use a 6-Quart Instant Vortex for this recipe
Each air fryer is different so I recommend testing with one croquette to determine the best temperature and time
Sharing a handpicked collection of easy, healthy recipes made in our family kitchen. Rachel brings comforting classics, while Emily adds fresh, modern ideas together creating meals that are simple, flavorful, and family-friendly.
