I still remember Grandma patting mashed potatoes with her floury hands while something sizzled on the stove behind her. These Air Fryer Potato Croquettes bring back that cozy charmonly now, they’re trending all over TikTok and way quicker to make. Ready in under an hour, beginner-friendly, and you’ll get that golden, crisp-on-the-outside magic without the mess of deep-frying.
Warm and fluffy inside, crispy and golden outsidethese croquettes are made with mashed russet potatoes, shredded mozzarella cheese, bright green onions, and a handful of pantry staples you likely have on hand. Think cheesy hash brown meets hushpuppy with a modern twist. Get the full recipe and tips below!
I grew up enjoying potato fritters during family suppers, often served alongside pickled veggies. I’ve tested this recipe over a dozen times to make sure it’s balancedcozy but light, cheesy but not greasy. And there’s a little surprise inside for added flavor!
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Potato Croquettes
Healthier Comfort Food: Get all the crispy, cheesy satisfaction of croquettes without deep-frying. Your air fryer does all the heavy lifting with minimal oil.
Simple Ingredients: Pantry staples like potatoes, flour, and cheese make this recipe frugal and convenientno surprise grocery runs!
Versatile Favorite: These croquettes are perfect as a snack, appetizer, or even a cozy potato side dish for dinner with the family.
Beginner-Friendly: If you’ve got an air fryer and basic kitchen tools, you’re good to go. No advanced cooking skills needed!
Key Ingredients and Swaps
The beauty of potato croquettes lies in their simplicity, but there’s flexibility for using what you have at home:
Russet Potatoes: Their fluffy texture helps the croquettes hold their shape and stay light. Yukon Golds are a good softer alternative.
Shredded Cheese: Mozzarella creates a gooey center, but for deeper flavor, try sharp cheddar, creamy Gouda, or Monterey Jack.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These create an airy and crisp crust. You can use standard breadcrumbs, though they result in a denser outer layer.
Ingredient
Substitution
Russet Potatoes
Yukon Gold Potatoes
Mozzarella
Cheddar, Gouda, Monterey Jack
Panko Breadcrumbs
Regular Breadcrumbs
Step-by-Step How-To
Follow these easy steps to make beautifully golden croquettes in no time:
Prep the Potatoes: Scrub the potatoes clean. Pierce several times with a fork and air fry at 400°F for 45–60 minutes until fork tender, rotating every 20 minutes for even cooking.
Scoop and Mix: While still warm, scoop out the flesh into a bowl. Add butter, salt, pepper, chopped green onions, and shredded cheese. Mix gently to avoid overworking the potatoes.
Shape and Chill: Roll the mixture into golf-ball-sized rounds. Optional: add a cube of cheese in the center for extra meltiness. Freeze for 15–20 minutes to firm up before breading.
Breading Station: Prepare three shallow bowls: flour, beaten eggs, and Panko breadcrumbs. Coat each croquette in flour, then egg, then Panko, pressing lightly to adhere.
Air Fry to Perfection: Preheat air fryer to 400°F. Arrange croquettes in a single layer, not touching, and lightly spray with oil. Air fry for 5–7 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden and crisp. Internal temp should reach 165°F.
Step
Time
Air fry potatoes
45–60 minutes
Shape and freeze
15–20 minutes
Air fry croquettes
5–7 minutes
Serving and Storage Tips
Air Fryer Potato Croquettes taste best when freshly cooked, but they also store and reheat well. Here’s how to get the most from every batch:
To Serve: Serve warm with sour cream, aioli, ranch, or marinara sauce for dipping. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for an added pop.
Storage: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If stacking, separate layers with parchment paper.
Reheating: To restore crispiness, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes. Oven method works too10 minutes at 375°F should refresh them nicely.
Storage Method
Time
Refrigerator
Up to 3 days
Air Fryer for Reheating
3–5 minutes at 350°F
Expert Insight: Mastering Air Fryer Potato Croquettes
Air fryer potato croquettes owe their irresistible texture to rapid hot air circulation. This method minimizes oil without sacrificing that signature golden crunch. Plus, the inside stays fluffy, warm, and comfortingideal for snacks that feel indulgent but are lighter than their deep-fried cousins.
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Mastering Air Fryer Potato Croquettes at Home
After several test runsincluding a few overly crispy batches and one memorable cheese explosionI finally nailed the balance of texture and flavor in these croquettes. They’re now a go-to in our house for appetizers, potlucks, and midweek snacks. The secret? A chilled, well-seasoned base that holds together while staying pillowy inside.
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 It Up
Your Air Fryer Potato Croquettes come together in under an hour and deliver everything you want in a comforting potato snack: crispy on the outside, cheesy and fluffy inside. This simple recipe transforms staple ingredients into a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and easier to love.
Experiment with different cheeses or seasonings, and feel free to add herbs or leftover veggies to make them your own. Don’t skip the chilling stepthat’s the key to getting them perfectly shaped and crispy.
Try this recipe, share your photos or tips, and maybe even start a new family tradition. Whether you’re reminiscing over Grandma’s cooking or just craving some crispy comfort, these croquettes hit the spot every time.
Yesica Andrews
Air Fryer Potato Croquettes: Easy Delicious Recipe
These Air Fryer Potato Croquettes feature a crispy golden exterior with a soft, cheesy center. Perfect as a party appetizer, side dish, or snack that the whole family will love.
