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These Air Fryer Potato Croquettes are crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside, and packed with cheesy goodness. They’re the perfect way to turn leftover mashed potatoes into golden little bites of comfort.
The first time I made these, they were gone before I could even plate the dipping sauce. They hit that magical balance of soft and crisp, and honestly? I’d take these over french fries any day.
The air fryer makes them golden and crunchy without any deep frying or mess. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or need a fun weeknight side, these croquettes are always a crowd favorite.
Ready in about 15 minutes, they’re easy to make ahead and endlessly customizable. Let’s make them!
🥕 Ingredients Overview
Here’s what you need for the croquettes:
- Mashed Potatoes: Leftover mashed potatoes work great. Make sure they’re cold so they hold shape.
- Cheese: Shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix. Adds gooey richness.
- Egg: Helps bind the filling.
- Breadcrumbs: For that crispy outer layer. Use panko for extra crunch.
- Salt & Pepper: To balance the flavors.
Optional: Add garlic powder, chopped chives, or Parmesan for an extra savory bite.
Pro Tip: If your mashed potatoes are too soft, mix in a spoonful of flour to help them hold their shape.
🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions
- Mix the Filling: Combine 2 cups mashed potatoes, 1/2 cup cheese, 1 egg, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Form the Croquettes: Shape into balls or ovals using your hands or a cookie scoop.
- Coat in Breadcrumbs: Roll each in breadcrumbs until fully coated.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Set to 380°F and preheat for 2–3 minutes.
- Air Fry: Arrange in a single layer and air fry for 12 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Pro Tip: Lightly spray with oil before air frying for extra crunch.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using warm mashed potatoes (they fall apart)
- Skipping the breadcrumb coating (no crisp!)
- Overcrowding the basket
- Not turning halfway (they won’t brown evenly)
- Air frying too long (they can dry out)
🎨 Variations & Add-Ons
- Vegetarian: This recipe is naturally vegetarian!
- Kid-Friendly: Shape into smaller bites and serve with ketchup or ranch.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice cereal.
- Holiday: Add leftover stuffing bits or chopped turkey to the mix.
- Comfort Food: Serve with sour cream, chives, or even gravy.
You can also try mixing in bacon bits, scallions, or roasted garlic for a flavor boost.
📦 Make Ahead & Storage
Croquettes are great for prepping ahead:
- Make Ahead: Form the croquettes and refrigerate up to 24 hours before air frying.
- Fridge: Store cooked croquettes in a sealed container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze uncooked croquettes and air fry directly from frozen (add 2–3 minutes).
- Reheat: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 4–5 minutes until hot and crispy.
🥗 Nutrition Highlights
These croquettes are a great way to use leftovers, with less oil than traditional frying and lots of room for customization.
Air Fryer Potato Croquettes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Mix mashed potatoes, cheese, egg, salt, and pepper.
- Form into balls or ovals.
- Roll in breadcrumbs to coat.
- Preheat air fryer to 380°F.
- Air fry for 12 minutes, flipping halfway.
Notes
- Use cold mashed potatoes.
- Optional: Add garlic, chives, or Parmesan.
- Serve with sour cream dip.
These air fryer potato croquettes are total comfort food — crispy, cheesy, and impossible to stop at one. They’re the perfect way to reinvent leftovers into something crave-worthy. Let me know if you added any fun mix-ins or dips! And if you’re loving potato snacks, don’t miss my air fryer potato skins — loaded, crispy, and perfect for game day.
