How to cook potato croquettes in an air fryer

Potato croquettes are a delightful and versatile side dish that everyone loves. They’re crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, making them a perfect accompaniment for any meal. Traditionally, these croquettes are deep-fried, but with the rise in popularity of air fryers, you can now enjoy a healthier version of this classic dish without sacrificing the crunch. In this article, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of cooking potato croquettes in an air fryer.

Here’s what you will need:
– 2 pounds of potatoes
– 2 eggs
– 1 cup of breadcrumbs
– ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese
– ½ teaspoon of garlic powder
– ½ teaspoon of onion powder
– ½ teaspoon of paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooking spray

Step 1: Prep and cook the potatoes
Start by peeling and cutting the potatoes into cubes. Rinse them well to remove excess starch. Place the potatoes in a saucepan filled with salted water and boil them until they are fork-tender, usually around 10-15 minutes. Once cooked, drain and let them cool for a few minutes.

Step 2: Mash the potatoes
Transfer the potatoes to a large mixing bowl and mash them using a potato masher or fork until smooth and lump-free. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember, well-seasoned potatoes will result in flavorful croquettes.

Step 3: Add the remaining ingredients
Beat the eggs in a separate bowl and then add them to the mashed potatoes. Mix well until the eggs are fully incorporated. Next, add the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika to the potato mixture. Stir until all the ingredients are evenly combined. Your mixture should be firm enough to hold its shape, but still pliable.

Step 4: Shape the croquettes
Take a small portion of the potato mixture and roll it into a cylinder shape, about 2 inches long. Repeat until all the potato mixture is used. If the mixture is too sticky, lightly wet your hands with water to make the rolling process easier.

Step 5: Preheat the air fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This will ensure that the croquettes cook evenly and get crispy on all sides.

Step 6: Cook the croquettes
Lightly coat the inside of the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent the croquettes from sticking. Place the croquettes in a single layer, leaving some space between them for proper air circulation. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the croquettes in batches.

Step 7: Air fry the croquettes
Cook the croquettes for approximately 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even browning. The cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of your croquettes, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

Step 8: Serve and enjoy
Once the croquettes are golden brown and crispy, transfer them to a serving platter. They’re now ready to be enjoyed with your favorite dipping sauce or as a side dish to complement any main course.

Cooking potato croquettes in an air fryer is a healthier alternative to deep-frying without compromising the taste and texture. The air fryer ensures that the croquettes turn out crispy and delicious, making them a perfect snack or side dish for any occasion. So, grab your air fryer and start making these tasty potato croquettes today!