These healthier air fryer potato croquettes are a delicious way to use leftover mashed potatoes. Tender and fluffy inside with a crisp exterior, they make an excellent side dish or appetizer for any meal.
These air fryer potato croquettes are one of my favourite recipes for using up cold mashed potatoes. They have a soft, airy interior and a golden, crunchy crust thanks to the air fryer—no deep frying required.
They’re highly adaptable: stuff them with mozzarella, add bacon or green onions, or keep them simple. Bite-sized and kid-friendly, they pair well with almost any meal and quickly become a go-to snack.
What are croquettes?
Croquettes are small fried or baked cakes made from a starchy base—potatoes, ground meat, fish or vegetables—shaped into rounds or cylinders, coated in breadcrumbs, and cooked until crispy. These are made in the air fryer for a lighter finish.
Ingredients you’ll need
This recipe uses a handful of simple ingredients, many of which you likely already have on hand.
- Mashed potatoes: Cold plain mashed potatoes or leftover mashed spuds made with butter and cream.
- Herbs: Fresh parsley works well, but dried herbs are fine too.
- Parmesan: Optional, adds a savory boost.
- Garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
- Egg: Helps bind the mixture (omit if your mashed potatoes already contain a lot of butter; see notes).
- Breadcrumbs: Panko, Italian breadcrumbs, gluten-free crumbs or almond meal will all work.
- Olive oil spray for a crisp finish.
How to make air fryer potato croquettes
Best results come from using cold mashed potatoes. Prepare and chill the potatoes ahead of time so they are firm when shaping.
Mix: In a large bowl combine mashed potatoes, minced parsley, garlic powder, egg (if using), salt, pepper and parmesan if using. Mix until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Shape: Use your hands to form the mixture into croquettes—traditional cylinders or small ovals both work. Place breadcrumbs in a separate shallow bowl.
Coat: Roll each croquette in breadcrumbs to coat evenly. Arrange them in a single layer in a greased air fryer basket or on lined tray. Lightly spray each croquette with olive oil spray.
Air fry: Cook at 180°C (350°F) for about 15 minutes, turning once halfway through, until golden and crisp.
Tips
- Oven option: Bake at 180°C (350°F) for about 15 minutes, flipping once so both sides crisp up.
- Don’t crowd: Leave space between croquettes so hot air can circulate and create an even crust.
- Shape freedom: Cylinders are traditional, but small oval or round shapes are easier to form and cook just as well.
Variations & modifications
Customize these croquettes to suit your tastes. Ideas to try:
- Cheese: Insert a cube of cheddar or mozzarella in the centre for a gooey filling.
- Meat: Add cooked bacon, sausage or chorizo for extra flavor.
- Fish: Mix in flaked canned salmon or tuna.
- Vegetables: Stir in finely chopped green onions, chives or olives.
- Seasonings: Use herbs and spices like oregano, parsley, garlic powder and onion powder.
How to store
Refrigerate cooled croquettes in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
To reheat: Warm them in the air fryer until heated through to preserve crispiness, or use a microwave for a quicker option.
To freeze: After preparing and cooling, freeze croquettes on a lined baking tray until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for 1–2 months. Reheat from frozen in the air fryer, adding a few minutes as needed.
FAQ’s
How do I get crunchy croquettes?
Use a crispy breadcrumb such as panko and spray the croquettes with olive oil spray before air frying to encourage a golden, crunchy crust.
What should I serve with croquettes?
Serve as an appetizer with your favorite dipping sauce—marinara, tomato sauce, mayonnaise or a creamy yogurt-based dip all pair nicely.
Can these be gluten-free?
Yes—use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond meal to make gluten-free croquettes.
Other easy appetiser recipes
Fresh Mango Habanero Salsa
Gluten Free Air Fryer Pizza Rolls
Buffalo Broccoli Wings
Air Fryer Fingerling Potatoes with Herb Tahini
Miso Mushroom Fritters
If you try this air fryer potato croquettes recipe or have a question, leave a comment and rate it. I’d love to hear how you adapted the recipe or what you served with them.
Air Fryer Potato Croquettes
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- Author: Caitlin Rule
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Makes 16
Description
These air fryer potato croquettes are an ideal way to use leftover mashed potatoes. Soft inside and crispy outside, they’re a tasty side or appetizer for any meal.
Ingredients
- 2 cups (450g) mashed potatoes*
- 2 tablespoons minced parsley
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese or dairy-free alternative
- 1 egg*
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (wholemeal, gluten-free or panko)
- Olive oil spray
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine mashed potatoes, parsley, garlic powder, egg (if using), salt, pepper and parmesan. Mix until evenly combined.
- Shape the potato mixture into croquettes using your hands. Place breadcrumbs in a separate shallow bowl.
- Roll each croquette in breadcrumbs to coat. Arrange in a single layer in a greased air fryer basket or on a lined tray and lightly spray with oil.
- Air fry at 180°C (350°F) for about 15 minutes, turning once halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Notes
- If your mashed potatoes already contain butter and cream, omit the egg from the mixture and instead dip formed croquettes into beaten egg before coating with breadcrumbs.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetiser, snack
- Method: Air fry
- Cuisine: International