Air Fryer Crispy Chicken and Potato Croquettes
Golden, crispy chicken and potato croquettes with a creamy, flavorful center—all made healthier in the air fryer.
If you’re looking for the perfect crispy snack, appetizer, or light meal, these Air Fryer Crispy Chicken and Potato Croquettes are guaranteed to become a family favorite. Made with tender shredded chicken, fluffy mashed potatoes, herbs, cheese, and savory seasonings, these croquettes are coated in crunchy panko breadcrumbs and air fried until perfectly golden brown.Unlike traditional croquettes that are deep-fried, this air fryer version delivers the same irresistible crispy exterior with far less oil. The inside stays creamy and packed with flavor, making every bite satisfying and delicious.These croquettes are perfect for using up leftover chicken and mashed potatoes, making them a budget-friendly recipe that’s ideal for busy weeknights, lunchboxes, holiday gatherings, or party platters. Serve them with garlic aioli, ranch, spicy mayo, or your favorite dipping sauce for an appetizer everyone will love.
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
Chilling Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 16 croquettes
Course: Appetizer, Snack, Main Course
Cuisine: American, European
Difficulty: Easy
Calories: Approximately 165 kcal per croquette
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Extra crispy without deep frying
Creamy and flavorful inside
Great use for leftover chicken
Family-friendly recipe
Perfect for parties and meal prep
Freezer-friendly
High in protein
Easy to customize
Ready with simple pantry ingredients
Perfect for kids and adults
Ingredients
For the Croquette Filling
2 cups cooked shredded chicken
2 cups mashed potatoes (cooled)
1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 green onions, finely chopped
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1 large egg
2 tablespoons cornstarch
For the Coating
½ cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
2 cups panko breadcrumbs
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
For Air Frying
Olive oil cooking spray
Optional Dipping Sauces
Garlic aioli
Ranch dressing
Honey mustard
Sweet chili sauce
Spicy mayo
Barbecue sauce
Marinara sauce
Kitchen Equipment
Air fryer
Large mixing bowl
Three shallow bowls
Baking tray or plate
Parchment paper (optional)
Ice cream scoop or spoon
Tongs
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
Shredded chicken
Mashed potatoes
Mozzarella cheese
Parmesan cheese
Green onions
Fresh parsley
Garlic
Onion powder
Garlic powder
Paprika
Oregano
Salt
Black pepper
Egg
Cornstarch
Mix until everything is evenly combined. The mixture should be soft but firm enough to hold its shape. If it’s too sticky, add 1–2 tablespoons of breadcrumbs.
Shape the Croquettes
Using your hands or a small scoop, divide the mixture into equal portions.
Shape each portion into an oval or cylinder about 2½ inches long.
Place the shaped croquettes on a tray lined with parchment paper.
Chill the Croquettes
Refrigerate the croquettes for 30 minutes.
This helps them firm up and prevents them from falling apart during cooking.
Prepare the Breading Station
Set up three shallow bowls:
Bowl 1: Flour
Bowl 2: Beaten eggs
Bowl 3: Mix together:
Panko breadcrumbs
Paprika
Garlic powder
Italian seasoning
Coat the Croquettes
Working one at a time:
Roll each croquette in flour and shake off the excess.
Dip it into the beaten egg.
Coat it thoroughly in the seasoned panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently so the crumbs adhere well.
Place the breaded croquettes back on the tray.
Let them rest for 5 minutes before air frying.
Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes.
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
Air Fry the Croquettes
Arrange the croquettes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each one.
Lightly spray the tops with olive oil.
Cook at 390°F (200°C) for 6–7 minutes.
Carefully flip each croquette.
Spray the other side lightly with oil.
Continue cooking for another 6–8 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) if using freshly cooked chicken.
Rest Before Serving
Remove the croquettes from the air fryer and let them rest for 2–3 minutes.
This allows the cheese to settle and helps the croquettes hold their shape.
Serve
Arrange the croquettes on a serving platter.
Garnish with:
Fresh parsley
Grated Parmesan
Lemon wedges
Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces.
Tips for Perfect Croquettes
Use cold mashed potatoes to make shaping easier.
Shred the chicken finely for a smooth texture.
Chill the croquettes before breading.
Use panko breadcrumbs for maximum crunch.
Spray lightly with oil for a golden crust.
Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.
Cook in batches if needed.
Recipe Variations
Spicy Chicken Croquettes
Add diced jalapeños, chili flakes, or cayenne pepper to the filling.
Cheesy Croquettes
Place a small cube of mozzarella in the center of each croquette for a gooey cheese surprise.
Herb Croquettes
Mix in fresh dill, cilantro, or chives for extra flavor.
Gluten-Free Croquettes
Use gluten-free flour and gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.
What to Serve with Chicken Croquettes
Garden salad
French fries
Sweet potato fries
Coleslaw
Steamed vegetables
Garlic bread
Tomato soup
Creamy cucumber salad
Storage Instructions
Store leftover croquettes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing
Freeze uncooked or cooked croquettes on a baking tray until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag.
Store for up to 3 months.
Cook frozen croquettes directly in the air fryer, adding 3–5 minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
Air Fryer
Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 4–5 minutes until crispy and heated through.
Oven
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
Microwave
Heat for 30–60 seconds, though the coating may soften.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned chicken?
Yes, but drain it well and shred it before mixing with the potatoes.
Why are my croquettes falling apart?
The mixture may be too wet or not chilled long enough. Add a little more cornstarch or breadcrumbs if needed, and refrigerate before cooking.
Can I make them ahead of time?
Yes! Shape and bread the croquettes up to 24 hours in advance, then refrigerate until ready to air fry.
Can I freeze uncooked croquettes?
Absolutely. Freeze them after breading, then cook directly from frozen with a few extra minutes of cooking time.
What potatoes work best?
Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes make the creamiest, fluffiest croquettes.
Nutrition Information (Per Croquette)
Calories: 165 kcal
Protein: 10g
Carbohydrates: 11g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 240mg
Nutrition values are approximate and may vary depending on the ingredients used.
Final Thoughts
These Air Fryer Crispy Chicken and Potato Croquettes are everything you could want in a homemade comfort food—crispy on the outside, creamy and cheesy on the inside, and packed with savory chicken flavor. Thanks to the air fryer, you get all the crunch of traditional croquettes with much less oil and cleanup. Whether you’re making them for a family dinner, a holiday appetizer, meal prep, or a party snack, these golden croquettes are sure to impress. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy a delicious recipe that’s guaranteed to disappear fast!