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!