These air fryer chicken croquettes are exactly the kind of food I love making when I have leftovers sitting in the fridge and don’t want anything wasted. I’m someone who prefers quick meals with simple ingredients, so turning leftover chicken and mashed potatoes into something crispy always feels like a win.
If you enjoy snack recipes like this, you might also love Instant Pot Chicken Wings With Buffalo Sauce. Anything golden and crunchy tends to disappear very quickly in my house.
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Try These Easy Chicken Croquettes
I didn’t grow up eating croquettes often, but once I started cooking more at home, I realised how useful recipes like this are. You take basic ingredients and turn them into something that is unexpected and delicious.
They’re also perfect when friends or family are around. Put out a dipping sauce, and suddenly everyone thinks you worked much harder than you did.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super easy: I love using leftovers to make something that feels completely new.
- Budget-friendly: Chicken and mashed potatoes stretch really well here.
- Perfect Texture: Crispy outside with a creamy savoury middle.
- Quick to make: This air fryer chicken croquettes recipe is fast enough for weeknights, good enough for guests.
Ingredients
- Chicken: Rotisserie or leftover chicken works perfectly here.
- Mashed potatoes: Helps make the filling creamy and soft.
- Onion & garlic: Adds flavour right from the start.
- Breadcrumbs: Used inside and outside for structure and crunch.
- Parmesan: Gives a savoury cheesy finish.
- Egg: Helps the coating stick properly.
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Croquettes
1. In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add onion and cook for 2 - 3 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
2. Add shredded chicken, mashed potatoes, and milk to the skillet. Stir to combine. Mix in breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 - 2 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and let cool.
3. Once cooled, shape the mixture into small logs or oval croquettes.
4. Beat the egg in a bowl. Dip each croquette into the egg, then coat with breadcrumbs.
5. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray croquettes with oil and place them in a single layer in the basket.
6. Air fry for 10 - 12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
7. Let cool slightly before serving. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
Recipe Tips
- If the filling feels too soft, I chill it first. It makes shaping much easier.
- I spray them well with oil because it helps with that golden colour.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket. I know it’s tempting, but they crisp better with space.
Try this Air Fryer Pecan Crusted Chicken for an easy, crispy dinner.
What Can You Serve With These?
- Garlic aioli
- Spicy mayo
- Honey mustard
- Simple salad
- Potato wedges
You might also enjoy these Air Fryer Salmon Tacos with Mango Salsa for a light, flavorful dish with a tropical touch.
FAQs
Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 18 - 20 minutes until golden.
Yes, freeze them breaded but uncooked, then air fry straight from frozen with a few extra minutes.
Garlic aioli, spicy mayo or honey mustard are my favourites.
Rate This Recipe
Air Fryer Chicken Croquettes
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon butter
- ¼ cup finely chopped onion
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 cup cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup mashed potatoes
- ¼ cup milk
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg (for coating)
- ¾ cup breadcrumbs for coating
- Oil spray
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add onion and cook for 2 - 3 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds
- Add shredded chicken, mashed potatoes and milk to the skillet. Stir to combine. Mix in breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, salt and pepper. Cook for 1 - 2 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Once cooled, shape the mixture into small logs or oval croquettes.
- Beat the egg in a bowl. Dip each croquette into the egg, then coat with breadcrumbs.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray croquettes with oil and place them in a single layer in the basket. Air fry for 10 - 12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
- Let cool slightly before serving. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
Taste & Texture
Crispy golden outside with a creamy, savory chicken filling inside and a delicious cheesy flavor.Storage, Freezing & Reheating
- Fridge: Store for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
- Freezer: Freeze uncooked croquettes for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Air fry again until hot and crisp.
Cooking Time and Temperature
375°F (190°C) works well for getting the outside crisp while keeping the filling creamy.Serving Recommendations
I love these as a snack platter with sauces, or alongside salad when I want a light lunch.Recipe Variations and Substitutions
- Use cheddar instead of Parmesan.
- Use panko for extra crunch.
- Add chili flakes for heat.
Proper Storage Tips
Cool fully before storing so they stay crisp longer. Reheat in the air fryer for the best texture.Pro Tips
- Chill soft filling before shaping.
- Spray well with oil.
- Cook in batches for better crispiness.
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