Air Fryer Mashed Potato Croquettes
The air fryer is the perfect way to create mashed potato croquettes that are soft and fluffy with a crisp coating. And what better way to use leftover mashed potatoes?
The air fryer is a game-changer for making golden, crisp mashed potato croquettes that stay soft and fluffy inside. It’s the perfect way to breathe new life into leftover mashed potatoes!
These croquettes are flavored with cheese, herbs, and just enough seasoning to make them irresistible. The air fryer keeps them light, crispy, and evenly browned without the mess of deep-frying — ideal for a quick side, snack, or party bite. What better way to use leftover mashed potatoes?
Why You’ll Love It
Great use for leftovers. Turns plain mashed potatoes into a crowd-pleasing snack or side dish.
Crispy without frying. The air fryer gives perfect crunch with minimal oil.
Cheesy and flavorful. Gruyère, Parmesan, and herbs make these croquettes rich and savory.
Freezer-friendly. Make ahead and air fry straight from frozen when needed.
Ingredient Notes
- Mashed potatoes: Leftover, well-seasoned mashed potatoes are ideal; warm slightly for easy mixing.
- Cheese: Gruyère and Parmesan add depth — substitute cheddar or fontina if you like.
- Panko crumbs: Pulse them in a food processor for a finer, crisp coating.
- Herbs: Fresh parsley or chives brighten the flavor.
- Cooking spray: Olive oil or ghee spray helps the croquettes brown evenly in the air fryer.
Steps to Make Air Fryer Mashed Potato Croquettes
- Combine mashed potatoes with cheeses, flour, herbs, and seasoning. Mix in the beaten egg until smooth and pliable. Shape into small balls or ovals and set on a tray.
- Prepare a breading station with flour, beaten eggs, and panko crumbs. Dip each croquette in flour, then egg, then crumbs, pressing lightly to adhere.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket, then arrange the croquettes in a single layer. Spray the tops lightly with oil and air-fry at 350°F until golden and crisp, shaking the basket halfway through. Serve warm with your favorite dip or sauce.
Recipe Variations
- Cheese: I love Gruyere or Fontina, but a sharp cheddar or pepper jack cheese could add another layer of flavor.
- Bacon: Add crumbled cooked bacon or crisp pancetta or prosciutto to the potatoes for a fantastic smoky and salty flavor.
- Herbs: Fresh herbs are best, but in a pinch, you could also use a blend, such as Italian seasoning or herbes de Provence.
- Sour Cream: Add sour cream to the mixture for a tangy flavor.
What to Serve With Air Fryer Mashed Potato Croquettes
- Dips: For a fabulous snack, serve the croquettes with a dip, like a mixture of mayonnaise and Sriracha or sambal oelek.
- Sauce: Drizzle cheese sauce or béchamel over the croquettes for a luxurious side dish.
- Fried Fish: Serve the croquettes with fried fish for a delicious twist on fish and chips. Add a side of coleslaw for a satisfying meal.
How to Store and Reheat
Refrigerate. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze. Freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months (vacuum-seal for 6–8 months).
To Reheat. Air fry at 350 °F for 6–8 minutes, bake at 375 °F for 15 minutes, or reheat in a skillet with a little oil until hot and crisp. Minimum internal temperature 165 °F.
Tips
- Panko crumbs can be quite coarse, and they work well in many dishes. However, I like to put the crumbs in my food processor for croquette breading and whirl them to make finer crumbs. They’ll still be crisp, just not as coarse and flaky.
- Check the seasoning in the mashed potatoes before you add the egg. The cheeses will add some salt flavor, but you should start with well-seasoned mashed potatoes.
- Before you start, soften your cold, leftover mashed potatoes in the microwave oven. It will be much easier to mix and shape the croquettes.
Air Fryer Mashed Potato Croquettes
Ingredients
For the Croquettes
- 2 cups mashed potatoes, leftover
- 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped fresh, or chives
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 large egg, beaten
For the Coating
- 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Olive oil or ghee spray, or another cooking spray
Instructions
- Combine the mashed potatoes, Gruyère cheese, Parmesan cheese, flour, and herbs. Mix well, taste for seasoning, and add salt and pepper as needed. Add the beaten egg and mix until well blended.
- Shape the mashed potato mixture into balls and arrange them on a baking sheet or plate.
- Set up a breading station with 2/3 cup of flour in one bowl, 2 beaten eggs in a second bowl, and the panko crumbs in the third bowl. Dip a mashed potato ball in the flour, then in the eggs. Let the egg mixture drip off and coat it with the panko crumbs. Place it back on the baking sheet or plate and repeat with the remaining balls. You should have about 18 to 20 croquettes.
- Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray, such as ghee or olive oil. Arrange 9 or 10 croquettes in the air fryer and lightly spray with cooking spray.
- Air fry at 350°F for 14 to 17 minutes, gently shaking the basket or turning it occasionally to ensure even browning. When done, the croquettes will be crispy and golden brown and should register at least 165°F on an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center. Remove the air-fried croquettes to a warm plate and cook the remaining croquettes.
- Serve as a side dish with a garnish of parsley. Or serve the mashed potato croquettes and a snack with your favorite dip. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Disclaimer:
Our nutritional information is based on a third-party application that analyzes the ingredients list to determine the values. The information is meant to be helpful, but should be considered an estimate. Values may differ depending on measurements, brands, serving variations, and database availability.
