Air Fryer Chicken Croquettes

Craving something a little different for dinner tonight? Try your hand at air fryer chicken croquettes! This easy-to-make meal is perfect, when you have leftover chicken!

The secret lies in the combination of juicy, shredded chicken and flavorful herbs mixed in a lightly breaded coating and then cooked to perfection in an air fryer.

Not only will this dish be ready in no time, but it will also surely satisfy even the pickiest eater!

If you love easy air fryer chicken recipes, try my recipe for Air Fryer Seasoned Steakhouse Wings, Air Fryer Rosemary Roasted Chicken, or Air Fryer KFC Chicken Recipe.

What Are Air Fryer Chicken Croquettes

Chicken croquettes are a classic dish made with shredded or ground chicken meat mixed with herbs, spices, and other ingredients and then shaped into small, oval, or cylindrical shapes. The chicken mixture is typically coated in breadcrumbs and then fried until crispy and golden brown.

Croquettes can be served as an appetizer or a main course and are often accompanied by a dipping sauce or gravy. They are a popular comfort food in many cultures and are enjoyed for their crispy exterior and flavorful, tender interior. Croquettes can be made with various ingredients and customized to suit individual tastes and preferences.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

• Crispy Texture: The air fryer gives these croquettes a deliciously crispy exterior without the need for excessive oil.
• Quick Preparation: They cook quickly, making them a convenient option for busy weeknights or last-minute snacks.
• Flavorful Filling: Packed with tender chicken and flavorful seasonings, every bite is bursting with taste.
• Versatile Serving: Serve them as an appetizer, snack, or main dish, and pair with your favorite dipping sauces for added flavor.
• Healthier Option: Enjoy the satisfaction of fried food with a lighter, healthier twist that fits into your meal plans.

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Chicken Croquettes

Here are the simple ingredients, you will need:

Remember the recipe instructions below in the printable recipe card and the nutritional information at the bottom of the page.

• Ground Chicken: You can either grind your chicken breast or purchase ground chicken
• Egg: For binding the croquettes together
• Veggies: Diced Onions and Celery
• Breadcrumbs: Or use panko bread crumbs
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: For additional flavor
• Seasonings and Spices: Parsley, Minced Garlic, Kosher Salt, Black Pepper, and Paprika.

How To Make Chicken Croquettes In Air Fryer

Here are the simple steps:

Step One: Combine the shredded or ground-cooked chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, onion, celery, garlic, salt, black pepper, and paprika in a large bowl. Mix well. Add the beaten egg to the chicken mixture and mix until well combined.

Step Two: Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees F, using the air frying setting; preheat for 3-4 minutes. Scoop about one tablespoon of the chicken mixture and shape it into small balls or small oval or cylindrical shapes. Repeat with the remaining mixture.

Step Three: Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray, or brush it with olive oil. Place croquettes into the air fryer basket, leaving space between each croquette. Spray the chicken croquettes with cooking spray.

Set cook time for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through cooking until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. Remove the chicken croquettes from the air fryer basket and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

Air Fryer Chicken Croquettes Recipe Tips

• Use Perforated Parchment Paper: To prevent the chicken croquettes from sticking to the air fryer basket, place a sheet of parchment paper in the basket before adding the croquettes.
• For best results, preheat the Air Fryer: It’s important to preheat the air fryer to ensure that it’s at the correct temperature before adding the croquettes.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: To ensure the chicken croquettes cook evenly and become crispy, leave enough space between each croquette in the air fryer basket.
• Spray the Croquettes with Cooking Spray: To help the chicken croquettes become crispy, spray them with cooking before air frying.
• Flip Halfway Through Cooking: Flip them halfway through cooking to ensure the chicken croquettes cook evenly.

Serving Air Fryer Chicken Croquettes

Chicken croquettes are versatile dishes served as an appetizer or main course. Here are some ideas for what to serve with chicken croquettes:

• Salad: Serve chicken croquettes alongside a simple side salad of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber for a fresh and healthy meal.
• Rice: A side of rice, either plain or seasoned, can complement the flavors of the chicken croquettes.
• Air Fryer Roasted Vegetables: A side of roasted vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts can provide a nutritious accompaniment to the chicken croquettes.
• Air Fryer Mashed Potatoes: A creamy side of mashed potatoes can balance out the crispy texture of the chicken croquettes.

Air Fryer Chicken Croquettes Recipe Faqs

Do I need to cook the chicken before making croquettes? Yes, you should use cooked chicken, either shredded or diced, to prepare the croquettes.

Can I use leftover chicken? Absolutely! Leftover chicken works perfectly for this recipe.

What type of breadcrumbs should I use? You can use regular breadcrumbs, panko for extra crunch, or gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed.

How long do I cook the chicken croquettes? Cook them in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

What if my croquettes are falling apart? Ensure the mixture is well-combined and chilled before shaping. If needed, add a little more binding agent, like egg or flour.

Can I freeze the croquettes? Yes, you can freeze uncooked croquettes. Just make sure to separate them on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag.

How do I reheat leftover croquettes? Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until heated through and crispy.

What dipping sauces pair well with chicken croquettes? Popular options include ranch dressing, garlic aioli, honey mustard, or spicy sriracha sauce.

Can I make these croquettes ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare them in advance and refrigerate them until ready to cook.

Are chicken croquettes suitable for meal prep? Yes, they are great for meal prep and can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days. Just reheat before serving.

How To Cook Frozen Croquettes in Air Fryer

If you have frozen chicken croquettes that you want to cook in an air fryer, here’s how to do it:

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
• Place the frozen chicken croquettes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching.
• Cook the chicken croquettes for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time until golden brown and crispy.
• Once the chicken croquettes are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

More Easy Air Fryer Recipes

• Air Fryer Turkey Croquettes
• Air Fryer Baked Potato
• Air Fryer Potato Croquettes
• AIR FRYER SIRLOIN STEAK WITH PARSLEY-GARLIC SAUCE
• PERFECT AIR FRYER STEAK
• FROZEN BEEF AND BROCCOLI IN AN AN AIR FRYER
• AIR FRYER STEAK FAJITAS

Don’t Forget To Pin!