In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, 1 beaten egg, grated cheese, chopped ham or bacon (if using), green onions or chives, and season with salt and pepper. Mix until well combined.

Take spoonfuls of the potato mixture and form them into small logs or balls. The size is up to you, but they should be uniform for even cooking.

Prepare three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with the 2 beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs.

Roll each croquette in flour, shaking off the excess. Dip it into the beaten eggs, then roll it in breadcrumbs until well coated.

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes. This ensures a crispy exterior.

Place the croquettes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don't touch to allow air circulation. You may need to work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

Spray the croquettes lightly with cooking spray. This helps achieve a golden color and crispy texture.

Air fry for about 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.

Remove the croquettes from the air fryer and let them cool slightly on a wire rack to maintain crispiness.

Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce, such as marinara, aioli, or sour cream.