Hello, dear friends of Paulina Cocina! In this new installment, we continue with our air fryer recipes because we find it very practical to be able to cook with almost no oil and still make delicious dishes. Today, we're going to make croquettes in an air fryer .
Croquettes are little gems of the kitchen that can be prepared in a multitude of flavors and have won the hearts (and stomachs) of many. They can always be made with leftovers , such as mashed potatoes or rice, making them a great way to use up food . They can also be frozen, as they're handy to have on hand to prepare a meal.
But what happens when we want to eat croquettes but prefer to avoid frying them? In that case, one option is to prepare them in an air fryer for a lighter result. That's why we're going to share all the secrets and a step-by-step recipe , so you don't miss fried croquettes air fryer croquette team .
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About Air Fryer Croquettes
The air fryer has arrived in our kitchens with the promise of cooking food without having to submerge it in oil, and it has succeeded!
Air fryer croquettes are an example of this, as this method allows you to obtain croquettes that are crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside , without the heavy feeling that traditional frying sometimes leaves us with.
Plus, this type of cooking is ideal for those looking to reduce their fat intake without sacrificing flavor. Air fryer croquettes are here to break the myth that healthy foods have less flavor.
6 Features that make air fryer croquettes irresistible
- Crispy without the guilt : One of the greatest pleasures of eating croquettes is that sensation when you bite into a crispy outer layer that gives way to a soft, creamy interior. Air-fryer croquettes achieve a similar crunch without the need to submerge them in oil, which means less fat and calories.
- Even cooking: Unlike traditional frying, where croquettes can sometimes end up golden brown on the outside but cold or undercooked on the inside, air fryer croquettes cook evenly thanks to the circulation of hot air.
- Less odor, more flavor : Who hasn't had to ventilate the kitchen after frying croquettes? With an air fryer, the smell of frying is considerably reduced, allowing the aroma of freshly made croquettes to take center stage.
- They can be reheated : The air fryer is not only great for croquettes, but also ideal for reheating. If we're asking ourselves, how do we reheat croquettes in an air fryer? The answer is simple: a few minutes at a moderate temperature, and they'll be as good as freshly made.
- Versatility: Whether it's ham croquettes , cod croquettes , or spinach croquettes , all the variations can be adapted and made into air fryer recipes .
- Easy and quick : You don't need to have much cooking skills to prepare croquettes in an air fryer. Simply place them in the basket, set the temperature and time, and that's it!
How to make croquettes in the air fryer? Lifesaving tips
Making croquettes in an air fryer is one of those tasks that seems difficult but is actually very simple if you follow a few basic steps. We're sharing a quick guide to making perfect croquettes:
- Preheating : It is recommended to preheat the fryer for about 3-5 minutes at 180°, to ensure that the air fryer croquettes begin to cook evenly from the start.
- Basket arrangement: It's important not to stack the croquettes . Place them in a single layer, leaving a small space between them to allow the hot air to circulate properly. This will prevent the croquettes in the air fryer from breaking or sticking together.
- Time and Temperature : How long should the croquettes be in the air fryer? It depends on the size of the croquettes and the power of your fryer, but as a general rule, they cook at 180°C for about 10-15 minutes. Halfway through, it's a good idea to rotate them so they brown evenly.
- Checking the cooking : The air fryer gives us the possibility of checking the cooking and verifying that they are at our liking, and if not, we can quickly cook the croquettes in the air fryer for a few more minutes.
- Rest: Once they're ready, it's recommended to let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This little trick helps the flavors of the air-fried croquettes settle and prevents us from burning ourselves at the first bite.
8 Key Tips for Making the Best Frozen Croquettes in an Air Fryer
- Don't thaw croquettes : It's best to cook croquettes in an air fryer straight from the freezer. This ensures they retain their shape and don't fall apart in the fryer.
- Using cooking spray for extra browning : Although the air fryer doesn't require oil, a spray of cooking spray or a brushing of oil on the croquettes before cooking can give them extra browning without adding significant calories.
- Watch the size : If the croquettes are very large, they may need more cooking time. In this case, it's best to lower the temperature slightly so they cook well on the inside without burning on the outside.
- Avoid overcooking : It's best to cook croquettes in an air fryer in small batches to prevent uneven cooking. If you need to make a lot of croquettes, it's best to cook them in several batches .
- Maintain a constant temperature : Do not open the fryer constantly to check the croquettes, as this can cause the temperature to drop and affect cooking.
- Experiment with flavors : You can cook croquettes in many different ways in an air fryer. From classic rice croquettes or potato croquettes to more unique ones like vegetarian broccoli croquettes or vegan Turkish lentil meatballs .
- Try the best coatings: You can also experiment with coating your air fryer croquettes in different ways. From classic breadcrumbs to panko , oat flakes, seeds, and even cornflakes for a crunchier touch .
- Perfect accompaniments : Air fryer croquettes are delicious on their own, but to make them even tastier, they can be accompanied with a sauce , such as all i oli (alioli) or homemade mayonnaise .
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Air Fryer Croquettes Recipe
Yields: 4-6 servings
Preparation time : 15 minutes
Ingredients
- 500 g of frozen croquettes.
- Spray oil or 1 tablespoon of oil (optional)
How to make croquettes in an air fryer step by step
- Preheat the air fryer to 180º for 3-5 minutes.
- Place the frozen croquettes in the fryer basket, leaving a little space between them to ensure even cooking.
- Spray a little cooking spray on the croquettes, or brush with a little oil (optional) to make them more golden and crispy.
- Cook the croquettes at 180°C for 10-15 minutes. Halfway through cooking (around 7-8 minutes), turn the croquettes over so they cook evenly.
- Check the doneness; it depends on the type of coating. If they're golden and crispy, remove them. If necessary, add a couple more minutes.
- Let the croquettes rest in the air fryer for a couple of minutes before serving.
- Enjoy them with your chosen side dish or sauce.
Extra tip: If you have leftover croquettes, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat them, use the air fryer again at 180°C for 3-5 minutes to restore their crispiness.
