We can all agree that croquettes are an irresistible bite and that, of all their cooking methods, it's hard to beat the results from traditional deep-frying.
With the arrival of air fryers in our kitchens, many questions arise about the steps to follow so that frozen items like croquettes turn out satisfactorily. The truth is, getting a good result with breaded items in the air fryer, and croquettes specifically, isn't so simple.
The first and most important issue is that if we overcook them, the croquettes end up bursting and their filling inevitably spills out of the breading. But why do we always overcook them? Because another drawback of making croquettes in the air fryer is that you can't achieve the same appealing golden color you get with traditional frying.
Based on these problems, I'm going to give you some tricks that always work for making perfect frozen croquettes in an air fryer:
- Whether they are homemade or store-bought frozen croquettes, there's no need to thaw them.
- Always brush or spray the frozen croquettes with oil so they acquire a golden color.
- Preheat the air fryer to its maximum temperature for at least 3 minutes.
- Place the croquettes directly in the air fryer basket or on the rack without them touching each other.
- Cook them at 200 ℃ for just the right time; 10-12 minutes is enough.
- Flip them halfway through cooking so they cook evenly.
- If you're making them from scratch, I recommend breading them by replacing the breadcrumbs with crushed cornflakes. Their yellow color is much more appetizing.
- A double or thicker breading is a guarantee that they won't burst as much as ones with a thinner coating.
Keep in mind that not all air fryers heat the same way or with the same power, so it's ideal to take these tips as a reference and adapt them to your specific appliance when you put them into practice.
Recipe Information
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cooking time: 10 minutes
- Total time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 4, 12 units
- Category: appetizer
- Cuisine type: Spanish
- Calories per serving (kcal): 255
Ingredients for Air Fryer Frozen Croquettes for 4 people
- 12 frozen croquettes (can be different brands and fillings)
- Extra virgin olive oil spray
How to Cook Frozen Croquettes in an Air Fryer
The first thing we need to do is preheat the air fryer to 200 ℃ for 3 minutes. Meanwhile, since there's no need to thaw the croquettes, we're going to spray or brush them directly with extra virgin olive oil.
Next, place the croquettes inside the air fryer basket, making sure they are spaced apart from each other, and set it manually to 200 ℃ for 10 or 12 minutes. Halfway through cooking, flip the croquettes so they cook evenly.
Once cooking is finished, remove the croquettes from the air fryer, plate them, and serve immediately to enjoy them freshly made. Ready to give them a try?
Easy Preparation Summary
- Preheat the air fryer for 3 minutes at 200 ℃ and brush the frozen croquettes with oil
- Cook the croquettes at 200 ℃ for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through
- Remove the croquettes from the air fryer and serve immediately
30 Best Recipes I Love Making at Home
If you’re like me, you probably enjoy keeping a mix of easy comfort food, classic international dishes, and crowd-pleasing desserts on hand.
Whenever I want something rich and indulgent, I usually go for this La Viña Molten Cheesecake recipe, this elegant Original French Crème Brûlée recipe, or a decadent Chocolate Mousse Cake recipe. And when I’m craving something fruity and comforting, I always come back to this classic French Tarte Tatin recipe.
For easy breakfasts and lighter meals, I often make these fluffy Oatmeal and Banana Pancakes recipe, a satisfying Stuffed Sweet Potato recipe, or these fresh Eggs Stuffed with Avocado and Salmon recipe. When I need a gluten-free pantry staple, I also like preparing this simple Gluten-Free Rice Flour recipe.
When I’m in the mood for tapas and Mediterranean flavors, I usually rotate between this bold Basque Tuna with Tomato recipe, crispy Patatas Bravas Air Fryer recipe, creamy Tirokafteri Greek Dip Sauce recipe, and refreshing Burrata Salad with Tomato and Pesto recipe. I also love serving this crisp Italian Vitello Tonnato recipe when I want something a little more special.
For hearty lunches and cozy dinners, I always recommend this comforting Meatballs in Spanish Sauce recipe, traditional Meatballs in Almond Sauce recipe, rich Italian Bolognese Sauce recipe, and creamy Chicken Croquettes in Thermomix recipe. If I want something more filling, I’ll often make this baked Greek Pastitsio Pie recipe, rustic Potatoes and Squid Stew recipe, or the ultra-comforting French Boeuf Bourguignon recipe.
Whenever I’m craving street food or party-style dishes, I usually make this juicy Homemade Chicken Doner Kebab recipe, crispy Salchipapas recipe, flavorful Mexican Pork Carnitas recipe, or these crunchy Korean Hobak Jeon recipe. I also like serving these easy Air Fryer Zucchini Rings recipe as a simple appetizer or snack.
And if I’m putting together drinks and a full menu for guests, I’ll often pair dinner with this refreshing Original Cuban Mojito recipe, this bold Long Island Iced Tea recipe, or a pitcher of this fruity Bleeding Spanish Sangria recipe. To round everything out, I love adding this tangy French Remoulade Sauce recipe on the side or finishing the table with this striking Mediterranean Black Rice with Squid recipe.
More Delicious Cooking Recipes for Family
Over the years of testing and refining recipes in my own kitchen, I’ve learned that the best dishes combine simplicity, reliable techniques, and bold flavor.
The recipes in this collection are the ones I personally return to again and again—whether I’m cooking a quick meal for myself or preparing something special for friends and family.
For dessert, the rich and silky Orange Chocolate Mousse Recipe is one I often make when I want something elegant but easy. Another sweet favorite is the caramelized Trdelnik Slavic Pastry Recipe, inspired by the famous Central European chimney cake. If you enjoy baking, learning how to make syrup for better texture in desserts is useful, and my Inverted Sugar Recipe explains exactly how I prepare it in my own kitchen.
When I want something fresh and simple, I usually turn to the classic Italian Caprese Salad Recipe or a perfectly cooked Simple Poached Egg Recipe. For heartier comfort meals, I often recommend the satisfying Meatball Sandwich Recipe, the creamy Russian Stroganoff Beef Recipe, and the quick weeknight favorite One Pot Pasta Recipe.
I also love sharing traditional dishes from around the world, including the authentic Sorropotún de Bonito Fish Stew Recipe, crispy Chilean Pumpkin Sopaipillas Recipe, and the classic Spanish Cochifrito Segovian Fried Pig Recipe.
Air fryer recipes are another category I cook regularly because they save time while still producing great texture. My go-to options include Air Fryer Pork Ribs Recipe, Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe, Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes Recipe, Air Fryer Baked Potatoes Recipe, Air Fryer Peppers Recipe, Air Fryer Mixed Sandwich Recipe, Air Fryer Toasted Bread Recipe, and Air Fryer Hard-Boiled Eggs Recipe.
For anyone avoiding wheat, my comforting Gluten-Free Lasagna Recipe proves that classic baked pasta dishes can still be rich, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying without gluten.
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