These are the best Air Fryer Potato Croquettes! With a crispy golden exterior and a pillowy soft center, these cheesy potato balls are perfect as a party appetizer, side dish, or snack. The whole family will love them!
Preheat air fryer to 400°F. Scrub potatoes clean and use a fork to carefully poke holes all over. Air fry for 45-60 minutes or until potatoes are completely fork tender. Time will depend on the size but make sure to rotate every 20 minutes.
Once potatoes are cooked, carefully remove from the air fryer (they'll be hot!) and cut in half lengthwise. Place a cooling rack over a large mixing bowl and place the potato halves on top, cut side down. Push down on the potatoes so the inside of the potatoes falls into the bowl. Discard the skin.
To the warm potatoes, add butter, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and green onion. Gently mix the potato mixture until butter melts, being careful to not over-mix. Stir in cheese and season to taste.
Use a 1½ tablespoon cookie scooper or measuring spoon to portion potatoes out and roll into golf-sized balls. Place onto a plate with space between each one. Cover with plastic wrap and freeze for 15-20 minutes.
Meanwhile, set up your breading station. Lay out three shallow bowls. Add flour and ⅛ teaspoon salt and pepper in one bowl. In the second, add the egg and ½ tablespoon water. Whisk until homogenous. Then in the third, add the Panko breadcrumbs and ¼ teaspoon salt and pepper.
Roll a potato ball in the flour mixture, shaking off excess. Coat in an even layer of egg wash, then roll into Panko breadcrumbs. Repeat until all the potato balls are breaded.
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F again. Spray the basket with oil and add the croquettes evenly spaced out. If needed, fry in batches. Air fry for 5-7 minutes or until golden and crispy, gently shaking the basket halfway. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Serving size ranges between 16-18 for 1½ tablespoon sized croquettes, but ultimately depends on the size of your potatoes and croquettes.
Cheese: Use any good-melting cheese, like mozzarella, cheddar, Gouda, Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or Fontina.
If you don't have a wire rack, use a spoon to scoop out the flesh and lightly crumble into the bowl.
I use a 6-Quart Instant Vortex for this recipe. Each air fryer is different so I recommend testing with one croquette to determine the best temperature and time.