Air Fryer Mashed Potato Croquettes Thanksgiving Leftovers: Irresistible Cheese-Stuffed Delights

Thanksgiving always brings a bounty of leftovers, and mashed potatoes are often at the top of that list. As a health-conscious foodie and a busy mom, I constantly look for creative ways to transform these leftovers into something both delicious and nutritious. Enter the air fryer, my kitchen savior. With the magic of air frying, I can turn those surplus mashed potatoes into crispy, golden croquettes that delight the whole family.

In my journey to healthier cooking, I discovered that the air fryer could recreate the textures and flavors of our favorite comfort foods, minus the excess oil. This revelation led me to experiment with my leftover mashed potatoes, infusing them with sharp cheddar cheese and fresh herbs, then air frying them to perfection. The result? Air fryer mashed potato croquettes that are a game-changer for Thanksgiving leftovers.

These croquettes are not just a way to repurpose leftovers; they are a celebration of flavor and texture. Whether you’re new to air frying or a seasoned pro, these croquettes will become a staple in your post-Thanksgiving menu. With a crispy exterior and a gooey, cheesy center, they offer a comforting bite that satisfies every craving.

Air Fryer Mashed Potato Croquettes Thanksgiving Leftovers

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• Author: Elizabeth
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 7 minutes
• Total Time: 37 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: International

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Description

Learn how to transform your Thanksgiving leftovers into delicious Air Fryer Mashed Potato Croquettes. Perfect for a quick and tasty meal!

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Ingredients

• 1 cup (240 ml) mashed potatoes, seasoned
• 1/4 block sharp cheddar cheese, cut into 1 inch cubes
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) fresh dill or parsley, chopped
• 3/4 cup (180 ml) all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg, whisked
• 3/4 cup (180 ml) bread crumbs, Italian or plain
• 1/4 teaspoon (1 ml) onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon (1 ml) black pepper
• as needed salt if the potatoes are not seasoned

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Instructions

1. In a big mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes with the freshly chopped dill. If making from scratch, boil potato cubes until they are soft, mash them with butter and milk, season with salt, let cool completely, and then add the fresh herbs.
2. Using an ice cream scoop or spoon, take portions of the potato mixture. Flatten each portion into a disk in your hand and place a cheddar cube in the center. Fold the edges over to cover the cheese and form a smooth, even ball. Repeat this process with the remaining potato mixture and cheese.
3. Prepare three shallow dishes: one for flour, another for the beaten eggs, and the third for a combination of breadcrumbs, black pepper, and onion powder.
4. Start by rolling each potato ball in the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the bowl with whisked egg, ensuring it is fully covered. Finally, roll it in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to make sure it’s evenly coated. Place each breaded croquette on a board lined with parchment paper. Continue this with the rest of the balls.
5. For optimal results, refrigerate the breaded croquettes for 20-30 minutes.
6. Preheat the air fryer for approximately 5 minutes. Spray the basket with some cooking spray. Arrange the croquettes in a single layer and lightly spray them with oil on the top. Air fry at 390°F for 4-7 minutes until they turn golden brown. Flipping is not necessary unless they are browning unevenly.
7. Serve hot, paired with ketchup or your favorite dipping sauce.

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Notes

• Season the mashed potatoes well with fresh herbs to enhance the croquettes’ flavor.
• Adjust seasoning with salt if needed before shaping the croquettes.
• Refrigerate the breaded croquettes for a crispy exterior before air frying.

Creating Air Fryer Mashed Potato Croquettes

Fundamentals

The key to making perfect air fryer mashed potato croquettes is starting with well-seasoned mashed potatoes. If you’re using leftovers, ensure they’re thoroughly mashed and free of lumps. If you need to make mashed potatoes from scratch, boil potato cubes until soft, mash with butter and milk, then season to taste. Add a touch of fresh dill or parsley for an aromatic twist.

Preparation/setup

Gather your ingredients: mashed potatoes, sharp cheddar cheese, fresh herbs, flour, beaten egg, breadcrumbs, onion powder, and black pepper. Begin by mixing the mashed potatoes with the herbs. Use an ice cream scoop to portion the mixture, flatten each scoop, and place a cheese cube in the center. Wrap the potato mixture around the cheese to form a smooth ball.

Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes: one for flour, another for the beaten egg, and the third for breadcrumbs mixed with onion powder and black pepper. Coat each potato ball in flour, dip in egg, and roll in breadcrumbs. Arrange the breaded croquettes on a parchment-lined board, and refrigerate for 20-30 minutes to help them firm up.

Mastering the Art of Air Frying

Technique

Preheat your air fryer for about 5 minutes, ensuring it’s hot enough to crisp the croquettes. Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray, and arrange the croquettes in a single layer. Spray the tops lightly with oil to promote even browning. Air fry at 390°F for 4-7 minutes. There’s no need to flip them unless you notice uneven browning.

Tips/tricks

For extra crispiness, ensure the croquettes are evenly coated in breadcrumbs. If you prefer a thicker crust, double-dip by repeating the egg and breadcrumb steps. If you’re new to air frying, start with a small batch to get a feel for your specific model’s timing and temperature settings. Explore more air fryer techniques with our air fryer mashed potato cakes.

Achieving Perfection: Troubleshooting and Variations

Perfecting results

To perfect your air fryer mashed potato croquettes, ensure the mashed potatoes are cool before forming the balls. Warm potatoes can become sticky and hard to handle. If the croquettes aren’t browning evenly, consider adjusting the position in the air fryer or lightly shaking the basket halfway through cooking. For more ideas, check out our recipe for air-fried chicken, green beans, and mashed potatoes.

Troubleshooting/variations

If your croquettes fall apart, it might be due to overly wet mashed potatoes. Adding a bit more flour can help bind the mixture. For a flavor twist, substitute cheddar with mozzarella or pepper jack cheese. Experiment with different herbs, like chives or cilantro, to create unique flavor profiles. Discover more variations with our air fryer smashed potatoes with garlic.

Serving and Storing Your Croquettes

Serving/presentation

Serve your air fryer mashed potato croquettes hot, paired with your favorite dipping sauce like ketchup, sour cream, or aioli. For a visually appealing presentation, sprinkle fresh herbs over the croquettes before serving. These croquettes make a delightful appetizer or side dish for any meal.

Pairings/storage

Pair your croquettes with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables to balance the meal. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore their crispy texture. For those looking for more healthy options, explore our healthy air fryer sweet potato nachos.

Conclusion

Air fryer mashed potato croquettes are a versatile and delicious way to breathe new life into Thanksgiving leftovers. Their crispy exterior and cheesy center make them an irresistible treat for any occasion. By mastering the techniques and tips shared, you can consistently enjoy perfectly cooked croquettes. Embrace the potential of your air fryer, and transform your meals into healthier, tastier versions of your favorite comfort foods. With the right techniques, you can turn any leftover into a culinary masterpiece.

FAQs – Air Fryer Mashed Potato Croquettes Thanksgiving Leftovers