If you love a comforting twist on classic side dishes, the Air Fryer Funeral Potatoes Croquettes Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to. These golden, crispy croquettes pack all the creamy, cheesy goodness of traditional funeral potatoes with a delightful crunch courtesy of the air fryer. Perfectly seasoned and brimming with buttery mashed potatoes, sharp cheddar cheese, and a hint of green onion, they’re an irresistibly cozy treat that’s easy to whip up for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things straightforward with familiar, simple ingredients that come together to create a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Each ingredient shines by adding creaminess, zing, or crunch, making these croquettes a total crowd-pleaser.
- 3 cups cooked and cooled russet potatoes: The creamy base that gives body and softness to the croquettes.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Adds sharp, melty richness that complements the potatoes fantastically.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Brings moisture and a tangy dimension to the filling.
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions: Lightens the flavor profile with a fresh, mild onion bite.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Introduces a subtle, aromatic depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the savory notes without overpowering the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Balances all the flavors perfectly.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds gentle heat and complexity.
- 1 cup finely crushed cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs: Creates that irresistible crispy coating.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the coating and help it stick beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons milk: Lightens the egg wash, ensuring an even crust.
How to Make Air Fryer Funeral Potatoes Croquettes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Potato Base
Start by combining the mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, sour cream, green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Mix everything until it forms a smooth, creamy, and well-blended mixture — this is the heart of your croquettes.
Step 2: Shape Croquettes
Using a spoon or your hands, scoop out about 2 tablespoons of the mixture at a time. Shape each portion into small cylinders or balls and place them neatly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This step forms the perfect-sized croquettes for quick, even cooking.
Step 3: Prepare Coating Stations
Set up two shallow bowls — one with a whisked mixture of eggs and milk, and the second filled with finely crushed cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs. This double-step coating process ensures your croquettes turn out crispy and golden brown after air frying.
Step 4: Bread Croquettes
Dip each shaped croquette into the egg wash, then roll it thoroughly in the coating until fully covered. The egg helps the breadcrumbs stick just right, giving you that coveted crunchy exterior.
Step 5: Preheat Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 390°F for about 3 minutes to ensure a burst of hot air that crisps up the croquettes perfectly from edge to edge.
Step 6: Arrange and Oil
Place the coated croquettes in a single layer inside your air fryer basket, making sure to leave a little space between each for even cooking. Lightly spray them with cooking oil spray to promote a golden, crispy finish.
Step 7: Air Fry
Cook the croquettes for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through so they brown evenly. If you’re doing multiple batches, repeat this process until all croquettes are cooked to a golden, crispy perfection.
Step 8: Finish and Serve
Remove the croquettes from the air fryer and serve hot. Sprinkle on some extra chopped green onions for a burst of fresh flavor and a pop of color, making these croquettes just as lovely on the eyes as they are to eat.
How to Serve Air Fryer Funeral Potatoes Croquettes Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh green onions are the perfect simple garnish to complement these croquettes, adding a mild bite and a bright green hue. A dollop of sour cream or a little sprinkle of crispy bacon bits can also elevate the presentation and flavor.
Side Dishes
These croquettes shine alongside a crisp salad or roasted vegetables, balancing their richness. They also pair beautifully with classic comfort foods like baked ham, fried chicken, or a lovely pot roast, turning your meal into a full feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun appetizer, serve these on a platter with a trio of dipping sauces such as a tangy ranch, spicy sriracha mayo, or a smoky BBQ sauce to add variety and make snack time special. You can also skewer a few together with toothpicks for easy, bite-sized treats at parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover croquettes can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They maintain their flavor well but might lose some crispness, which you can easily restore with a quick reheat.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked shaped croquettes on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months and can be air fried directly from frozen, adding just a couple of extra minutes to cooking time.
Reheating
To bring leftover or frozen croquettes back to life, reheat them in the air fryer at 360°F for about 5 minutes or until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving to preserve that coveted crunch.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap out the cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free cereal to keep the crunch without gluten.
What type of potatoes work best?
Russet potatoes are ideal because they have a fluffy, dry texture that helps your croquettes hold their shape and stay creamy inside without becoming gummy.
Do I have to use an air fryer?
While the air fryer is perfect for achieving a crispy exterior with less oil, you can also bake these croquettes in the oven or fry them in a pan if you prefer traditional methods.
Can I add other flavors or ingredients?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in cooked bacon, diced jalapeños, or herbs like parsley or chives for extra flavor twists that suit your taste.
How many croquettes does this recipe make?
You’ll get about 12 to 16 croquettes, depending on how large you make each one. Perfect for sharing with family or guests!
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Air Fryer Funeral Potatoes Croquettes Recipe enough if you want a crispy, cheesy, and downright delicious comfort food that’s quick to make and sure to impress. Whether for a holiday meal or a weeknight treat, these croquettes will have everyone asking for seconds. So go ahead, gather those simple ingredients and dive into this cozy, golden goodness—you won’t be disappointed!
Print
Air Fryer Funeral Potatoes Croquettes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Funeral Potatoes Croquettes are a crispy, cheesy, and comforting side dish made from mashed russet potatoes combined with cheddar cheese, sour cream, and green onions. Coated with crunchy cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs and cooked in an air fryer, these croquettes are golden and crisp on the outside while creamy and flavorful inside. Perfect as a savory snack or a tasty accompaniment to any meal.
Ingredients
Potato Mixture
- 3 cups cooked and cooled russet potatoes, mashed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Coating
- 1 cup finely crushed cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Prepare Potato Base: In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, finely chopped green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is well blended and smooth.
- Shape Croquettes: Scoop out approximately 2 tablespoons of the potato mixture and shape each portion into small cylinders or balls. Place them onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Continue shaping until all the mixture is used.
- Prepare Coating Stations: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. In a separate shallow bowl, place the finely crushed cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs.
- Bread Croquettes: Dip each croquette first into the egg mixture, ensuring it is fully coated, then roll it in the crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs until evenly covered.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for 3 minutes to ensure it’s ready for cooking.
- Arrange and Oil: Place the coated croquettes in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, making sure there is space between each for even cooking. Lightly spray the croquettes with cooking oil spray to help them crisp up.
- Air Fry: Cook the croquettes in the air fryer for 8 to 10 minutes, turning them halfway through the cooking time to brown evenly. They should be golden brown and crisp on the outside. Cook remaining croquettes in batches if necessary.
- Finish and Serve: Serve the croquettes hot, optionally garnished with extra chopped green onions for added freshness and flavor.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, ensure croquettes are not overcrowded in the air fryer basket.
- If you prefer, substitute cornflakes with panko breadcrumbs for a slightly different texture.
- These croquettes can be kept warm in a low oven while cooking additional batches.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore crispiness.
- Adjust seasoning to taste by adding more or less salt, pepper, or herbs.
