Air fryer spanish croquetas: little oil but still just as crispy!
Ham croquetas tapas are a classic of Spanish cuisine that we all love! But sometimes it happens that they are a little greasy from the frying, and for that we have the solution: Air Fryer cooking! With this cooking method you can get delicious croquetas with very little oil. The preparation is exactly the same as for traditional croquetas and the result will be the same: croquetas soft on the inside and crispy on the outside! Follow the recipe step by step below ↓↓
Ingredients
Materials
- Air Fryer
- pot
- airtight container
- parchment paper
Preparation
For the béchamel sauce:
Bring the milk to a boil in a saucepan. Meanwhile, melt the butter in another saucepan. When the butter is melted, add the flour and mix well (cook 2 minutes).
Gradually add the boiling milk to the mixture, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Season with salt, pepper and nutmeg.
When the mixture is smooth and homogeneous, add the ham cut into pieces. Mix well and cook for about 3 minutes or until the mixture unticks from the pan.
In a previously greased container, place the mixture. Cover with plastic wrap, let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for 1 hour or until the dough is firm enough to handle.
Once the dough has cooled, form small portions using a spoon and give them a cylindrical shape.
Dip each croqueta in breadcrumbs.
Beat the egg in a bowl with the milk and place the croquetas inside the mixture. Then dip them in breadcrumbs.
Once the croquetas are formed, refrigerate for 30 minutes (this will help maintain their shape while cooking).
Lightly grease the Air Fryer, you can use a spray or a brush. Arrange the croquetas sufficiently spaced apart to prevent them from sticking together.
Turn on the Air Fryer and set to “Airfry” mode at 390°F (200°C) for 8 minutes. After this time, flip the croquetas so that they cook on both sides. Program for 3 additional minutes.
Et voilà, bon appétit !And there you are, your Spanish croquetas are ready! Enjoy!
Observations
Preparation of the mixture:
Make sure the croqueta mixture is well refrigerated before forming them. This will make the process easier and prevent the croquetas from falling apart while cooking in the Air Fryer. You can let it cool for an hour or even overnight in the refrigerator.
What sauces can I use with ham croquetas?
Serve the croquetas with a homemade sauce like aioli, yogurt sauce, tomato sauce or simply with lemon for a touch of freshness.
Can I freeze croquetas before cooking them in the Air Fryer?
Yes, you can freeze croquetas. Simply place them in an airtight bag or container, arranging them in a single layer to prevent them from touching (this will prevent the croquetas from sticking together during freezing).
Can I cook frozen croquetas in the air fryer or do I have to defrost them first?
Yes, you can cook them straight from frozen, although it may require a little more cooking time than fresh croquetas.
