Air fryer ham croquettes: less oil, just as crispy!

Ingredients

• 90 g finely chopped Serrano ham
• 90 g butter
• 90 g flour
• 500 ml milk
• 1 egg
• Breadcrumbs
• Salt
• Nutmeg
• Pepper

Materials

• Air fryer
• Saucepan
• Glass 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 has melted, add the flour and mix well. Cook for 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 chopped ham. Mix well and cook for about 3 minutes, or until the mixture pulls away 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, then dip the croquetas into the mixture. Next, coat them in breadcrumbs again.
• 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 it to “Airfry” mode at 390°F (200°C) for 8 minutes. After 8 minutes, turn the croquetas over with tongs so they cook on both sides. Set the air fryer for 3 more minutes.
  
• And there you have it—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.

Cookware

Attributes

Questions

Photos of members who cooked this recipe