Croquetas are a Spanish tapas favourite — a creamy béchamel centre, often with ham or cheese, in a crisp breadcrumb shell. The air fryer crisps them with just a spray of oil. The trick is chilling the filling firm. Here's how.
Key takeaways
Q: How do you make croquetas in an air fryer?
A: Chill a thick béchamel firm, shape, crumb, and air fry at 200°C (400°F) for 10–12 minutes, until golden.
Q: Why chill the filling?
A: A firm, cold béchamel holds its shape; warm filling oozes out.
The method
Make a thick béchamel — flour cooked in butter, then milk whisked in until very thick — and stir in chopped ham, cheese or mushrooms. Chill it until firm (ideally a few hours), then shape into logs, coat in flour, egg and breadcrumbs, spray with oil and air fry until golden and crisp with a molten centre.
The recipe
Air Fryer Croquetas
Ingredients
- 40g butter, 40g flour, 400ml milk
- Ham, cheese or mushrooms
- Flour, 1 egg, breadcrumbs
- Oil spray
Method
- Make a thick béchamel; stir in the filling.
- Chill firm, then shape into logs.
- Coat in flour, egg, breadcrumbs; spray with oil.
- Air fry at 200°C for 10–12 minutes.
Tips
- Chill the filling firm — the crucial step.
- A thick béchamel holds together.
- Spray with oil for a golden crumb.
Frequently asked questions
How do you make croquetas in an air fryer?
Make a thick béchamel with a filling, chill it firm, shape into logs, coat in flour, egg and breadcrumbs, spray with oil, and air fry at 200°C for 10–12 minutes.
Why do croquetas need chilling?
The béchamel filling must be cold and firm to hold its shape — warm filling is too soft and oozes out during cooking.
What fillings can you use?
Classic jamón (ham), or cheese, mushroom, chicken or salt cod — anything finely chopped and folded into the béchamel.