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The Best Ham and Cheese Croquettes: An Air Fryer Recipe

Croquettes are a beloved snack across the globe, celebrated for their crispy exterior and creamy filling. Among the myriad of flavours, ham and cheese croquettes stand out for their delightful combination of savoury flavours and indulgent textures. With the advent of air fryers, creating these delectable morsels at home has become not only easier but also healthier. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of making the best ham and cheese croquettes using an air fryer, ensuring a crispy finish without excessive oil.

Why Use an Air Fryer?

Air frying is a revolutionary cooking method that circulates hot air around the food, creating a crispy outer layer while keeping the insides tender and moist. This method significantly reduces the amount of oil needed, making it a healthier option compared to traditional frying. For croquettes, air frying provides that perfect crunch while being guilt-free.

Ingredients

To make the best ham and cheese croquettes, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Filling:

• 200g ham, finely chopped (preferably cooked ham)
• 150g cheese, grated (cheddar or a mixture of your favourites)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons plain flour
• 200ml milk
• Salt and pepper to taste
• A pinch of nutmeg (optional)

For the Coating:

• 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
• 2 eggs, beaten
• Plain flour for dusting

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

1. Melt the Butter: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the flour and whisk continuously for about a minute to cook the flour slightly, which will help thicken the mixture.

2. Make the Béchamel: Gradually pour in the milk, continuing to whisk to avoid lumps. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens and bubbles. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if using.

3. Combine Ingredients: Once the sauce is ready, remove it from the heat and add the chopped ham and grated cheese, stirring until the cheese has melted and everything is well combined. Allow this mixture to cool to room temperature before moving on to the next step.

Step 2: Shape the Croquettes

1. Form the Croquettes: Once the filling is cool, take small portions of the mixture and shape them into cylindrical or oval shapes, about 5 cm long. Place them on a tray lined with baking paper.

Step 3: Coat the Croquettes

1. Prepare Breading Station: Set up a three-bowl station: one for plain flour, the second for the beaten eggs, and the third for the breadcrumbs.

2. Coat the Croquettes: Lightly coat each croquette in flour, then dip it in the beaten eggs, and finally, roll it in the breadcrumbs until well coated. Set the coated croquettes aside on a clean plate.

Step 4: Air Fry the Croquettes

1. Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (390°F) for about 5 minutes.

2. Air Fry: Arrange the croquettes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring there’s space between each one to allow for proper air circulation. Lightly spray the tops with oil to encourage browning. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time, until they are golden brown and crispy.

Step 5: Serve

Once cooked, remove the croquettes from the air fryer and allow them to cool for a few minutes. Serve warm with a dipping sauce of your choice, such as garlic aioli or a tangy ketchup.

Final Thoughts

These ham and cheese croquettes are sure to be a hit at any gathering or simply as a comforting snack at home. The air fryer not only saves time but also creates that irresistible crunch that makes croquettes so enjoyable. With a handful of simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can impress family and friends with this delicious treat. Enjoy your cooking adventure and revel in the delicious results!

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