Save Funeral potatoes are a beloved comfort food classic, known for their creamy, cheesy richness and crispy topping. Now imagine taking all those comforting flavors and transforming them into perfectly portioned, golden-brown croquettes that are crispy on the outside and melt-in-your-mouth tender on the inside. These Air Fryer Funeral Potatoes Croquettes bring the nostalgia of the original casserole into a fun, handheld form that's perfect for snacking, entertaining, or serving as a satisfying side dish. The best part? Using the air fryer makes them lighter and easier than traditional deep-frying, while still delivering that irresistible crunch.
Save What's for Dinner Tonight? 🤔
Stop stressing. Get 10 fast recipes that actually work on busy nights.
Free. No spam. Just easy meals.
These croquettes capture everything you love about funeral potatoes: fluffy mashed potatoes blended with sharp cheddar cheese, tangy sour cream, and savory seasonings. The addition of green onions adds a fresh pop of flavor, while the crunchy cornflake coating provides that essential crispy element. Each bite delivers layers of flavor and texture that will have everyone coming back for more. Whether you're serving them as an appetizer at a party or as a creative side dish for dinner, these croquettes are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Tired of Takeout? 🥡
Get 10 meals you can make faster than delivery arrives. Seriously.
One email. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
- 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
- Step 1: Prepare the Potato Mixture
- In a large bowl, combine mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, sour cream, green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended and smooth.
- Step 2: Shape the Croquettes
- Scoop out about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and shape into small cylinders or balls. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Repeat until all mixture is used.
- Step 3: Set Up Coating Stations
- In a shallow bowl, whisk eggs and milk together. Place crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs in a separate shallow bowl.
- Step 4: Coat the Croquettes
- Dip each croquette first into the egg mixture, then roll in the cornflakes or breadcrumbs until fully coated.
- Step 5: Preheat the Air Fryer
- Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
- Step 6: Arrange and Spray
- Arrange croquettes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each. Spray lightly with oil spray.
- Step 7: Air Fry
- Air fry for 8–10 minutes, turning halfway, until golden brown and crisp. Repeat with remaining croquettes if necessary.
- Step 8: Serve
- Serve hot, garnished with extra green onions if desired.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
The key to perfectly shaped croquettes is ensuring your mashed potatoes are completely cooled before mixing. Warm potatoes will make the mixture too sticky and difficult to form. If the mixture still feels too soft, refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes before shaping. When coating, make sure each croquette is completely covered in the egg wash before rolling in the cornflakes – this helps the coating adhere better and creates that satisfying crunch. For the crispiest results, don't overcrowd the air fryer basket; give each croquette space for hot air to circulate around all sides.
Still Scrolling? You'll Love This 👇
Our best 20-minute dinners in one free pack — tried and tested by thousands.
Trusted by 10,000+ home cooks.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika to the potato mixture for a subtle smoky depth. You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a lighter, tangier version that's still wonderfully creamy. If you prefer a different cheese, try mixing in some Gruyère or pepper jack for a more complex flavor profile. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free cornflakes. You can also experiment with different herbs – fresh chives, parsley, or dill all work beautifully in the potato mixture.
Serviervorschläge
These croquettes are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. They're delicious on their own, but truly shine when paired with dipping sauces like ranch dressing, spicy ketchup, garlic aioli, or sour cream mixed with fresh herbs. Serve them alongside a crisp green salad for a lighter meal, or as part of a larger spread with other appetizers. They also make an excellent side dish for grilled meats or roasted chicken. Leftovers reheat wonderfully in the air fryer – just pop them in for 3-4 minutes at 350°F to restore their crispy exterior.
Save These Air Fryer Funeral Potatoes Croquettes are proof that comfort food can be both nostalgic and innovative. They bring together the best elements of the beloved casserole – creamy potatoes, sharp cheese, and that essential crispy topping – in a fun, portable format that's perfect for modern entertaining. Whether you're looking to impress guests at your next gathering or simply want to elevate your weeknight dinner routine, these golden, crispy croquettes deliver big on flavor while keeping things light and easy. Make a batch today and watch them disappear in minutes!
Recipe FAQ
- → What type of potatoes are best for these croquettes?
Russet potatoes work best due to their starchy texture, which helps in achieving a light, fluffy interior.
- → Can I substitute the coating ingredients?
Yes, you may use crushed cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs to achieve a crispy crust. Gluten-free options are also possible with suitable substitutes.
- → How do you ensure the croquettes crisp up in the air fryer?
Lightly spraying the croquettes with oil before air frying and turning them halfway through cooking helps achieve even, golden crispiness.
- → Is it possible to make these croquettes dairy-free?
You can replace cheddar cheese and sour cream with plant-based alternatives to create a dairy-free version while maintaining flavor.
- → What dips pair well with these potato croquettes?
Ranch dressing, spicy ketchup, or a creamy garlic sauce complement the croquettes’ savory flavor nicely.