Spicy Ranch Chicken Croquettes

Featured in: Seasonal Simple Bites

These croquettes blend shredded chicken with creamy cheese, tangy ranch seasoning, and warming spices to create a crispy, flavorful bite. Coated in a herbed breadcrumb mixture and air fried to a golden crisp, they offer a healthier alternative to traditional frying without sacrificing taste or texture. Perfect as a snack or appetizer, they balance creamy, spicy, and smoky notes. Adjust heat with hot sauce and cayenne pepper to suit your palate. Serve warm with additional ranch or dipping sauces for a satisfying treat.

Updated on Wed, 26 Nov 2025 14:19:00 GMT
Golden-brown Air Fryer Spicy Ranch Chicken Croquettes, with a crispy breading, ready to serve with ranch. Pin It
Golden-brown Air Fryer Spicy Ranch Chicken Croquettes, with a crispy breading, ready to serve with ranch. | fordish.com

Crispy, flavorful chicken croquettes spiced with ranch seasoning and a hint of heat, made easy and healthier in the air fryer Perfect as an appetizer or snack

I first served these croquettes at a family gathering and everyone loved how crispy and flavorful they were without the extra oil from frying

Ingredients

  • Chicken Mixture: 2 cups (about 250 g) cooked chicken breast finely shredded 1/2 cup (60 g) cream cheese softened 1/4 cup (30 g) ranch dressing 1 large egg 1/4 cup (15 g) chopped fresh scallions 1 tablespoon hot sauce (adjust to taste) 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon onion powder 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Breading: 1 cup (60 g) panko breadcrumbs 1/2 cup (30 g) plain breadcrumbs 1 teaspoon dried parsley 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra spice)
  • For Air Frying: Olive oil spray

Instructions

Step 1:
In a large bowl combine shredded chicken cream cheese ranch dressing egg scallions hot sauce garlic powder onion powder smoked paprika salt and black pepper Mix thoroughly until well combined
Step 2:
In a shallow dish mix panko plain breadcrumbs dried parsley and cayenne pepper
Step 3:
Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the chicken mixture and shape into small oval croquettes Repeat with remaining mixture
Step 4:
Roll each croquette in the breadcrumb mixture pressing gently to adhere
Step 5:
Preheat air fryer to 200°C (400°F) for 3 minutes
Step 6:
Arrange croquettes in a single layer in the air fryer basket Spray lightly with olive oil
Step 7:
Air fry for 1012 minutes turning halfway through until croquettes are golden brown and crisp
Step 8:
Serve hot with extra ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauce
Close-up of freshly air-fried Spicy Ranch Chicken Croquettes, perfect as a game day appetizer. Pin It
Close-up of freshly air-fried Spicy Ranch Chicken Croquettes, perfect as a game day appetizer. | fordish.com

We always enjoy these croquettes as a quick snack during game nights bringing everyone together around the table

Notes

Adjust hot sauce and cayenne to your preferred spice level Serve with celery sticks and carrot batons for a classic pairing

Required Tools

Air fryer Mixing bowls Shallow dish Measuring cups and spoons Spoon or small scoop

Allergen Information

Contains Egg wheat (breadcrumbs) dairy (cream cheese ranch dressing) Check all packaged ingredients for hidden allergens if necessary

These flavorful Spicy Ranch Chicken Croquettes, air fried to perfection, are a delicious snack option. Pin It
These flavorful Spicy Ranch Chicken Croquettes, air fried to perfection, are a delicious snack option. | fordish.com

This recipe offers a deliciously crispy snack that’s both easy and satisfying to prepare

Recipe FAQs

How can I make these croquettes gluten-free?

Simply substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs to keep the texture while avoiding gluten.

What can I use instead of cream cheese for a lighter option?

Greek yogurt works well as a lighter alternative, adding creaminess without extra fat.

How do I adjust the spice level in the croquettes?

Modify the amount of hot sauce and cayenne pepper in the mixture to increase or decrease heat according to your preference.

Can I prepare the croquettes ahead of time?

Yes, you can shape and bread the croquettes in advance and refrigerate them until ready to air fry for convenience.

What dipping sauces pair well with these croquettes?

Classic ranch dressing complements the spices nicely; you can also try spicy mayo or a cool yogurt dip.

Spicy Ranch Chicken Croquettes

Crispy, flavorful croquettes with shredded chicken, ranch spice, and a hint of heat, cooked quickly in an air fryer.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Time to Cook
15 minutes
Overall Time
35 minutes
Recipe by Fordish Mia Harper


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Result 4 Portion Size

Dietary Details None specified

Ingredient List

Chicken Mixture

01 2 cups cooked chicken breast, finely shredded
02 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
03 1/4 cup ranch dressing
04 1 large egg
05 1/4 cup chopped fresh scallions
06 1 tablespoon hot sauce
07 1 teaspoon garlic powder
08 1 teaspoon onion powder
09 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
10 1/2 teaspoon salt
11 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Breading

01 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
02 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
03 1 teaspoon dried parsley
04 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

For Air Frying

01 Olive oil spray

Directions

Step 01

Combine Chicken Mixture: In a large bowl, mix shredded chicken, cream cheese, ranch dressing, egg, scallions, hot sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until fully combined.

Step 02

Prepare Breading: In a shallow dish, blend panko breadcrumbs, plain breadcrumbs, dried parsley, and cayenne pepper.

Step 03

Shape Croquettes: Scoop approximately 2 tablespoons of the chicken mixture and form into small oval croquettes. Repeat with the remaining mixture.

Step 04

Coat Croquettes: Roll each shaped croquette in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure coating adheres evenly.

Step 05

Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.

Step 06

Arrange and Spray: Place croquettes in a single layer into the air fryer basket and lightly spray with olive oil.

Step 07

Air Fry Croquettes: Cook croquettes for 10 to 12 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown and crisp.

Step 08

Serve: Serve hot, accompanied by additional ranch dressing or preferred dipping sauce.

Tools Needed

  • Air fryer
  • Mixing bowls
  • Shallow dish
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Spoon or small scoop

Allergy Details

Review each ingredient for allergens. Ask your doctor if you’re unsure.
  • Contains egg, wheat (breadcrumbs), and dairy (cream cheese, ranch dressing).

Nutrition Details (each serving)

Values provided for reference. Consult your medical provider with questions.
  • Energy Value: 270
  • Lipids: 13 g
  • Carbohydrates: 21 g
  • Proteins: 17 g