Spicy Ranch Chicken Croquettes

Featured in: Quick Snack Fix

These spicy ranch chicken croquettes deliver a crispy outer layer with a creamy, flavorful center. Combining shredded chicken, cream cheese, scallions, and a blend of ranch seasoning and hot sauce, they offer a bold and satisfying taste. The panko breadcrumb coating adds light crunchiness when air-fried, making this snack both easy and healthier compared to traditional frying. Perfect as an appetizer or snack, they can be adjusted for spice preference and paired with your favorite dipping sauce.

Updated on Wed, 26 Nov 2025 09:01:00 GMT
Golden-brown Air Fryer Spicy Ranch Chicken Croquettes, ready to serve with a creamy dipping sauce. Save
Golden-brown Air Fryer Spicy Ranch Chicken Croquettes, ready to serve with a creamy dipping sauce. | dashnosh.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 made these croquettes for a family gathering and everyone loved how crunchy and flavorful they were The air fryer made it simple and less messy

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 10&ndash12 minutes turning halfway through until croquettes are golden brown and crisp
Step 8:
Serve hot with extra ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauce
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| dashnosh.com

These croquettes always bring smiles to my family gatherings especially when served with crisp celery sticks and carrot batons

Notes

For a gluten-free version use gluten-free breadcrumbs Substitute Greek yogurt for cream cheese for a lighter option 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

Crispy-edged Air Fryer Spicy Ranch Chicken Croquettes, boasting a perfect blend of spicy flavors and textures. Save
Crispy-edged Air Fryer Spicy Ranch Chicken Croquettes, boasting a perfect blend of spicy flavors and textures. | dashnosh.com

Enjoy these crispy flavorful croquettes as a satisfying snack or appetizer that’s easy to prepare and share

Kitchen Q&A

How do I make these croquettes crispy?

Use panko breadcrumbs for coating and spray lightly with olive oil before air frying to achieve a golden, crunchy texture.

Can I adjust the heat level in this dish?

Yes, simply vary the amount of hot sauce and cayenne pepper according to your preferred spice intensity.

What can I use instead of cream cheese?

Greek yogurt is a lighter alternative that still adds creaminess to the chicken mixture.

Is there a gluten-free option for the coating?

Replace regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs to accommodate gluten sensitivities.

How long should the croquettes be cooked in the air fryer?

Air fry at 200°C (400°F) for 10 to 12 minutes, turning halfway, until golden brown and crisp.

What flavors enhance these croquettes when served?

Fresh scallions and a serving of additional ranch-style sauce or a tangy dipping sauce complement these croquettes well.

Spicy Ranch Chicken Croquettes

Crispy chicken croquettes with ranch spices and heat, made healthier and easy using an air fryer.

Prep Duration
20 min
Cook Duration
15 min
Complete Duration
35 min
Created by Tyler Morgan

Recipe Type Quick Snack Fix

Skill Level Easy

Cultural Heritage American

Output 4 Portion Size

Nutritional Categories None specified

What You'll Need

Chicken Mixture

01 2 cups cooked chicken breast, finely shredded (approx. 8.8 oz)
02 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened (4 oz)
03 1/4 cup ranch dressing (2 fl oz)
04 1 large egg
05 1/4 cup chopped fresh scallions (1 oz)
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 (2.1 oz)
02 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs (1 oz)
03 1 teaspoon dried parsley
04 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

For Air Frying

01 Olive oil spray

Method

Step 01

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

Step 02

Prepare Breading: In a shallow dish, combine panko breadcrumbs, plain breadcrumbs, dried parsley, and cayenne pepper (if using).

Step 03

Form Croquettes: Scoop approximately 2 tablespoons of the chicken mixture and shape into small oval croquettes. Repeat until all mixture is used.

Step 04

Coat Croquettes: Gently roll each croquette in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing slightly to ensure adhesion.

Step 05

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

Step 06

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

Step 07

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

Step 08

Serve: Serve hot alongside extra ranch dressing or a preferred dipping sauce.

Kitchen Tools Needed

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

Allergy Alerts

Review ingredients carefully for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if concerned.
  • Contains egg, wheat (breadcrumbs), and dairy (cream cheese, ranch dressing). Verify labels for hidden allergens.

Nutrition Details (serving size)

Numbers shown are estimates only - consult healthcare providers for specific advice.
  • Energy: 270
  • Fats: 13 g
  • Carbohydrates: 21 g
  • Proteins: 17 g