Spicy Ranch Chicken Croquettes

Featured in: Crispy & Crunchy Recipes

These spicy ranch chicken croquettes offer a crispy exterior with a flavorful blend of shredded chicken, cream cheese, and ranch-seasoned spices. Prepared in an air fryer for a healthier approach, they deliver a perfect balance of heat and savory taste. Ideal as a snack or appetizer, these croquettes combine crunchy panko coating with a creamy, seasoned filling. Easily adjusted for spice levels and dietary preferences, they promise a quick, satisfying dish that’s both simple and delicious.

Updated on Wed, 26 Nov 2025 12:32:00 GMT
Golden-brown Air Fryer Spicy Ranch Chicken Croquettes, crispy outside, full of savory chicken flavor. Save to Pinterest
Golden-brown Air Fryer Spicy Ranch Chicken Croquettes, crispy outside, full of savory chicken flavor. | chomzo.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.

This recipe has become a favorite for entertaining because it is quick to prepare and always delicious.

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 10–12 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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| chomzo.com

These croquettes remind me of family gatherings where everyone eagerly reaches for seconds and shares stories.

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.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 270, Total Fat: 13 g, Carbohydrates: 21 g, Protein: 17 g per serving

Close-up of freshly air-fried Spicy Ranch Chicken Croquettes, ready to be dipped and enjoyed. Save to Pinterest
Close-up of freshly air-fried Spicy Ranch Chicken Croquettes, ready to be dipped and enjoyed. | chomzo.com

This dish is a fantastic crowd-pleaser that combines crisp texture with a creamy ranch flavor. Perfect for any occasion.

Common Questions

How do I achieve a crispy texture on the croquettes?

Using panko breadcrumbs and air frying with a light olive oil spray ensures a golden, crispy coating without deep frying.

Can I adjust the spiciness of the croquettes?

Yes, you can vary the hot sauce and cayenne pepper amounts to suit your preferred heat level.

What can I use to make these croquettes gluten-free?

Substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives while keeping the panko texture with gluten-free panko crumbs.

Is there a substitute for cream cheese in the mixture?

Greek yogurt can be used as a lighter alternative that still adds creaminess to the filling.

What dipping sauces complement these croquettes?

Extra ranch dressing, spicy aioli, or a cool yogurt-based dip pair well with the bold flavors of these croquettes.

Spicy Ranch Chicken Croquettes

Crispy chicken croquettes with ranch seasoning and a hint of heat, cooked to golden, flavorful crispiness.

Prep Duration
20 minutes
Cook Duration
15 minutes
Time Needed
35 minutes
Author Maya Brooks


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Makes 4 Portions

Dietary Info None specified

Required Ingredients

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, adjusted to taste
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

Preparation Steps

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.

Step 02

Prepare breadcrumb coating: In a shallow dish, combine panko breadcrumbs, plain breadcrumbs, dried parsley, and cayenne pepper.

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

Step 05

Preheat air fryer: Preheat air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes.

Step 06

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

Step 07

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

Step 08

Serve: Serve croquettes hot with additional ranch dressing or desired dipping sauce.

Tools Needed

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

Allergy Details

Look at the ingredient list to spot allergens. If you have questions, ask a healthcare provider.
  • Contains egg, wheat, and dairy.
  • Verify all packaged ingredients for hidden allergens.

Nutrition Details (each portion)

These facts are just for your reference and not substitute for medical guidance.
  • Energy: 270
  • Fats: 13 g
  • Carbohydrates: 21 g
  • Proteins: 17 g