You’ll Need
150g cooked ham or Serrano ham, finely chopped
40g butter
40g plain flour
250ml whole milk
50g grated Manchego cheese
½ tsp garlic powder
Salt
Black pepper
For the Coating
80g plain flour
2 eggs, beaten
100g breadcrumbs
Oil spray
Optional but Dangerous
Aioli
Extra Manchego
Cold lager
Method
Melt the butter in a saucepan and stir in the flour to form a smooth paste.
Gradually add the milk, stirring continuously until thick and smooth.
Stir through the ham, Manchego, garlic powder, black pepper, and a small pinch of salt.
Cook for 2–3 minutes until very thick.
Transfer to a bowl and allow to cool completely. Chilling for 30 minutes makes life easier.
Shape into small croquette cylinders or balls.
Coat each croqueta in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs.
Preheat your air fryer to 200°C.
Lightly spray the basket with oil and place the croquetas inside in a single layer.
Spray the tops lightly with oil.
Air fry at 200°C for 8–10 minutes, turning halfway, until deeply golden and crisp.
Serve immediately while the centres are still molten.