🥩 No-Fry Ground Beef Croquettes — Crispy Outside & Juicy Inside

Ingredients
For the Meat Mixture:
500 g ground beef or mixed ground meat
1 egg
½ cup finely chopped white onion
2 cloves garlic, minced or crushed
½ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
½ cup celery, chayote, or zucchini, very finely chopped
½ cup breadcrumbs
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon cumin, optional
For Breading:
½ cup all-purpose flour
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup breadcrumbs
For Browning:
Cooking spray or a few drops of oil
👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the Meat Mixture
   In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, egg, onion, garlic, parsley, celery or zucchini, salt, black pepper, cumin, and ½ cup breadcrumbs.
   Mix thoroughly with a spoon or clean hands until everything is well incorporated.
2. Check the Texture
   The mixture should be moist, firm, and easy to shape.
   If it feels too soft, add 1–2 tablespoons of breadcrumbs.
   If it feels too dry, add 1 tablespoon of beaten egg.
3. Chill the Mixture
   Cover and refrigerate for 15–20 minutes. This helps the mixture firm up and makes the croquettes easier to shape.
4. Shape the Croquettes
   Take medium-sized portions of the mixture and roll them into balls. Flatten them slightly to create thick, round, evenly shaped croquettes.
5. Bread the Croquettes
   Coat each croquette in this order:
   Flour
   Beaten egg
   Breadcrumbs
   Gently press the breadcrumbs onto the surface so they stick well.
6. Add a Little Oil
   Place the breaded croquettes on a plate or tray and lightly spray both sides with cooking oil. This helps them develop a beautiful golden-brown color without deep frying.
   🍟 Air Fryer Method
   Preheat the air fryer to 190°C (375°F) for 3–5 minutes.
   Arrange the croquettes in the basket without overlapping.
   Cook at 190°C (375°F) for 10–14 minutes.
   After 5–6 minutes, carefully flip them. Add another light spray of oil if you want extra browning.
   They are ready when they are golden brown, firm, and fully cooked inside.
   Larger croquettes may need an additional 2–3 minutes.
   🔥 Oven Method
   Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
   Place the croquettes on a parchment-lined or lightly greased baking sheet.
   Lightly spray or brush the tops with oil.
   Bake for 20–25 minutes, turning halfway through for even browning.
   For a deeper golden color, broil for an additional 2–3 minutes, watching them carefully.
   💡 Tips to Keep the Croquettes From Falling Apart
   Chop the onion and vegetables very finely.
   Avoid making the meat mixture too wet.
   Refrigerate the mixture before shaping.
   After breading, refrigerate the croquettes for another 10 minutes before cooking if desired.
   Avoid moving or flipping them too much at the beginning of cooking.
   🥗 Serving Suggestions
   Serve with:
   Fresh salad 🥗
   Rice 🍚
   Mashed potatoes 🥔
   Garlic yogurt sauce
   Homemade mayonnaise
   Tomato sauce 🍅