So many of us watched the royal wedding a few months ago. Now that Kate and William have proven themselves unscandal-worthy, the media certainly looks to be trying to make Pippa Middleton (she of the much admired bottom) the next big thing. There is so much debate about her and I’m sure she is fielding offers left, right and centre. There is debate about whether she is hot or not-the general consensus is that among the menfolk she is very hot indeed.
I even saw tips on how to get her bottom. Seriously, what will people who achieved J Lo’s bottom now do? And who wants someone else’s bottom really? One thing that I can say for certain is that prior to the wedding P Midd. (a snazzy moniker is surely the next step?) went on a diet. With billions of eyes on her and her sister she had to make sure that she looked as good as possible. Even though I don’t stick to a diet as such I do mentally record what I’ve eaten as if I were a detective surveying a crime scene. And let me be honest, sometimes it is a crime scene…
I couldn’t even look at a salad nowadays and creamy soups, buttery pastries and rich roasts and gravy are all that I covet. Winter for me isn’t about light portions, it is about thick stews and soups and breads (not to mention endless cycles of laundry hung out in the freezing cold morning). The following recipe is for like minded souls who shivered through the past weeks and may or may not have had to slip on a white silk bias cut dress in front of 2 billion people.
I decided to make healthy potato croquettes. Because being given “diet food” is the worst way to eat healthily and ensures that come 3:30pm or 10pm (aka chocolate and crumpet o’clock) you aren’t either urgently shaking down a colleague demanding whatever chocolate they might possess (or was that just me?) or standing in front of the microwave thawing out half a dozen crumpets and tapping your foot impatiently. Hmm maybe I should shut up now…my microwave is pinging at me.
To aid my new dietary regime I was given two of the latest low fat air fryers to test out, the Philips AirFryer and the Tefal ActiFry and so I thought I’d test this recipe out in both of them as well as using the oven (my reviews of these two products follow on after the recipe). This recipe is actually from the cookbook that came with the Philips Airfryer-to me the idea of using one of these low fat fryers is to be able to indulge in low fat version of the fabulously naughty deep fried foods that I occasionally love.
Whilst the result isn’t quite as crunchy as a deep fried version these were rather good I do have to say. There was a crunch to them and flavour from the parmesan. So whilst I can’t promise you P Midd.’s bottom I can promise you that these are rather good!
So tell me Dear Readers, are any of you still eating salads? And do you think Pippa Middleton is hot or not?
Healthy Potato Croquettes
Makes 4 portions or 12 croquettes, 235 cals in each portion approximately
- 300g starchy potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 egg yolk
- 50g/1.7ozs parmesan cheese, finely grated
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 tablespoons chives, finely chopped
- 1 pinch nutmeg
- salt and pepper to season
- 50g/1.7ozs breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons oil
- Tabasco sauce to serve (or Tabasco mayo)
Note: You can make double the portion and and freeze half of it
1. Boil the potatoes in salted water for 15 minutes or until soft. Drain the potato and mash them finely with a potato masher or potato ricer. Allow the mashed potatoes to cool.
2. Add the egg yolk, cheese, flour and chives to the potato puree and mix well. Season to taste with salt, pepper and nutmeg. Have a parchment lined baking tray ready to put your croquettes on. Mix the oil with the breadcrumbs and combine well until all breadcrumbs are coated.
3. With slightly damp hands, roll the potato mixture into a croquette shape and then roll in the breadcrumb mixture. Repeat until all of the potato mixture is finished and you should have about 12 croquettes (I made a double lot).
4. Preheat the appliance (oven or fryer) to 200C/400F. Place the croquettes in the oven or fryer. For the airfryer cook six at a time and cook for 4 minutes. In the oven cook them for about 15 minutes. In the Tefal ActiFry this recipe is not recommended.
Why the ActiFry is not recommended for the croquettes-oops!
From top to bottom: the Tefal Actifry ones, the oven baked ones and the Philips Air Fryer ones
Review: The Philips Air Fryer vs the Tefal ActiFry
First of all the two appliances are quite different in look and it seems in functionality. The Philips Air Fryer does not use any oil or liquid at all and the instructions tell us clearly never to add any. And from using it more dries out the food like a giant air conditioning system or blower in a small condensed space. The Tefal ActiFry is more like a non stick pan that also dries out the food with air but the centre paddle moves the food around. I tested both of these appliances using the healthy potato croquettes recipe found in the Philips cookbook so that would have leant a natural advantage to the Philips appliance. The reason why I chose it however was because the reason why I would use one of these appliances is to be able to cut down on oil while enjoying deep fried types of food apart from chips and the Tefal Actifry recipe book didn’t have any faux deep fried recipes.
Philips AirFryer $329
Pros:
- Feels very sturdy
- Can cooks low fat versions of deep fried food
- Turns itself off after a quick ping to let you know it is finished
- Can control cooking temperature
- It took 15 minutes to cook 250g of frozen fries (25 minutes in the ActiFry according to book)
- Clever hideaway cord (why can’t every appliance have one of these?)
- More suited to doing low fat substitutes for deep fried foods
Cons:
- Heavy (heavy equals sturdy feeling in this case but it was difficult to get out of the box)
- I couldn’t seem to be able to stop the appliance cooking until I switched it off at the power point (I like on and off switches)
- Basket could be hard to clean depending on what you cook
- My croquettes looked nothing like the ones in the picture
Tefal ActiFry $349.95
Pros:
- Lighter in weight
- Can turn itself off
- Very, very easy to clean
- More suited to stews, risottos
- Really brief and easy instruction booklet
Cons:
- Because it is lighter, it feels less sturdy. I have read that it is flimsier and prone to breakdowns
- It takes about 20 minutes to cook 250g worth of frozen fries whereas it took 15 minutes in the AirFryer
- It squashed my croquettes. It would be best for stews and risttos as is detailed in their recipe books and things that are designed to be stir fried as that is the action that the paddle takes. But if you have a slow or pressure cooker already then having this won’t be that necessary.
- A lot of beeping once the cooking has been completed. I am not a fan of excessive beeping. Life is anxiety making enough without your appliances beeping at you.
I made the croquettes and since this was more suited to the AirFryer I thought it was more fair if I tried making frozen potato chips. The Philips AirFryer took less time than the Tefal ActiFry according to the instruction booklet but the chips were overcooked in the Tefal ActiFryer. The chips tasted very similar overcooking notwithstanding.
I have to say that comparing these to the oven, that I don’t actually think either is that necessary a purchase if I were to be completely honest. You can do plenty of these things in an oven or if you use a non stick frypan which most people have nowadays. Or even a slow cooker given some of the recipes. However, I did slightly prefer the Philips AirFryer because my downfall is deep fried food. But if you don’t have slow or fast cooker and really want to do stir fries etc without actually having to stir, then the Tefal Actifry might be for you.
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76 Comments | Add your own
They look really crisp and delicious! That machine is a great invention.
Cheers,
Rosa
I wonder to what extend these new gadgets have a psychological effect. I saw on one of Alton Browns shows where he deep fried fish and chips and one serving used up I think either 1 or 2 tablespoons of oil only. Deep frying is not as bad as it seems if the temp is correct etc
I love the idea of healthy, oil-free potato croquettes! But, nothing beats the real thing huh?
As far as Pippa is concerned, apart from that her name means something obscene in Greek, her bottom isn’t all that. Kate’s is better. Hehe
Magda
Each day starts with the best of intentions, and ends with a handful of chocolate chip cookies and a brownie from Sweet Infinity
In short, yes to the salads. But only so I feel less bad about my midnight carbs!
The croquettes look delicious! Thanks for the reviews, interesting reading!
croquettes anyone? yes please..
I am intrigued by these air fryers!!!
Some things just need to be plunged into hot oil!!!
I don’t really go for deep fried food but it seems a bit of an excessive measure buying an appliance especially.
I will keep croquettes as a “sometimes food” and have it deep fried and guilt free.
I am absolutely not eating salads at the moment it is just too cold. I am eating healthy soups, stews and curries, I can’t even face a stir fry at the moment, I need comfort food in winter.
I love the fact that you made a healthy snack! It will definitely attract a lot of readers out there who are watching their winter weight
Sigh. Yes, I am still eating salads in this weather. Except today. Because it’s Friday so it’s left over Chinese takeaway for lunch today.
The fryers look good though. Might have to get myself one.
SSG xxx
Loved reading your response to the AirFryer, Lorraine! I had my eye on the potato croquettes on the day I ended up making the salmon croquettes, but went for the protein option as I was cooking for my parents
In terms of turning it off, I’ve always just turned the timer back to 0, and that seems to work?
Also, Pippa Middleton? I can’t get over how insanely orange she was on the wedding day, but when we’re talking of diets, I think it’s Kate who desperately needs to eat something properly deep-fried…
Great review Lorraine,it’s interesting to read your thoughts on the Philips AirFryer. I quite liked the AirFryer, but as you say it’s not really necessary if you have an oven. I think it’s perfect for people who live in small apartments or for people setting up events in a location that doesn’t offer an oven.
Don’t know what all the fuss that surrounds Pippa is all about? She is just another slim girl that exercises to maintain her figure, no different from a lot of young women all around the world. She has an a average looking face , nothing to get excited about , so the media had to make a big hoo ha about something and decided on her butt. The whole thing blew totally out of proportion and nearly upstaged the bride herself! Another ‘celebrity’ created by the media who basically does nothing out of the ordinary but is fodder for the tabloids. Over it!
The fryers as good as they are, don’t heighten my interest , it would be another gadget to try to find a place for in my already cramped kitchen cupboards. Thanks for the review Lorraine.
Did your mother, the lover of deep fried food, test taste the chips and croquettes?
Hmmmmm…. Perhaps I should get one of these. Your diet food looks positively naughty. Want. Crumpet o’clock… Lol…
Have a fabulous weekend lovely.
I meant taste test!
ahhhhh I’ve been wondering about the actifry. When I told people about the airfryer a lot when “isn’t it just an oven”
We are having a deepfry vs airfry test this weekend!
I most certainly am eating salads…as a side to my deliciously comforting warm spaghetti. I made a scrumptious one just last night!
I had a pomegranate that needed to be used up. Added some leaves, walnuts, blue brie, and pear. Drizzled with a honey and vinegar dressing = to die for! The guests hoovered it up right after polishing off a big bowl of spaghetti bolognese, followed by your tea cake recipe with cream from the other day.
Thank NQN x
The Pear/Apple Tea Cake was delicious. I used granny smith apples, cooked the cake slowly as was concerned the apple would not be soft. Also when I put cake in tin, it did not look like there was enough batter, and was concerned the cake might be a bit dry. But it was superb, great texture and very enjoyable. Keep your recipes coming, always enjoy reading your blog. Enjoyed the story of Salt yesterday too.
Lorraine,
I love your comment, “Life is anxiety making enough without your appliances beeping at you”.
You are so correct. I hate washing clothes with a passion, and the last straw was a new washer I bought that beeped at everything. When it finished, it would beep every couple of minutes. I worked out how to disconnect the piezo (hideous noise maker!)- that was a godsend!
I’m definitely NOT into salads these days. We’re having such a wet, cold, rainy summer and I’m craving potatoes something fierce.
Thanks for stopping by and commenting on my blog <3 These croquettes look delicious.
Try using cauliflower next time. I use cauliflower as an alternative for 'potato mash' as well as couscous.
I appreciate the side by side comparison, it’s always better to see a few of the same products together.
They’re both pretty hot, sigh…. but my hubby loves me anyway!
I think we should embrace the deep fryer- but as special treats, not daily occurances! Winter is a time for snuggling, and sipping and comfort- and sitting on your bottom! Whether JLo or PMidd stlye
Thanks for the reviews – I’ve been wondering aobut the Tefal Actifry – I eat chips a LOT and wondered if it would be worth purchasing.
Might stick to the oven I already have…
My kids have been keen for me to try one of these gadgets, but I suspect The Husband will turn purple and explode if I try to jam yet another appliance in the pantry!
Definitely no salads at the moment – I tend to switch to vege soups as a healthy lunch instead. I don’t think I’d find a lot of use for either of these appliances – and I’m from the school of thought that everything is okay in moderation. And I think Pippa is hot – and both Middleton sisters are really fit – triathlons, half marathons etc!
Daaaamn it!
Why can’t people be talking about how nice my bottom is!?
I wonder what Kate thinks about all of the attention her Sis is getting? um, i wonder.
L. I love love love your blog. Okay, I know I’ve told you…but you give so much to your readers. Thanks for inspiring me. xxx Kiss
Ps. oh, and the food looks Fab!
OK, I’ll be ‘different’ again, but at least honest!
! Salads: yes, yes, yes throughout the year! Squid this lunchtime with a huge rocket, spinach, avocado, red onion salad with homegrown herbs. Pippa, to me, is a very hot lady who knows exactly what she is doing, largely ‘cashed in’ on an opportunity and good on her if that is her style. Hope she does not cause Will/Kate embarrassment, ’cause she’s got a pretty ‘wild’ reputation around London for her boozy, loud parties etc. Since I have not eaten high GI, high GL (load) potatoes more than a couple of times a year for some 30 years (and then only steamed with skins on), and never deep-fry anything – well, your croquette recipe looked v yummy, but 
! There are such a huge number of much more exciting choices for one’s starch requirements 
!
Does this mean we can put doughnuts and all other things fried back on top our list of things to eat?? Great to read reviews on the different products before thinking of purchasing one!
Im glad that you now can have a healthy treat.
The Grocery Bag
Thanks for the croquette recipe. They are similar to my salmon croquettes – swap the cheese for tinned salmon. Yummy. yummy. Really interested in your product reviews as have considered both of these, but backed off each time. I seem to be going back to basics (i.e. oven and stovetop!) and find with my Scanpan Classic pans I don’t need lots of oils etc….but still use butter, for the flavour.
These look very delicious and I love that they are healthy!
I have had a Tefal Actifry (developed by the French) since I read about them on David Lebowitz’s blog last year. I think it’s a great gadget for the kitchen
(if you have the room) for chips alone – though we somtimes throw in 1/2 Kg of chicken wings for a snack. Whilst we are preparing our schnitzels and salad the Actifry efficiently, safely and healthily cooks enough delicious chips ( I prefer Dutch creams) for 4 people using just 1 tablespoon of oil. Heads up from me for the Actifry…
Interesting. Was considering one but will think again. Love the recipe but!!!
My brother has the Tefal one and he swears by it for chips. I’ve never been a fan of what comes out of it though.
The Air Fryer sounds like an interesting concept though….
I love deep fried foods and I would prefer to have the real thing any day rather than go for the more healthier alternative. All in moderation of course.
I’ve been roasting lots of root vegetable and covering them with Feta and calling it a salad? I suppose that counts no?
But lots of beetroot, parsnip and swede with smoked duck. (I managed to pick up a lot of smoked duck at the good food and wine show.)
But Pippa Middleton, I have to say. I think she’s lovely, but I just don’t care enough about her to focus.
For more healthier options, my Dad is perfecting his parsnip dauphinoise for a winter treat.
It’s quite good really.
WHat a great looking fryer …and frying without oils sounds too good ot be true! If I had the space Id say why not!
Your croquettes do look good !
Hello Lorraine
Very hungry for those chips right now. Will teach me to read your blog at lunch time.
No, not really salads in winter. Today I did have some coleslaw on my cheese, ham with a slight hint of salsa sandwich, whole thing heated of course. It was yum and would have gone well with your chips.
Here’s to warmer days, Noela
i really like the look of the air fryer, i do love deep fried food but it actually makes me feel sick because its so fatty.
and i seem to spend my life hangin out washing in the cold only for it to not even dry…..
Man, when are these air fryers going to hit the States? You know, how we like our fried foods here. People would go nuts for them.
Well, maybe not as nuts as they have gone for Pippa’s BEE-hind. But hey, if a girl’s got a good backside, she ought to be proud of it. Those ain’t easy to come by, especially when you’re busy eating fried foods.
Great review. I like that you’re honest. I think while I would like to have the Phillips one – it just sounds better to me – I can manage okay without it.
Salad at the moment? Not a chance. As yours is the second blog to feature croquettes in the last few days for me- it must be a sign! A big croquetty sign!
Twice a week; even over winter I still stir fry some chicken strips or green prawns, tail on and mix with fresh salad greens, rocket, endive, chicory, english spinach, lettuces picked in the morning with shallots, anchovy fillets, a sliced boiled egg and a ranch or balsamic dressing to enjoy for lunch. Yummy all year round. Sometimes with barbecued baby octopus for a change too but then just with simple greens. This is for taste, not dieting. Thanks for the review of the air fryers, they are interesting and probably great for the mature generation who are foreign to deep frying. With everything in moderation though, the odd deep fried chip, wonton, dimsum, tofu, chicken pieces, battered fish, squid or even hash brown well drained will not hurt you. Pippa – never heard of her until that day
The air fryers will probably sell better when the retail price comes down but love your honest, unbiased review Lorraine xx
I highly recommend myfitnesspal as an app for your iphone if you have one! You can calorie count to the very last thing and even keep track of all the exercise you do and also how much water you drink.
Dieting during winter is hard :/
Yesterday I broke down and ate 2 red velvet cupcakes. Those went into my app. So to the gym it is for me tomorrow!
Def want to get an airfryer – I totally need a new kitchen to fit everything lol.
I have to say, I dont see what all the fuss is about Pips behind, I think its just because thats what the world saw most of (while she was carrying the train), thats what they’re going with. Dont get me wrong, she’s a very pretty girl – just naturally pretty like her sister, but I think her butt is a little….well….flat. No?
I think your oven baked croquettes look better than the other 2. I’m not convinced these appliances are necessary – especially for the cost!
Oh dear I’m not eating salads but I should be! …for lunch today I had a chatime drink and a peanut butter cupcake. Oops. Terrible
*Sob* Have absolutely zero room for any appliances in tiny kitchen in London- but already creating a shopping list for when we get back. As for Pippa I’m guessing that not a jot of carbohydrates passed a Middleton lip in the months leading up. I want a good bum, but not that badly.
As much as I like the idea of these for the health benefits – it just wouldn’t feed my family – I’d have to do it in batches! Those croquettes do have me salivating though….
My bum wasn’t like Pippa’s even when I was 15…no diet for me, just some exercise to try and burn off the crime scene you mentioned at the beginning.
bwahahhaha love how u started the post with P middletons butt
didnt know u can achieve ‘healthy’ croquettes hehe
Well, I’ve not got one of these new fangled fryers but I do have an oven! Love potato croquettes!
I LOVE croquettes, my favourite entree to get at a Japanese restaurant.
However, without the oil, the food probably doesn’t taste as good, just my personal preference 
I’d love any of those two machines really since my bf’s house doesn’t have a deep fryer or an oven! I can only fry things in a pan
I eat blanched greens.
And i dont give two damn about pippa. the media should give that lady a break man!
You grabbed me with the title: Healthy Potato Croquettes! And I enjoyed the appliance reviews as well the different techniques you used.
I think I could have the love affair of the century with potato croquettes!
These look incredible, Lorraine!
It’s the middle of summer here and salads are definitely on the menu.
I have never seen these healthy air fryer machines! What an amazing concept…
Must get one immediately!!!
xxoo,
RMW
Healthy? Far from it. Drop the refined flour and mayo perhaps
These look great Lorraine, but like you, I wouldn’t purchase one of these machines.
I ALMOST bought one in a fit of ‘I am going to be healthy’ but glad I didn’t.
And those croquettes would be crunchier with panko crumbs, yes?
Love your review on these Philips Airfryer vs Tefal Actifry. I have been looking forward to this as well when I saw the Philips one at Queen Victoria Basement. My friend almost buy it but then she said that the real thing is better. But this Philips one could be good for children who insisting eating these deep fry chips, give the healthy one to them instead.
Oh I hear you Lorraine. I’ve been craving thick, stewy things too. But I do like the occasional mouthful of crisp, green leaves, just not as a whole meal. I’ve never been on a diet because the minute I tell myself I shouldn’t eat something, then it’s the one thing I crave for days on end until I eat it!
The air-fryers sound interesting, but I think I’ll stick to the oven
I <3 Potatoes! They are so wonderfully diverse
mm.. potato croquettes
Was there any excess oil (enough to soak up with a paper towel) coating the croquettes?
Air-fried chips and croquettes? They don’t glisten as temptingly as the originals but they do look enticing.
And yes: I still eat salads.
There are just so many gadgets out there that you need to be strategic about which ones you buy – I just got a pasta maker and now wonder when I will have time to use it. I do love chips but your post makes me realise I have stopped buying packets of frozen chips – we eat enough when eating out or with a bundle of fish and chips occasionally – my freezer space is best used for other food – bu I do like the croquettes – will bookmark these to try for sylvia
PS – have just wondered if you could use the leftover egg white to coat the croquettes before dipping in breadcrumbs?
GOD THEY LOOK YUMMY!!
Love the presentation of the fries. Miss P. Middleton, hot? Indeed.
wow an air fryer!! i have never heard of such a thing before, so cool!
i’m on a stricter cal diet at the moment so i’m very glad to see these!!
Pippa Middleton is gorgeous! & yes, I’m still on my salads – love them
loving quinoa or freekeh in them though, to make them more substantial. Toasted nuts too. Yum. These look great!
Heidi xo
These seem hugely expensive without adding much value to a kitchen (& taking up more precious space!)
I keep trying to convince myself i’ll eat salad & buy all the ingredients but inevitably they only get half used before needing the trash. Trying to aim for healthy stews & soups etc which is great but the snacking & puddings don’t help
Girl, I love your idea of diet food. Sign me up, Pippa bottom or not!!
I’m all for healthy potato croquettes… though truth be told unhealthiness doesn’t really stop me from indulging in potato-ey goodness!
i’m eating salads…with fries on the side.
pippa who? i’m kidding, but sheesh–i’m kinda tired of hearing her name!
Great comparison, thanks.
Will most probably wait until a more capable airfryer is on the market before i purchase
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