Air Fryer Bubble and Squeak – Crispy, Golden, and Ready in Minutes

If you love classic British comfort food but want a faster, healthier way to prepare it, this Air Fryer Bubble and Squeak is the perfect recipe. Traditionally made to use up leftover vegetables, bubble and squeak becomes beautifully crispy in the air fryer—without the excess oil of pan-frying. With just a few simple ingredients and 20 minutes of cooking time, you’ll have a golden, satisfying dish ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a quick dinner.

Why This Recipe Works

Uses leftover vegetables, reducing waste
Air fryer makes it crispy outside & soft inside
Requires no eggs, flour, or binders
Ready in under 25 minutes
Great as a side dish or main meal

Ingredients

300 g mashed potatoes (cold)
150 g cooked carrots (cold)
80 g cooked cabbage (cold)
Spray vegetable oil (not fry-light)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer

If your air fryer model requires preheating, set it to 200°C (392°F).

Step 2: Combine the Vegetables

In a large mixing bowl, add:

300 g cold mashed potatoes
150 g cooked carrots
80 g cooked cabbage

Mash everything together until the mixture is well combined and smooth enough to shape.

Step 3: Shape the Patties

Use a large spoon or ice cream scoop to portion the mixture.
Gently press each portion into round patties, about 1–1.5 cm thick.
This helps them cook evenly and crisp up nicely in the air fryer.

Step 4: Prepare the Air Fryer Basket

Line your air fryer basket with perforated parchment paper (safe for air fryers).

Spray one side of each patty with vegetable oil, then place them oil-side down on the parchment paper.
Spray the tops lightly with more oil.

Step 5: Air Fry the Bubble and Squeak

Cook the patties at 200°C for 16 minutes, turning them carefully halfway through.
They should be:

Golden
Crispy on the outside
Soft and fluffy on the inside

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy your bubble and squeak with:

Fried or poached eggs
Breakfast sausages
Grilled tomatoes
Baked beans
Roast meats

It also works perfectly as a side dish for holiday leftovers.

Tips & Variations

Use Any Leftover Veg

Swap carrots or cabbage with peas, sprouts, broccoli, or parsnips.

Make Them Extra Crispy

Chill the shaped patties for 15 minutes before air frying.

Add Flavor

Mix in:

Onion powder
Black pepper
Fresh herbs
A small amount of grated cheese

Keep Them Vegan

This recipe is naturally vegan and dairy-free—just make sure your mashed potatoes contain no butter if needed.

Final Thoughts

Air Fryer Bubble and Squeak is a quick, tasty, and budget-friendly recipe that transforms simple leftovers into something deliciously crispy and satisfying. Whether you serve it for breakfast or as a side dish, this recipe guarantees comfort food perfection every time.