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
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Uses leftover vegetables, reducing waste
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Air fryer makes it crispy outside & soft inside
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Requires no eggs, flour, or binders
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Ready in under 25 minutes
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Great as a side dish or main meal
Ingredients
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300 g mashed potatoes (cold)
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150 g cooked carrots (cold)
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80 g cooked cabbage (cold)
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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:
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300 g cold mashed potatoes
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150 g cooked carrots
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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:
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Golden
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Crispy on the outside
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Soft and fluffy on the inside
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy your bubble and squeak with:
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Fried or poached eggs
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Breakfast sausages
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Grilled tomatoes
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Baked beans
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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:
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Onion powder
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Black pepper
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Fresh herbs
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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.