Air-Fryer Bubble And Squeak: A Tasty, Crispy Treat?

Bubble and squeak is a traditional British dish made with leftover mashed potatoes and vegetables. It is usually pan-fried, but can also be cooked in an air fryer. The dish is so named because of the sound it makes while cooking. While the original recipe included beef, this has since been removed and replaced with potatoes and other vegetables.

What is bubble and squeak?

Bubble and squeak is a traditional British dish made with leftover mashed potatoes and vegetables. The dish is so-called because of the sound it makes while cooking. It is thought that the original recipe, recorded in the 18th century, was a simple combination of beef and cabbage fried together. Over time, potatoes and other vegetables were added, and the beef was removed.

Bubble and squeak is usually made with leftover vegetables from a roast dinner, such as carrots, parsnips, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, and swede. However, the dish is versatile, and you can use whatever vegetables you have available. The ingredients are mixed together and then traditionally pan-fried.

Bubble and squeak is a tasty way to use up leftover vegetables and is perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It can be served with a variety of options, such as a fried or poached egg, bacon, or leftover roasted meat. It is a popular dish on Boxing Day, served with leftover turkey from Christmas dinner.

How to make bubble and squeak in an air fryer

Bubble and squeak is a traditional British dish, usually made with leftover mashed potatoes and vegetables. It is thought that the name comes from the sound the dish makes while cooking.

Air frying is a modern twist on this classic dish, and it is healthier, quicker, and easier than pan-frying. You can use an air fryer to make the most of your leftover vegetables and potatoes, and it is incredibly versatile.

Ingredients

• 250-300g leftover roast potatoes
• 250-300g leftover vegetables (e.g. carrots, parsnips, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, swede, broccoli, turnips)
• Optional: Fresh rosemary or dried mixed herbs for added flavour
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Method

Start by putting all your leftover vegetables and potatoes in a bowl. Mash them up using a potato masher until they are well combined but still have some texture. If you are using herbs, mix them in now for extra flavour.

Shape the mixture into patties. You can lightly oil the base of your air fryer or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Brush the patties with a little olive oil to get a golden, crispy texture.

Cook at 190-200°C for about 15-16 minutes, turning halfway through. The air fryer cooks the patties evenly and gives them a delightful crispy texture without the need for deep frying.

Serving Suggestions

Bubble and squeak patties are incredibly versatile. Serve them as a delicious breakfast with a side of eggs, as a hearty lunch with a fresh salad, or as a side dish for dinner. They are also great with a dollop of chutney or a spoonful of sour cream.

Which vegetables to use?

Bubble and squeak is a versatile dish, and you can use whatever vegetables you have to hand. The dish is designed to use up leftovers, so there's no need to buy specific ingredients.

The traditional vegetables used in bubble and squeak are potatoes and cabbage. However, you can also use leftover roast vegetables, such as carrots, parsnips, swede, Brussels sprouts, and turnips. You can also add meat to the dish if you have any leftover roast meat.

Some recipes suggest adding broccoli instead of cabbage, and you can also add herbs for extra flavour.

How many people does the recipe serve?

The number of people that this recipe serves depends on the size of the patties and the meal being served. For breakfast or brunch, one patty per person is usually sufficient, while for dinner, three patties per person may be desired. Curly from Curly's Cooking, who shares her recipe for air fryer bubble and squeak, notes that she makes eight patties with the quantities in her recipe, using a very large ice cream scoop to portion them. However, she emphasizes that the size of the patties can be adjusted as desired.

The beauty of bubble and squeak is its flexibility, and the recipe can easily be adapted to serve more people. If there are not enough leftovers to work with, additional vegetables can be cooked to supplement the dish. Bubble and squeak is traditionally made with leftover mashed potatoes and vegetables, but it can be made with whatever vegetables are on hand, including carrots, cabbage, broccoli, parsnips, and Brussels sprouts.

How to serve bubble and squeak

Bubble and squeak is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas on how to serve this delicious and crispy British classic:

As a Breakfast Option

Bubble and squeak patties are a fantastic breakfast option. Serve them with a side of eggs, either fried or poached, and some bacon for an extra indulgent meal.

For a Hearty Lunch

These patties also make a great lunch option. Pair them with a fresh and crisp salad, or perhaps some chutney or a dollop of sour cream for a tasty and satisfying meal.

As a Side Dish

Bubble and squeak is commonly served as a side dish with leftover roasted meat. It is especially popular during Christmas when there are usually lots of leftovers, making it an ideal Boxing Day meal to enjoy with leftover turkey.

Get Creative with Extras

You can also get creative and add your own twist to this traditional dish. For example, serve it with cold honey-glazed ham, pressure cooker red cabbage with apple, or even grilled tomatoes for a unique and mouth-watering experience.

A Complete Meal

Bubble and squeak can also be a meal in itself. Simply make larger patties or a traditional large bubble and squeak cake, ensuring you have a hearty portion to satisfy your hunger.

So, whether you're enjoying a lazy weekend breakfast, a quick lunch, or a festive feast, bubble and squeak is a versatile and tasty option that can be tailored to any occasion.

Frequently asked questions