Air Fryer Vegetable Patties
Air fryer vegetable patties are a good way to use up the odds and ends from the veg drawer. Grated potato, carrot and finely chopped broccoli are squeezed dry, bound with egg, breadcrumbs and Cheddar, then shaped into eight small patties. The hot air gives them a crisp, golden shell while the middle stays soft. Two patties make a light lunch, or you can tuck one in a burger bun.
- Total
- 53 min
- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 33 min
- Serves
- 4
- Per serving
- 240kcal
Where air fryer vegetable patties are most useful
The mixture is flexible, so use whatever vegetables you have as long as you keep the same weight. Potatoes give the starch that holds everything together, so keep them even if you swap the others.
Squeezing out the water is the step that decides whether the patties hold together or turn into a damp heap, so do not rush it.
Step-by-step air fryer vegetable patties
Tap a time to start a timer.
- Grate and squeeze Coarsely grate the potatoes and carrot into a bowl. Tip them into a clean tea towel, gather it up and wring out as much liquid as you can for about . You should squeeze out several tablespoons of water.
- Mix Put the dry vegetables into a large bowl with the broccoli, breadcrumbs, egg, Cheddar, garlic powder and salt. Mix until it holds together when pressed. If it feels wet, add a tablespoon more breadcrumbs.
- Shape Divide the mixture into eight equal portions of about 95g. Press each one firmly into a disc about 8cm across and 1.5cm thick, so it cooks through to the middle.
- Preheat and oil Heat the air fryer to 190°C for . Brush both sides of the patties with the oil.
- Cook the first batch Place four patties in the basket with gaps between them. Air fry at 190°C for , turning them carefully with a fish slice after . They are ready when golden and firm, with the potato tender when you press one. Tent them loosely with foil.
- Cook the second batch Cook the other four patties in the same way for , then serve them all hot.
Serving ideas
Serve two patties with a dip and a green salad for lunch, or tuck one in a toasted bun. They go well with root vegetable crisps. For a pulse-based version made in the same way, try air fryer lentil patties.
Common problems and fixes for Air Fryer Vegetable Patties
- The patties fall apart when you turn them.
- The mixture is probably too wet, or they were turned too soon. Squeeze the vegetables again, press the patties firmly, and wait until the underside has set at 8 minutes before turning.
- The outside is brown but the middle is still raw potato.
- The patties were too thick or too big. Keep them to 1.5cm, and if one still feels firm and pale in the centre, give it another 2–3 minutes.
- The patties taste bland.
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika or a little finely chopped spring onion to the mixture. Garlic powder and Cheddar give a good base, but vegetables need confident seasoning.
Frequently asked questions about Air Fryer Vegetable Patties
How long do you cook vegetable patties in an air fryer?
15 minutes per batch at 190°C, turning them halfway. Add 2–3 minutes if they are thicker than 1.5cm.
Can you freeze air fryer vegetable patties?
Yes, cool the cooked patties quickly, then freeze them for up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen at 180°C for 8–10 minutes until steaming hot all the way through.
Can you make vegetable patties vegan?
Yes. Replace the egg with 1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water and left for 5 minutes, and either leave out the Cheddar or use a vegan cheese.
Which other vegetables can you use?
Courgette, parsnip and sweet potato all work. Grate courgette, salt it for 10 minutes and squeeze it dry, and keep the total weight of vegetables at about 600g.
How did you like the recipe?
4.7 / 5 · 73 ratings
