If you find yourself staring at a fridge full of Sunday roast remnants, a culinary expert has revealed the perfect solution to avoid waste and create a delicious second meal. Air fryer aficionado Clare Andrews has shared an exclusive recipe designed to give your leftover chicken, beef, pork, or lamb a glorious new lease of life.
The Ultimate Leftover Transformation
Clare Andrews, an authority on air fryer cooking, explained that her household cherishes a traditional Sunday roast. She emphasised the importance of minimising food waste and maximising the potential of every component of the meal. Her comforting leftover roast pie is hailed as the ideal way to repurpose spare meat, vegetables, gravy, and mashed potato into one simple, family-friendly dish.
"This recipe is totally flexible," Clare stated. "Use whatever cooked meat you have, mix and match vegetables, and don’t worry about exact quantities. It’s really all about making the most of what’s already in your fridge." She described the creation as simple, budget-conscious, and perfect for busy weeknights when a hearty meal is desired without starting from scratch.
Ingredients and Method for Four Servings
The recipe, which serves four people, calls for approximate quantities to accommodate what you have available. You will need between 350–400g of chopped leftover roast meat, around 200–300g of cooked vegetables like carrots or peas, and roughly 200–250ml of leftover gravy. The topping consists of about 600g of mashed potato, with optional butter and grated cheese for extra richness.
The method is straightforward: Begin by preheating your air fryer to 180°C for three minutes. Combine the meat and vegetables in a bowl, coat with the gravy (thinning it if necessary), and season with herbs like thyme or rosemary, plus salt and pepper. Spoon this filling into an air fryer-safe dish, top evenly with the mashed potato, and create peaks with a fork to aid crisping. Add cheese if using, then air fry at 180°C for 18–22 minutes until golden and piping hot. Allow it to rest for five minutes before serving.
Expert Tips for the Perfect Pie
Clare offered several suggestions to tailor the pie to your leftovers. Roast chicken works beautifully with thyme and a splash of cream in the gravy, while beef or lamb pairs excellently with rosemary. Any leftover stuffing can be mixed into the mash or sprinkled on top for an added crunchy texture. This recipe proves that ingenious, thrifty cooking can yield incredibly flavourful comfort food with minimal effort.
Clare Andrews' book, 'The Ultimate Air Fryer Cookbook: 15 Minute Feasts', is available now on Amazon, and more of her recipes can be found on her website.
