Ultimate Air Fryer Sandwich (Made With Thanksgiving Leftovers)

Name: Ultimate Air Fryer Sandwich With Thanksgiving Leftovers
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 2 slices bread (your choice); 1 tablespoon cranberry sauce; ¼ cup mashed potatoes and/or bread stuffing; 1 sprinkling corn and peas (optional); 1 tablespoon vegan gravy; a few vegan turkey deli slices or a thick slice of veggie roast or lentil loaf; ½ teaspoon salt and pepper (or to taste); Oil spray

Got a fridge full of Thanksgiving leftovers and no idea what to do with them? This air fryer sandwich is the ultimate way to turn all those bits and pieces into something totally new and uber-delicious. Think crispy bread, warm stuffing, tender veggies, and creamy gravy all packed into one bite. It’s quick, satisfying, and the perfect excuse to use your air fryer again the very next day.

This sandwich is all about comfort and creativity. You can mix and match whatever you’ve got—like roasted sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, or vegan turkey roast slices—and the air fryer gives it that golden, toasty crunch. It’s an easy lunch that feels like a treat and takes just minutes to make. Once you try it, you might start looking forward to the leftovers even more than the feast itself!

If it’s not quite Thanksgiving yet, do yourself a favor and bookmark this page (or better yet, share it on social media!) so that you will have it for future use. You’ll be glad to have it on hand the day after the enticing event. Also, don’t forget to check out our full vegan Thanksgiving guide for more ideas and recipes!

Are you ready to make the most out of your luscious leftovers? Let’s get cooking!

Table of Contents

Why This Recipe Is So Awesome

This scrumptious sandwich turns all your Thanksgiving leftovers into one crispy, cozy, flavor-packed meal. It’s quick to make, fun to personalize, and the perfect way to relive the holiday feast without all the work!

Bye-Bye Leftovers, Hello Deliciousness! No more sad containers crowding your fridge! This sandwich turns every leftover into something brand-new and totally mouthwatering. It’s like Thanksgiving magic all over again—just crunchier and way more fun!
Ready in Just Minutes. Forget long kitchen sessions—this sandwich is done before you can even find the remote. Stack your favorites, air fry, and boom! Hot, crispy, and ready to devour.
That Crispy Air Fryer Crunch. The air fryer gives your bread that golden, toasty crunch while keeping the inside soft, warm, and melty. Every bite is crispy perfection that’ll make you do a little happy dance.
Mix, Match, and Go Wild! Mashed potatoes, vegan turkey, cranberry sauce—throw it all in! Every combo is fair game, and half the fun is seeing what yummy mix you create next.
The Ultimate Lazy-Day Hero. Too stuffed to cook but still want something amazing? The air fryer sandwich totally gets you. It’s quick, easy, and the most delicious way to keep that holiday glow going strong.

Key Ingredients and Substitutions

This sandwich is packed with all your favorite Thanksgiving flavors layered between crispy, golden bread. Each ingredient adds its own magic, and with a few easy swaps, you can make it your own in no time!

Bread – Keeps everything tucked in and gives that irresistible crispy crunch. Go for a sturdy slice like sourdough, whole wheat, or ciabatta so it can handle all those juicy fillings. A light spritz of oil before air frying makes the crust extra golden and crisp!
Cranberry Sauce – Adds that burst of bright, tangy sweetness that cuts through all the savory flavors. Try a swipe of fig jam, apple butter, or even a touch of hot pepper jelly for a playful twist.
Mashed Potatoes – Bring that soft, cozy texture and help hold everything together like edible glue. If you’re out, use sweet potatoes, mashed cauliflower, or even a scoop of vegan mac and cheese!
Stuffing – Adds a mix of herbs and that classic Thanksgiving flavor. If you didn’t make stuffing this year, you can crumble in some seasoned tofu or add a spoonful of rice pilaf for a similar cozy feel.
Peas – Bring a bit of sweetness and color that brightens up the whole sandwich. No peas? Try corn, green beans, or even sautéed spinach for a fresh veggie kick.
Vegan Gravy – Adds moisture, richness, and that “just had Thanksgiving dinner” flavor you love. If you’re short on gravy, use a drizzle of vegan mushroom sauce, white bean hummus, or even a little vegan mayo mixed with herbs.
Vegan Roast – Brings the protein and the “main event” feel. If you don’t have any, use marinated tempeh, roasted chickpeas, or thick slices of tofu—for a hearty, savory layer.

How To Make This Vegan Air Fryer Sandwich

If we’re being totally honest here, you can pretty much make this sandwich by slapping everything you like between two pieces of bread. But, (hear us out) we feel that the arrangement of the yummy Thanksgiving leftovers makes a big difference in the enjoyment of this vegan sandwich. Trust us just this once, and you’ll be so happy you did!

Step 1: Raid the Fridge! Grab all your Thanksgiving leftovers and two slices of your favorite bread. It’s time to turn those tasty scraps into something epic.

Step 2: Heat Things Up – Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for about 5 minutes. No air fryer? No problem—your oven or skillet works just fine too!

Then, Step 3: Build That Feast Stack – Spread cranberry sauce on one slice of bread, then layer on mashed potatoes or stuffing and give it a gentle smoosh. Sprinkle on some corn and peas, then pile on your vegan turkey, plant-based meat, or lentil loaf. Slather gravy on the second slice (gravy side in, of course!) and pop it on top. A pinch of salt and pepper plus a quick oil spray makes it golden-ready.

Step 4: Air Fryer Time! – Carefully place your masterpiece in the air fryer and cook at 350°F for 5 minutes. Flip it, give it another light oil spritz, and cook for 3 more minutes until both sides are perfectly crispy.

Step 5: Slice and Celebrate – Cut it diagonally or straight down the middle—your call! Then dig in and enjoy every warm, crunchy, leftover-packed bite. (And seriously, tell us… are you Team Diagonal or Team Straight Cut?)

Tips for Serving Up Your Savory Vegan Thanksgiving Sandwich

Because this meal is such a mishmash of mouthwatering ingredients, the best approach for serving it is simplicity. Which of these vegan sandwich ideas tempts you the most?

Add a Side of Crunch – Pair your sandwich with a handful of air-fried sweet potato fries or crispy potato chip skins. That salty crunch makes every soft, savory bite even better.
Dip It Like You Mean It – Serve your sandwich with a little bowl of warm vegan gravy for dipping. It’s like a cozy Thanksgiving version of a French dip—total flavor explosion!
Make It Brunch-Worthy – Top your sandwich with a fried tofu “egg” or a drizzle of maple syrup for a sweet-and-savory twist. Perfect for a lazy weekend morning after the feast!
Opt for Open-Faced – Grab your fork and make the choice to have a vegan open sandwich for a change. Instead of a single sandwich, you can top each slice with as many toppings as you wish, toast, and then slather with rich vegan mushroom gravy. So decadent and delicious!
Pile on the Pie – Thanksgiving dishes never seem complete without a slice of vegan apple pie, pumpkin pie, sweet potato pie, or chocolate pie. Serve your succulent sandwich alongside a sweet slice of warm and wonderful pie. Heaven!

FAQs

How do I store air fryer sandwich leftovers?

Make sure to wrap it up well in either plant-based wax paper, recycled aluminum foil, or a covered container. (Adding a paper napkin around your sandwich does help a little to absorb excess moisture.) It’s best if you heat it up right before eating, but if you don’t mind your sandwich a little soggy, then you can air fry it before storing. It should last around 1-2 days in the fridge.

Can I freeze this vegan Thanksgiving sandwich?

You can technically freeze this meal, but we don’t recommend it. If you’ll never be able to get through all of your Thanksgiving leftovers in time, just freeze each food separately and then defrost before making it into a sandwich. Individual items should last 2-3 months in the freezer if stored in airtight containers.

Can I make this Thanksgiving leftovers recipe gluten-free?

Definitely! Simply use your favorite gluten-free bread, bun, roll, or biscuit as the base. Make sure to choose a gluten-free gravy recipe (sub tamari for soy sauce) and vegan meats that are free of gluten, as well. For a pre-made option, we like Amy’s Veggie Loaf. Check out this guide to the best vegetarian roast recipes for more suggestions!

I don’t have an air fryer. Can I still make this air fryer sandwich recipe?

Absolutely! This vegan sandwich can easily be heated up in the microwave for 1-2 minutes (warm, but soft), in the oven at the same temperature for 10-15 minutes (or until desired crispiness), or on the stovetop using a non-stick skillet. Bring heat to medium high and fry on one side for approximately 4 minutes and then 2-4 minutes on the other. Keep a careful eye on it while cooking because it really does depend on your skillet and the heat from your stovetop.

Also, if you’re searching for more sandwich ideas for a party or small gathering, check out our Vegan Tea Sandwiches and Tea Party Tips guide!

Listen while you cook! Tune into my podcast, The Plant Powered People Podcast, while you’re cooking, folding laundry, or taking a bath. It may just change your life!