Air Fryer Vegan Burger Recipe

Black beans: Cooked and mashed to form the base of the burger patties.

Breadcrumbs: Helps bind the ingredients together and gives the patties structure.

Onion: Finely chopped to add flavor and texture.

Garlic: Minced to enhance the overall taste with its aromatic qualities.

Soy sauce: Adds a savory umami flavor to the patties.

Cumin: Provides a warm, earthy spice that complements the black beans.

Paprika: Adds a mild, smoky flavor to the patties.

Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and enhances the other flavors.

When forming the patties, make sure to press them firmly to ensure they hold together during cooking. If the mixture feels too dry, you can add a small amount of water or olive oil to achieve the right consistency. Additionally, for an extra crispy exterior, lightly spray the patties with cooking spray before placing them in the air fryer.

• cooked and mashed black beans - Substitute with cooked and mashed chickpeas: Chickpeas provide a similar texture and protein content, making them a great alternative for vegan burgers.

• breadcrumbs - Substitute with oat flour: Oat flour can help bind the ingredients together while keeping the recipe gluten-free.

• finely chopped onion - Substitute with finely chopped shallots: Shallots offer a milder flavor and can be used in the same quantity as onions.

• minced garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used if fresh garlic is not available, providing a similar flavor profile.

• soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce and offers a similar umami flavor.

• cumin - Substitute with ground coriander: Ground coriander provides a different but complementary flavor that works well in vegan burgers.

• paprika - Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika adds a deeper, smoky flavor that can enhance the overall taste of the burger.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper offers a slightly different heat and can be used in the same quantity as black pepper.

• Allow the vegan burger patties to cool completely after cooking. This helps prevent condensation, which can make them soggy.

• For short-term storage, place the cooled patties in an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

• To freeze the patties, first lay them out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure they are not touching each other to prevent sticking.

• Place the baking sheet in the freezer for about 1-2 hours, or until the patties are frozen solid. This step is known as flash freezing and helps maintain the shape and texture of the patties.

• Once the patties are frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. Label the container with the date to keep track of freshness.

• For best quality, use the frozen patties within 2-3 months. They will remain safe to eat beyond this period, but the texture and flavor may start to degrade.

• When ready to eat, you can reheat the patties directly from the freezer. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook the frozen patties for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Ensure they are heated through before serving.

• Alternatively, you can thaw the patties in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. This can reduce the cooking time in the air fryer to about 10-12 minutes.

• Serve the reheated patties on buns with your favorite toppings, such as lettuce, tomato, avocado, or vegan cheese.

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover vegan burger patties in the basket and heat for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are warmed through and crispy on the outside.
• For a stovetop method, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil or vegetable oil. Place the patties in the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until heated through.
• If you prefer using an oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them loosely with aluminum foil to prevent drying out and bake for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• For a microwave option, place the patties on a microwave-safe plate. Cover them with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking to ensure they are heated through. Note that this method may not retain the crispiness of the air fryer method.
• To reheat on a grill, preheat your grill to medium heat. Place the patties on the grill and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are warmed through and have nice grill marks.

• Air fryer: This is the primary cooking device used to cook the vegan burger patties to a crispy perfection without the need for excessive oil.

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl is essential for combining all the ingredients together to form the burger mixture.

• Spatula: Useful for mixing the ingredients thoroughly and ensuring an even distribution of flavors.

• Measuring cups: These are necessary for accurately measuring out the black beans, breadcrumbs, and other ingredients.

• Measuring spoons: These are used to measure smaller quantities of ingredients like soy sauce, cumin, paprika, and black pepper.

• Knife: A sharp knife is needed to finely chop the onion and mince the garlic.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe and clean surface for chopping the onion and garlic.

• Masher: This tool is used to mash the cooked black beans to the desired consistency.

• Air fryer basket: The component of the air fryer where the patties are placed for cooking.

• Tongs: Handy for flipping the patties halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.

• Serving plate: Used to serve the cooked patties once they are done.

• Buns: Although not a tool, buns are essential for serving the vegan burgers with your favorite toppings.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Chop the onion and mince the garlic ahead of time to streamline the process.

Use pre-cooked beans: Opt for canned black beans to save time on cooking and mashing.

Batch cook: Double the recipe and freeze extra patties for quick meals later.

Preheat the air fryer: Ensure the air fryer is preheated to avoid waiting time.

Use a food processor: Quickly mix the ingredients using a food processor for a uniform texture.