Air Fryer Vegan Burger Recipe

Black beans: These provide the base for the burger, offering a rich source of protein and a satisfying texture.

Breadcrumbs: Used to bind the mixture together, giving the patties structure and a slight crunch.

Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the burgers.

Garlic: Provides a robust and aromatic flavor that complements the other ingredients.

Soy sauce: Adds a savory umami taste, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

Olive oil: Helps to keep the patties moist and adds a touch of richness.

Smoked paprika: Infuses the burgers with a smoky flavor, making them more complex and delicious.

Cumin: Adds a warm, earthy flavor that pairs well with the other spices.

When mashing the black beans, ensure they are thoroughly mashed but still retain some texture for a better bite. If the mixture feels too wet, add a bit more breadcrumbs to help bind the patties. For an extra flavor boost, sauté the onion and garlic in a bit of olive oil before adding them to the mixture. This will bring out their natural sweetness and add depth to your vegan burger.

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

• breadcrumbs - Substitute with oat flour: Oat flour can help bind the burger mixture while keeping it gluten-free and adding a slight nuttiness.

• onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder, sweeter flavor compared to onions, which can add a subtle depth to the burger.

• garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used if fresh garlic is unavailable, 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.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor, making it a good substitute for olive oil in cooking.

• smoked paprika - Substitute with chipotle powder: Chipotle powder adds a smoky, spicy flavor that can enhance the taste of the burger similarly to smoked paprika.

• cumin - Substitute with ground coriander: Ground coriander provides a warm, citrusy flavor that can complement the other spices in the burger mix.

• Allow the burger patties to cool completely before storing. This helps maintain their texture and prevents condensation, which can make them soggy.

• For short-term storage, place the cooled patties in an airtight container. Separate each patty with parchment paper to avoid sticking. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

• If you plan to freeze the vegan burgers, first lay them out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure the patties are not touching each other. Freeze for about 1-2 hours or until they are solid.

• Once the patties are frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date for easy tracking. These can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

• When ready to enjoy, you can reheat the vegan burgers directly from the freezer. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are heated through and crispy.

• Alternatively, you can thaw the patties in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. This can help them cook more evenly. Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

• For added flavor, consider brushing the patties with a bit of olive oil before reheating. This can help achieve a crispier exterior.

• Serve your reheated vegan burgers with your favorite toppings and condiments, such as lettuce, tomato, avocado, or vegan mayo. Enjoy them in a burger bun or wrapped in lettuce leaves for a low-carb option.

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover vegan burger patties in the air fryer basket. Cook for 3-5 minutes, flipping halfway through, until heated through and crispy.

• For a stovetop method, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil and cook the patties for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until warmed through and slightly crispy.

• If you prefer using an oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until heated thoroughly.

• For a microwave option, place the patties on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, or until warmed through. Note that this method may not retain the crispiness as well as other methods.

• To reheat on a grill, preheat the grill to medium heat. Place the patties on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until heated through and slightly charred for added flavor.

• Air fryer: Used to cook the vegan burger patties, ensuring they become crispy and well-cooked without the need for excessive oil.

• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining and mixing all the ingredients together to form the burger mixture.

• Fork: Utilized to mash the black beans into a paste-like consistency.

• Measuring cups: Necessary for accurately measuring the breadcrumbs and chopped onion.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the soy sauce, olive oil, smoked paprika, and cumin.

• Knife: Needed for finely chopping the onion and mincing the garlic.

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

• Spatula: Helpful for flipping the patties halfway through the cooking process in the air fryer.

• Can opener: Required to open the can of black beans.

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

Use a food processor: Quickly mash the black beans and mix all ingredients using a food processor to save time.

Preheat the air fryer: Start preheating the air fryer while you form the patties to reduce waiting time.

Batch cooking: Double the recipe and freeze extra patties for a quick meal later.

Measure spices beforehand: Pre-measure the smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper to speed up the mixing process.