Air Fryer Vegan Burger Recipe

Black beans: These provide the base for the burger, offering a hearty and protein-rich texture.

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

Olive oil: Adds moisture and helps to crisp up the patties in the air fryer.

Garlic powder: Provides a subtle, savory flavor that complements the beans.

Onion powder: Adds a hint of sweetness and depth to the patties.

Smoked paprika: Gives a smoky, slightly spicy flavor that enhances the overall taste.

Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the flavors of the other ingredients.

Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and complexity to the patties.

When mashing the black beans, ensure they are mostly smooth but still retain some texture for a better bite. If the mixture feels too dry, add a small amount of water or vegetable broth to help bind the patties.

• black beans - Substitute with chickpeas: Chickpeas have a similar texture and can be mashed to form a patty, providing a different but equally delicious flavor.

• black beans - Substitute with lentils: Lentils are protein-rich and can be cooked and mashed to create a hearty burger base.

• breadcrumbs - Substitute with oats: Oats can be ground into a coarse flour and used as a binder, adding a slightly nutty flavor.

• breadcrumbs - Substitute with crushed crackers: Crushed crackers can provide a similar texture and help bind the burger mixture together.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar fat content and can withstand high cooking temperatures, making it a good alternative.

• olive oil - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can add a subtle sweetness and works well in vegan recipes.

• garlic powder - Substitute with fresh garlic: Fresh garlic can provide a more intense and aromatic flavor, though you may need to adjust the quantity.

• garlic powder - Substitute with shallot powder: Shallot powder offers a milder, slightly sweeter flavor that can complement the other spices.

• onion powder - Substitute with finely chopped onions: Fresh onions can add a more robust flavor and texture to the burger mix.

• onion powder - Substitute with leek powder: Leek powder can provide a similar onion-like flavor with a hint of sweetness.

• smoked paprika - Substitute with regular paprika: Regular paprika can provide the same color and a milder flavor without the smokiness.

• smoked paprika - Substitute with chipotle powder: Chipotle powder adds a smoky and slightly spicy flavor, enhancing the burger's taste.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, though you may need to adjust the quantity to avoid overpowering the dish.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can provide a different mineral content and a slightly different flavor profile.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper offers a similar heat but with a slightly different flavor, often described as earthier.

• black pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper can add a spicier kick, though you should use it sparingly to avoid overpowering the other flavors.

• Allow the burger patties to cool completely before storing. This helps maintain their texture and prevents condensation from making them soggy.

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

• For longer storage, wrap each patty individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place the wrapped patties in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date for easy tracking. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

• When ready to reheat, thaw the patties in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. This ensures even reheating and maintains the best texture.

• To reheat, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the patties in the basket and cook for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until heated through and crispy.

• Alternatively, you can reheat the patties in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. This method is great if reheating multiple patties at once.

• For a quick microwave option, place the patty on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through. Note that this method may not retain the crispiness as well as the air fryer or oven.

• Serve the reheated patties on fresh buns with your favorite toppings like lettuce, tomato, avocado, or vegan cheese. Enjoy the convenience of having delicious vegan burgers ready to go!

• 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 warmed 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 3-4 minutes on each side until heated through and crispy.

• If you prefer using an oven, preheat it to 375°F (190°C). Place the patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until thoroughly heated.

• 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, checking halfway through to avoid overcooking.

• 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 until heated through and slightly charred.

• Air fryer: This is the main appliance used to cook the vegan burgers, ensuring they become crispy without the need for excessive oil.

• Mixing bowl: Used to combine and mix all the ingredients together, ensuring an even distribution of flavors.

• Fork: Handy for mashing the black beans to the desired consistency.

• Measuring spoons: Essential for accurately measuring the spices and olive oil.

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

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

• Strainer: Used to drain and rinse the black beans before mashing.

• Buns: While not a tool, these are necessary for serving the finished vegan burgers.

• Serving plate: For placing the cooked patties once they are done and ready to be served.

Pre-mash the beans: Mash the black beans ahead of time and store them in the fridge to save a few minutes during preparation.

Use pre-made breadcrumbs: Opt for store-bought breadcrumbs to eliminate the need for making your own.

Measure spices in advance: Pre-measure the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper and store them in a small container.

Form patties ahead: Shape the patties the night before and refrigerate them, so they are ready to go straight into the air fryer.

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