Air-Fryer Magic: Frozen Veggie Burgers, Perfectly Crispy!

Yes, you can cook frozen veggie burgers in an air fryer. It is a quick, easy, and convenient way to cook frozen veggie burgers without the hassle of preheating an oven or grill. The air fryer cooks the burgers evenly while creating a crispy texture on the outside. The cooking time will depend on the make and model of your air fryer, the thickness of the burgers, and the number of burgers being cooked at once. It is recommended to cook the burgers in a single layer and flip them halfway through for even cooking. The internal temperature of the burgers should reach 165°F to ensure they are fully cooked.

Air fryer temperature and timing

The temperature and timing for cooking frozen veggie burgers in an air fryer depend on the type of veggie burger and the desired level of crispness. The cooking time also varies depending on the air fryer model.

For example, for a Beyond Burger, it is recommended to cook the frozen patty at 360°F for 6 minutes on one side, and then 5-6 minutes on the other side. On the other hand, for a thin veggie burger, it is recommended to cook at 400°F for 4 minutes on each side.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the burger patty and the desired level of crispness. It is suggested to cook the burgers until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F, which can be checked with a meat thermometer.

Some sources suggest preheating the air fryer for 5 minutes at 400°F before placing the veggie burgers in the basket. The cooking time at this temperature is then around 10-12 minutes, depending on the size of the burgers. It is recommended to flip the burgers halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.

Additionally, it is advised not to overcrowd the air fryer basket and to cook the burgers in a single layer. This ensures that the hot air circulates freely around the burgers, resulting in an even cook.

How to get the perfect crisp

To get the perfect crisp on your veggie burgers, there are a few key steps to follow. Firstly, preheat your air fryer to a temperature between 360-400°F. This will ensure that your burgers cook evenly and efficiently. While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare your frozen veggie burgers. Choose any type of frozen veggie burger you like, such as black bean, quinoa crunch, or a vegan option. Remove the burgers from their packaging and place them in the air fryer basket, making sure they are in a single layer with space between them for air to circulate. This will ensure that your burgers cook evenly and get crispy on the outside. You can brush them with a little oil before cooking, but this is optional.

Once your air fryer is preheated, place the basket inside and set the timer for 10-12 minutes. After 5 minutes, remove the basket and use a spatula to flip the burgers over. This will ensure even browning and crispness on both sides. Return the basket to the air fryer and let the burgers finish cooking. When the timer goes off, check that your burgers are cooked through. They should be golden brown on the outside and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. If they are not quite done, you can cook them for a few more minutes until they are perfect.

And that's it! You now have perfectly crispy veggie burgers cooked in your air fryer. Serve them on a bun with your favorite toppings, or get creative and try some of the serving suggestions mentioned earlier. Enjoy!

Oil or no oil?

Whether or not to use oil when air frying frozen veggie burgers is a matter of personal preference. Some recipes suggest brushing the burgers with oil or cooking spray, while others recommend cooking them without.

Oil

If you choose to use oil, you can brush it on the burgers or use a cooking spray. This can help to ensure even browning and crispness. However, it is not essential, and some people choose to omit it.

No Oil

If you don't use oil, you can simply place the frozen veggie burgers directly into the air fryer. They will still cook through and become crispy, thanks to the circulating hot air.

Other Tips

• Don't defrost the burgers before air frying. Cook them straight from frozen for the best results.
• Preheat your air fryer for the best results.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Cook the burgers in a single layer, and cook in batches if necessary.
• Flip the burgers halfway through cooking for even cooking and browning.
• Adjust the cooking time depending on the size and thickness of your burgers. Thinner burgers will cook faster, while thicker burgers may need a few extra minutes.
• Use a meat thermometer to check if the burgers are done. Veggie burgers should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• You can also cut into the burger to ensure it's hot all the way through.
• Serve the burgers on buns with your favourite toppings, such as lettuce, tomato, onion, cheese, or sauce.

Whether you choose to use oil or not, air frying frozen veggie burgers is a quick and easy way to enjoy a delicious and crispy vegetarian meal. With minimal prep and clean-up, it's a convenient cooking method that delivers tasty results.

Do you need to defrost veggie burgers?

No, you don't need to defrost veggie burgers before cooking them in an air fryer. In fact, it is recommended that you cook them straight from frozen. This will give them a better texture and a crispier exterior thanks to the circulating hot air in the air fryer.

How to cook frozen veggie burgers in an air fryer

First, preheat your air fryer to between 360°F and 400°F. Then, place one or two patties in the air fryer basket, making sure they are in a single layer and not overlapping. Brush them with cooking oil or spray the basket with a non-stick cooking oil spray.

Air fry for 4-7 minutes, then flip the burgers and air fry for another 4-7 minutes. If you are cooking thicker burgers, you may need to increase the cooking time. The burgers are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. You can check this with a meat thermometer.

What to serve with veggie burgers

You can serve veggie burgers on a bun with your favorite toppings such as ketchup, mustard, lettuce, tomato, onion, and cheese. You can also get creative and serve them on top of a salad, with pasta or rice, or as a side dish with BBQ sauce or hummus.

What to serve with veggie burgers

There are many options for what to serve with veggie burgers. Here are some ideas for sides and toppings:

Sides

• Fries (sweet potato, curly, waffle, or regular)
• Roasted sweet potatoes with buttermilk
• Corn-and-avocado salad with goddess dressing
• Tomato and avocado salad
• Grilled potato slices with salt and vinegar
• Crisp zucchini-panko fries
• Roasted asparagus with Parmesan
• Baked mac and cheese without flour
• Spicy Cajun fries
• Roasted Brussels sprouts with pancetta
• Maple-roasted sweet potatoes
• Grilled vegetables
• Pan-fried potatoes with herbs
• Vegetable wild rice

Toppings

• Lettuce
• Onion slices
• Ketchup
• Mustard
• BBQ sauce
• Hummus
• Cheese
• Pickles
• Cucumber slices
• Tomato slices

Frequently asked questions