Air Frying The Impossible: Burger Edition

Impossible Burgers are plant-based patties that can be cooked in an air fryer. They can be cooked from frozen or thawed, and the cooking time varies depending on the air fryer model. The patties can be seasoned with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, and served with various toppings and sides. The air fryer's quick high heat makes the burgers juicy, and they can be ready in as little as 10 minutes.

Cooking times for frozen vs. thawed Impossible Burgers

Impossible Burgers are plant-based patties that can be cooked in an air fryer. The cooking time for these burgers varies depending on whether they are frozen or thawed.

If you are cooking frozen Impossible Burgers, spray or brush both sides of the patties with oil and season them with salt and pepper. Then, spray the air fryer basket with oil and place the patties inside in a single layer. Air fry at 380°F/193°C for 8 minutes. After that, flip the patties and continue cooking for 3 to 6 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F/71°C. The total cooking time will be around 14 to 15 minutes.

On the other hand, if you are cooking thawed Impossible Burgers, form the plant-based grounds into 3 to 4 equally-sized patties. Then, spray the air fryer basket with vegetable spray or oil and place the patties inside in a single layer. Cook at 375°F/190°C for 5 minutes. After that, season the patties with salt and pepper and flip them. Continue cooking for a few minutes until done. The total cooking time will be around 9 to 11 minutes.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the patties, the number of patties being cooked, the temperature of the freezer, and the model of the air fryer.

How to form patties from Impossible ground

To form patties from Impossible ground, start by letting the mixture thaw if it is frozen. It is recommended to defrost in the fridge instead of the microwave, as it holds its shape better when defrosted gradually. Once the Impossible ground has thawed, you can start forming the patties. The "raw" substance can be a bit sticky, so it is advised to have a kitchen towel on hand to prevent a mess.

When forming the patties, it is important to ensure they are of a consistent size so that they cook evenly and at the same time. Aim for three to four equally-sized patties, about 4 inches wide. If you want to add seasonings, you can mix them into the "meat" mixture before forming the patties. Suggested seasonings include garlic powder, onion powder, ground cumin, chili flakes, lemon pepper, dried herbs, and vegan Worcestershire sauce.

To prevent the patties from falling apart, you can use a flax egg (flaxafaba) as a binding agent. This will allow you to add other ingredients like breadcrumbs, spices, and vegan Worcestershire sauce. Once your patties are formed, you can cook them in an air fryer or any other desired method.

Oil, salt, and pepper seasoning

Yes, you can cook Impossible Burgers in an air fryer. Impossible Burgers are plant-based burgers made from ingredients like wheat, pea, or soy protein, potato protein or starch, and coconut oil. They are designed to mimic the taste and texture of beef burgers and are a popular choice for those looking for a meatless option.

To cook Impossible Burgers in an air fryer, it is recommended to preheat the air fryer to 375-400°F (193-200°C). While the air fryer is preheating, you can season the patties with salt and pepper or your favorite seasonings. You can also add oil to the patties for extra crispiness. Once the air fryer is preheated, place the patties in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded, and cook for around 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. The ideal internal temperature for the patties is 160-165°F (71°C).

• Preheat your air fryer: It is recommended to preheat your air fryer to 375-400°F (193-200°C) before cooking your Impossible Burgers. This step ensures that your burgers cook evenly and helps them crisp up properly.
• Prepare your patties: While the air fryer is preheating, take your Impossible Burger patties and season them with salt and pepper. You can also add other seasonings or spices, such as garlic powder or onion powder, to enhance the flavor. Form the patties into equal sizes to ensure even cooking.
• Add oil: Lightly spray or brush both sides of the patties with oil. This step is optional but helps to enhance the crispiness of your burgers and gives them a nice golden-brown crust. You can also spray the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking.
• Cook the patties: Place the patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and cooked to your desired level of doneness.
• Check the temperature: For optimal doneness, it is recommended to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the patties. The ideal temperature is 160-165°F (71°C).
• Rest and serve: Remove the patties from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the burgers more flavorful and juicy. Serve on a bun or lettuce wrap with your favorite toppings.

By following these steps, you can cook juicy and delicious Impossible Burgers in your air fryer with a flavorful crust seasoned with oil, salt, and pepper.

Adding cheese

If you're using pre-formed patties, simply sprinkle your desired seasonings on top. Garlic powder is a great option for a nice garlic flavor. You can also try other seasonings like onion powder, ground cumin, chili flakes, lemon pepper, or dried herbs. After seasoning, spray or brush both sides of the patties with oil. This step is optional, but it will help you achieve a crispier texture.

Once you've seasoned and oiled your patties, it's time to cook them in the air fryer. Follow the cooking instructions for your Impossible Burger, and about a minute or two before the end of the cooking time, place your desired slice of cheese on top of the patty. Close the air fryer basket and let the residual heat melt the cheese. You can also air fry at 380°F/193°C for about 30 seconds to 1 minute to melt the cheese.

If you're using Impossible meat that's ground and frozen, allow it to thaw first. Then, form your patties to a consistent size so they cook evenly and simultaneously. You can add your seasonings directly to the plant-based meat before forming it into patties.

Suggested toppings and sides

Impossible Burgers are vegan, plant-based burgers that can be cooked in an air fryer. They are often served in buns with toppings and sides.

You can add your favourite toppings to an Impossible Burger. Suggested toppings include:

• Lettuce
• Tomato
• Avocado
• Pickles
• Onion
• Cheese
• Ketchup
• Hot sauce
• Bacon
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Lemon pepper
• Dried herbs

Sides could include:

• French fries
• Sweet potato fries
• Cauliflower tots
• Raw kale salad with avocado

Frequently asked questions