Air-Fryer Veggie Burgers: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Veggie burgers are a great option for those looking to incorporate more plant-based foods into their diet or cut back on meat consumption. And what's even better is that they can be cooked in an air fryer! Air fryers are a convenient and healthy way to cook veggie burgers, as they use minimal oil and cook food quickly and efficiently. With an air fryer, you can achieve a nice crispy texture on the outside of the burger without the grease. There are various recipes for cooking veggie burgers in an air fryer, including frozen and homemade options, and the cooking time may vary depending on the model of the air fryer and the thickness of the burgers.

Pre-made vs homemade veggie burgers

Veggie burgers are a great option for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike, and they can be easily cooked in an air fryer. Whether you prefer pre-made or homemade veggie burgers, the air fryer can cook them to perfection in no time.

Pre-made veggie burgers are a convenient option for those short on time or looking for a quick meal. They are readily available at supermarkets and grocery stores, offering a wide range of choices to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. Dr. Praeger's, Boca Burgers, and Beyond Burger are some popular brands that have been around for a while. These burgers are typically frozen, and you can pop them directly into the air fryer without even thawing them first. Set your air fryer to around 400°F (200°C) and cook for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, for a delicious, crispy veggie burger.

On the other hand, homemade veggie burgers offer a fresh and customizable option. You can decide on the ingredients, ensuring a balance of flavors and textures that suit your preferences. These burgers typically include a base of beans, rice, or soy, mixed with vegetables and seasonings. While they may require a bit more preparation time, the results are worth it. The cooking process in the air fryer is just as easy as with pre-made burgers. Simply form your mixture into patties, spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray, and cook at 350°F for about 25 minutes until crispy and golden brown.

Both options have their advantages, and it ultimately comes down to personal preference and time constraints. Pre-made veggie burgers offer convenience, while homemade burgers allow for customization and a fun cooking experience. Whichever route you choose, the air fryer ensures a quick and easy cooking process, resulting in delicious, crispy veggie burgers every time.

Additionally, it's important to note that air fryers can vary in terms of temperature and cooking time, so it's always a good idea to keep a close eye on your veggie burgers, especially when trying a new recipe or using a different air fryer. Adjustments to temperature and cook time may be necessary to ensure your burgers are cooked to perfection.

Air fryer temperature and timing

The temperature and timing for cooking veggie burgers in an air fryer depend on the brand and type of air fryer you have, the size of the burgers, and whether they are frozen or not. Air fryers vary quite a bit, so it's a good idea to keep a close eye on the food the first time you try a new recipe.

For frozen veggie burgers, preheat your air fryer to 350-375°F (190°C). Some sources recommend cooking at 400°F, but this may increase the risk of burning. Frozen burgers will typically take 10-15 minutes to cook at this temperature, depending on their size and thickness. Flip the burgers after 5 minutes, and check regularly during the last 5 minutes of cooking to ensure they don't burn.

For homemade veggie burgers, preheat your air fryer to 350-375°F. These will typically take 8-12 minutes to cook, depending on their size and thickness. Flip the burgers after 4-5 minutes, and check regularly during the last few minutes of cooking to ensure they don't burn.

Regardless of whether your veggie burgers are frozen or homemade, they should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can check this with a meat thermometer, or by cutting into the burger to ensure it's hot all the way through.

How to get a crispy texture

To get a crispy texture on your veggie burgers, there are several steps you can take. Firstly, preheat your air fryer to around 350-400°F (190°C or 200°C). It is important to preheat the air fryer to ensure the basket is hot and ready when you add the veggie burgers. This will help you achieve that desired crispy texture.

Next, spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray. This will prevent the burgers from sticking to the basket and ensure even cooking. Place the frozen veggie burgers in the basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with no overlapping. Overcrowding the basket can impact the cooking time and crispiness of the burgers.

Set the temperature to 390-400°F (200°C) and cook for 10-12 minutes, depending on the size of the burgers. For smaller burgers, 10 minutes may be sufficient, while thicker burgers may require the full 12 minutes. Flip the burgers once halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking on both sides.

Finally, check that the burgers are cooked to your desired level of doneness. They should be golden brown on the outside with a crispy texture. If you prefer them crispier, you can add an extra minute or so to the cooking time.

By following these steps, you should be able to achieve a nice crispy texture on your veggie burgers cooked in an air fryer.

Oil vs oil-free

Veggie burgers can be cooked in an air fryer, and it is possible to do so with or without oil.

Oil-Free

If you are looking to avoid oil, you can simply omit it from the cooking process. Air fryers are a great option for those looking to reduce their oil usage, as they can produce crispy results without oil. The circulating hot air cooks food evenly, creating a nice, crispy texture on the outside. To prevent sticking, you can shake the basket a few extra times while cooking, or line the basket with parchment paper.

Oil

Some recipes suggest using a small amount of oil to keep food moist and provide a golden-brown colour. A few teaspoons of vegetable or olive oil can be tossed with the food in a bowl, along with seasoning, before placing the food in the air fryer. This method is recommended for cooking fresh meats and vegetables. For recipes that call for butter, a pastry brush can be used to evenly coat the food before cooking.

Veggie Burgers in an Air Fryer

Whether you use oil or not, veggie burgers can be cooked in an air fryer. Frozen or homemade, the burgers should be placed in the air fryer basket in a single layer, to avoid overcrowding. The temperature and cooking time will depend on the air fryer model and the size of the burgers, but the temperature is usually set between 350-400°F, and the cooking time is typically around 10 minutes. The burgers are cooked when they are crisp around the edges and hot in the middle.

Storing and reheating

Storing veggie burgers properly is crucial for maintaining their quality when reheating. Leftover burgers should be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four to five days. To prevent the patties from sticking together, place a piece of parchment paper between them, then stack and freeze for up to five months.

When reheating veggie burgers, the goal is to replicate the fresh-off-the-grill experience, with the burger heated through and retaining the quality of a freshly cooked meal. The key is to apply gentle heat and monitor the burgers closely to ensure they don't overcook, as plant-based ingredients are susceptible to textural changes.

To prevent sogginess, it's important to start with proper storage. Allow the burgers to cool completely before refrigerating and include paper towels in the container to absorb excess moisture. When reheating, use a method that allows moisture to escape. Preheat a skillet or oven beforehand. For oven reheating, place the burgers on a wire rack over a baking sheet to allow air to circulate and prevent soggy bottoms.

In a skillet, use medium heat and avoid overcrowding the pan. Pat the burgers dry with a paper towel before reheating to remove surface moisture and help maintain a crisp exterior. Avoid using oil or butter, as these can add unwanted moisture. Disassemble the veggie burger before reheating to allow for optimal heating of each component.

The oven is commonly recommended for reheating veggie burgers as it provides consistent, all-around heat. To maintain the patty's moisture, a small amount of water or vegetable broth can be added to the baking sheet, preventing sticking and promoting even heating. Wrapping the bun in foil can help retain its original texture. The best oven temperature for reheating is 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, flipping the patty halfway through.

Frequently asked questions