Air-Fryer Bean Burger: A Quick, Healthy Treat

Bean burgers are a delicious and nutritious alternative to traditional beef burgers. They can be grilled, baked, air-fried, or pan-fried. Air fryers are a great way to cook food without using too much oil, and they're perfect for making bean burgers. You can make bean burgers in an air fryer from scratch or with frozen bean patties and your favourite toppings.

Bean burger toppings

Bean burgers are a blank canvas that can be dressed up with a variety of toppings. Here are some ideas for toppings to add to your bean burger:

Sauces

• Chipotle mayo
• Smoked paprika aioli
• Burger sauce
• BBQ sauce
• Mango salsa
• Hummus
• Guacamole
• Sour cream
• Worcestershire sauce
• Adobo sauce
• Lime juice

Cheese

• American
• Blue

Vegetables

• Lettuce
• Tomato
• Avocado
• Onion
• Mushrooms
• Jalapenos
• Pickles
• Spinach
• Apple
• Pineapple
• Brussels sprouts
• Cabbage/coleslaw
• Bell pepper
• Garlic
• Cilantro
• Cucumber

How to make bean burgers from scratch

Bean burgers are a delicious and nutritious alternative to traditional beef burgers. They are vegan, gluten-free, and soy-free, so they are perfect for anyone with dietary restrictions. Plus, they are super easy to make from scratch! Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to make bean burgers from scratch using an air fryer:

Ingredients:

• Canned black beans (rinsed and drained)
• Breadcrumbs (for gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or an adequate replacement)
• Egg
• Vegetables of your choice (e.g., red onion, green bell pepper, jalapeno, tomato, cilantro)
• Seasonings (salt, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, cumin)
• Olive oil
• Optional toppings: avocado slices, tomato slices, lettuce, cheese, Worcestershire sauce, diced green chilies, etc.

Instructions:

• Mash the black beans in a bowl using a fork or potato masher. You can also use a food processor to ensure they are well blended.
• Prepare your vegetables by chopping or mincing them. You can add the vegetables to the food processor along with the black beans and pulse until mixed.
• In a large bowl, combine the mashed black beans with the vegetables, breadcrumbs, and seasonings. Stir until everything is well incorporated.
• Whisk the egg in a separate bowl and add your desired seasonings. Then, add this mixture to the black bean mixture.
• Form the bean mixture into patties. You can wet your hands slightly to help with this process. Make sure the patties are tightly formed and about ½-inch thick.
• Brush or spray the air fryer basket with olive oil. Place the uncooked patties in the basket, making sure they are in a single layer and not overcrowded. Spray or mist the tops of the patties with olive oil.
• Set your air fryer to 375-400 degrees Fahrenheit. Cook the bean burgers for about 10-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking process. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your patties and the model of your air fryer.
• Once the bean burgers are crispy and cooked through, remove them from the air fryer and serve with your favorite toppings and sides.

Tips:

• Rinse the canned beans thoroughly before using them to remove any dirt or debris.
• Mash the beans well to help bind the burgers together.
• Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.
• Preheat your air fryer for 5 minutes before cooking the burgers.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook the burgers in batches if needed.
• For a lighter option, serve the bean burger in a lettuce wrap or on a bed of greens.

How long to cook bean burgers for

Yes, you can make bean burgers in an air fryer. The cooking time will depend on the type of bean burger and the model of your air fryer.

If you're making black bean burgers from scratch, you should cook them for about 10 minutes at 380°F (190°C) or 400°F (204°C) flipping them halfway through. You can add an extra minute or two if needed.

If you're cooking frozen black bean burgers, cook them for 10 minutes at 380°F (190°C), again flipping halfway through.

For other types of bean burgers, you can use the air fryer to cook them, but the cooking time may vary. As a general rule, aim for around 10 minutes, flipping halfway, and adjust as needed depending on how well done you like your burgers.

It's important to note that air fryer models vary, so refer to your air fryer manual for general cook times and make adjustments as necessary.

What to serve with bean burgers

Bean burgers are a delicious, healthy, and easy meal to make. They are a great choice for vegetarians, vegans, or those looking to eat healthily. While bean burgers are tasty on their own, serving them with a side dish can enhance their flavour and make the meal more satisfying and complete. Here are some ideas for what to serve with bean burgers:

• Tater tots: These are a great option, especially for kids, as they can be prepared quickly and paired with various dishes. They have a mild taste that complements bean burgers perfectly. You can make them crispy on the outside and soft on the inside by baking them in the oven at 450 degrees for about 15 minutes or until golden brown.
• French Fries: Homemade French fries are a classic and delicious choice that goes well with bean burgers. They are easy to make and can be prepared quickly using frozen shoestring potatoes, some vegetable oil, and a deep fryer. You can also bake them in the oven at 400 degrees for around five minutes or until golden brown. Serve a four-ounce portion for the perfect accompaniment to your bean burger.
• Chilli: Chilli is a delicious and hearty combination of beans and seasonings that pairs well with bean burgers. It is also easy to make, making it perfect for busy cooks. Simply combine a can of seasoned beans, ground beef, and your choice of seasonings in a pot, bring to a boil, and then reduce the heat to simmer for about 20 minutes until thickened.
• Macaroni and Cheese: This classic side dish is a tasty and indulgent option that goes well with bean burgers. It is simple to prepare and can be made affordably using a box of macaroni and cheese, milk, butter, salt, and pepper. You can also add some Cajun seasoning for an extra kick of spice.
• Corn on the Cob: Corn on the cob is a delicious and easy-to-prepare side dish that complements bean burgers. Simply boil fresh cobs in hot water for five minutes, or serve them with butter and salt for a simple yet tasty dish.
• Green Beans: Sauteed green beans are a nutritious and affordable option that goes well with bean burgers. They are quick to cook, taking only about two minutes in a pan over medium heat. They are also a healthy choice, with a one-cup serving containing around 25 calories and only one gram of fat.
• Salad: A healthy and tasty option, salad can be made with a variety of ingredients such as lettuce, tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, carrots, and cilantro. You can also add black beans to boost the flavour and make it even healthier. Preparing a salad is quick and easy, taking only about five minutes, making it a great choice for a busy cook.
• Zucchini Chips: Zucchini chips are a nutritious and delicious alternative to greasy side dishes. They are easy to make and only take around 45 minutes to cook in the oven or a dehydrator. Simply slice zucchinis into thin circles, place them on a greased baking sheet, and season with salt to taste.

How to store bean burgers

To store bean burgers, place your leftover cooked bean burger patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to four days.

If you want to store your bean burgers for longer, you can freeze them. Flash-freeze the patties on a baking sheet for a few hours or overnight. Then, transfer the frozen patties to a zip-top freezer bag or another freezer-safe container. They will stay fresh in the freezer for up to two months.

You can also store uncooked bean burgers in the freezer. Stack them between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer container or zip-top bag. They will stay fresh in the freezer for up to three months. You can cook them from frozen, or let them thaw in the refrigerator before cooking.

Frequently asked questions