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

Yes, you can cook veggie burgers in an air fryer! Whether you're cooking from frozen or fresh, an air fryer is a quick and convenient way to cook veggie burgers. It's also a healthy cooking method, as it uses minimal oil. You can cook most types of veggie burgers in an air fryer, including black bean burgers, Beyond Burgers, and homemade burgers. The cooking time will depend on the type and thickness of your veggie burger, but on average, it should take around 10-12 minutes to cook them thoroughly.

How long to cook veggie burgers in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook veggie burgers in an air fryer! The cooking time will depend on the type of air fryer you have, the thickness of your veggie burgers, and your desired level of doneness.

It is recommended that you preheat your air fryer before cooking veggie burgers. The ideal temperature for preheating and cooking veggie burgers is between 350°F and 390°F (180°C and 200°C).

For homemade veggie burgers, the cooking time can range from 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the patties. It is suggested that you cook them for 10 minutes on each side, resulting in a light golden brown color. If you prefer your veggie burgers on the lighter side, reduce the cooking time to about 8-9 minutes per side. For a browner, crispier burger, increase the cooking time by a minute or so on each side.

For frozen veggie burgers, the cooking time is typically shorter, ranging from 8 to 12 minutes in total. It is recommended to cook them for 4-6 minutes on each side, depending on their thickness.

It is important to note that air fryers can vary in terms of cooking time and temperature, so you may need to adjust the timing based on your specific model. Additionally, it is advised to cook the burgers in a single layer and flip them halfway through for even cooking.

Now, let's get into the details of cooking veggie burgers in an air fryer:

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Veggie Burgers in an Air Fryer:

• Preheat your air fryer: Set your air fryer to 350°F - 390°F (180°C - 200°C). Preheating is essential for achieving the desired crispy texture on your veggie burgers.
• Prepare the veggie burgers: If you are making homemade veggie burgers, form the mixture into patties that are slightly smaller than your burger buns. If using frozen veggie burgers, there is no need to defrost them; cook them straight from frozen.
• Grease the air fryer basket: Lightly brush some oil onto the air fryer tray or basket to prevent sticking and ensure an even cook.
• Place the veggie burgers in the air fryer: Arrange the patties in a single layer, leaving space between them to allow for proper air circulation. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the burgers in multiple batches.
• Cook the veggie burgers: For homemade veggie burgers, cook for 10 minutes on one side, then flip them over and cook for another 10 minutes on the other side, or until they are light golden in color. For frozen veggie burgers, cook for 4-6 minutes on each side, flipping halfway through. Adjust the cooking time as needed based on your air fryer model and the desired level of doneness.
• Check for doneness: Veggie burgers should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature. Alternatively, cut into one of the burgers to ensure it is hot all the way through.
• Serve and enjoy: Once the veggie burgers are cooked to your liking, serve them on buns with your favorite toppings and sides.

Tips for Cooking Veggie Burgers in an Air Fryer:

• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket: Cook the veggie burgers in a single layer to ensure even cooking and browning. If needed, cook the burgers in multiple batches.
• Flip the burgers halfway through: For even cooking and to prevent sticking, flip the burgers over halfway through the cooking process.
• Adjust cooking time: The cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of your veggie burgers, as well as the model of your air fryer. Thicker patties may require a few extra minutes, while thinner patties may need less time.
• Prevent sticking: To prevent the veggie burgers from sticking to the air fryer basket, be sure to preheat the air fryer and lightly grease the basket or tray before adding the patties.
• Experiment with seasonings: Feel free to experiment with different seasonings and ingredients in your veggie burgers. You can try adding spices like paprika, cumin, garlic powder, and smoked paprika, or ingredients like beans, onions, bell peppers, and cilantro.

How to prepare the air fryer for veggie burgers

Preparing an air fryer for veggie burgers is a simple and quick process. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare the Veggie Burgers

If you are making your own veggie burgers, you will need to prepare the mixture and form it into patties. You can find various recipes online, such as those that include beans, vital wheat gluten, and spices. However, if you are short on time, you can also use store-bought frozen veggie burgers.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature. The ideal temperature will depend on the type and thickness of your veggie burgers. For thinner burgers, a temperature of 400°F (200°C) is recommended. For thicker patties, a lower temperature of around 350°F may be more suitable.

Step 3: Place the Veggie Burgers in the Air Fryer

Open your air fryer and place the veggie burgers inside. It is important to ensure that the burgers are placed in a single layer and not overlapping. This allows for even cooking and browning. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the burgers in batches.

Step 4: Cook the Veggie Burgers

Close the air fryer and let the burgers cook for the recommended time based on the temperature you set. For thinner burgers at 400°F, cook for about 10-12 minutes. For thicker patties at 350°F, the cooking time may be longer, around 11-13 minutes.

Step 5: Flip the Burgers

After letting the burgers cook for half of the recommended time, open the air fryer and use a spatula to flip the burgers over to the other side. This step ensures even browning and cooking on both sides.

Step 6: Check for Doneness

Once the burgers have finished cooking, check to make sure they are cooked through. You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should reach 165°F (74°C). If you don't have a thermometer, you can cut into the burger to ensure it is hot all the way through.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Now it's time to serve your veggie burgers! You can serve them on their own or with various toppings and sides. Some popular choices include serving them on a bun with ketchup, mustard, lettuce, and onion slices, or pairing them with French fries, sweet potato fries, or a side salad.

By following these steps, you can easily prepare your air fryer for cooking delicious veggie burgers. Enjoy your meal!

Can you put cheese on veggie burgers in the air fryer?

Yes, you can put cheese on veggie burgers in the air fryer! In fact, it's a great way to get that coveted melted cheese effect on your burger. There are a few ways to go about it:

Sliced Cheese

If you're using sliced cheese, it's best to put the cheese on the patty once it's done cooking. You can then turn off the air fryer and close the basket, as the residual heat should be enough to melt the cheese. If it's not, simply put the basket back into the air fryer and heat at 370°F for a minute or so until the cheese has melted.

Shredded Cheese

If you're using shredded cheese, you can simply sprinkle it on top of the patty and cook for another minute or so until melted.

Cheese-Stuffed Burgers

If you're worried about the cheese melting evenly or falling off, you could always try making cheese-stuffed burgers. Simply form the patty around the cheese, and cook as normal.

Tips

• Don't overcrowd the basket—make sure to cook the burgers in a single layer, and do them in batches if necessary.
• Flip the burgers halfway through for an even cook.
• Adjust the cooking time depending on the size of the burgers.
• The burgers are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. You can check this with a meat thermometer, or by cutting into the burger.

So, go ahead and get creative with your favourite cheeses and toppings! Just remember to keep an eye on your burgers to avoid overcooking or burning. Enjoy!

What are the best veggie burgers to use?

There are a variety of veggie burgers that can be cooked in an air fryer, and the best one for you will depend on your personal preferences. Here are some options to consider:

• Black Bean Burgers: These burgers are a great option if you're looking for a more beef-like colour and texture. They can be purchased from various brands, such as Morning Star and Trader Joe's, or made at home.
• Dr. Praeger's Veggie Burgers: These burgers are mentioned by several sources as a tasty option for the air fryer.
• Quinoa Crunch Burgers: These burgers add a satisfying crunch to your meal and are completely vegan.
• Beyond Burger: This is a popular store-bought option that cooks well in the air fryer.
• Homemade Bean Burgers: If you prefer to make your own veggie burgers, a combination of beans (such as black beans or kidney beans), textured vegetable protein (TVP), and vital wheat gluten can create a delicious and firm patty. You can also experiment with different seasonings to find your favourite flavour.

Remember, you can always add your favourite toppings and sides to customise your veggie burger experience!

Can you cook other foods in the air fryer?

Yes, you can cook veggie burgers in an air fryer, and it's a great way to achieve a crispy exterior and a quicker cooking time than on a stovetop. You can cook them from frozen, and there's no need to defrost them first.

Air fryers are incredibly versatile, and you can cook a wide range of foods in them. They're perfect for quick, healthy meals, requiring minimal oil and very little prep. You can cook everything from snacks and sides to main dishes and desserts.

For snacks and sides, you can make anything from French fries, sweet potato fries, and tater tots to onion rings, mozzarella sticks, and jalapeño poppers. You can even make tortilla chips, potato chips, and sweet potato chips.

If you're after something more substantial, air fryers are great for chicken wings, chicken tenders, chicken drumsticks, and chicken parmesan. You can also cook salmon, steak, pork chops, meatballs, hamburgers, and tofu in an air fryer.

And if you have a sweet tooth, air fryers can be used to make desserts like chocolate chip cookies, cinnamon rolls, donuts, apple chips, and even 'smores. You can also cook frozen pastries, like croissants and cinnamon swirls, in a matter of minutes.

So, whether you're looking for a quick and easy way to cook your favourite foods or want to try something new, an air fryer is a great addition to your kitchen.

Frequently asked questions