Air Fryer Beyond Burger: Quick & Easy Vegan Cooking

Cooking a Beyond Burger in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to enjoy a plant-based meal that tastes and sizzles just like a traditional beef patty. This method allows you to achieve a crispy exterior and a juicy, flavorful center without the need for a heavy skillet or grill. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you master this technique and create a delicious, healthy meal.

Preheat Air Fryer: Set to 375°F for 5 minutes

To begin cooking your Beyond Burger in an air fryer, it's crucial to ensure the appliance is properly preheated. This initial step helps to create a consistent cooking environment, ensuring your burger cooks evenly and reaches the desired level of doneness. Here's a detailed guide on how to preheat your air fryer:

First, locate the temperature control settings on your air fryer. Most modern air fryers have a digital display or a knob that allows you to set the temperature. Set the temperature to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is ideal for cooking Beyond Burgers as it provides a good balance between cooking and maintaining the burger's texture and moisture.

Next, give your air fryer a few minutes to heat up. Preheating typically takes around 5 minutes, but it's essential to wait until the air fryer reaches the desired temperature before proceeding. You can check the temperature by placing a food thermometer inside the air fryer basket. When the air fryer is ready, the temperature should be stable and consistent.

While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare your Beyond Burger by placing it on a plate or a small baking sheet. This step is optional but can help with handling and cooking the burger. If you're using a tray, lightly grease it with cooking spray or oil to prevent the burger from sticking.

Once the air fryer is preheated, you're ready to proceed with the cooking process. Place the Beyond Burger in the air fryer basket, ensuring it's not overcrowded. You can cook one or two burgers at a time, depending on your air fryer's capacity and your desired serving size. Cook for approximately 12-15 minutes, flipping the burger halfway through, until it reaches your desired level of doneness.

Prepare the Burger: Season with salt, pepper, and oil

When preparing the Beyond Burger for the air fryer, seasoning is key to enhancing its natural flavors and ensuring a delicious, juicy patty. Start by taking the patty out of its packaging and placing it on a clean surface. Pat the patty gently with paper towels to remove any excess moisture; this step is crucial as it helps the seasoning adhere better and prevents the patty from becoming soggy.

Now, it's time to season. A simple yet effective approach is to use salt, pepper, and a drizzle of oil. Begin by generously seasoning both sides of the patty with salt and pepper. You can use a pinch of salt and a quarter to half teaspoon of pepper as a starting point, but feel free to adjust the amounts to your taste. Remember, you can always add more, but you can't take it out once it's on. After seasoning, lightly coat the patty with a high-smoke point oil, such as avocado or canola oil, to help promote even cooking and add a subtle flavor boost.

For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a pinch of your favorite herbs or spices. Some popular choices include garlic powder, onion powder, or a pinch of paprika for a subtle kick. You could also experiment with dried herbs like thyme or rosemary for a more aromatic experience. Just be mindful not to over-season, as it might make the patty too salty.

Once the patty is seasoned, it's ready for the air fryer. Place it in the air fryer basket, ensuring it's not overcrowded. If you're cooking multiple patties, make sure they have enough space to cook evenly. You can also consider placing a small rack or trivet in the basket to keep the patty elevated, which can help promote even browning.

Place in Air Fryer: Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway

To cook a Beyond Burger in an air fryer, you'll want to ensure it's cooked thoroughly and retains its juicy texture. Here's a step-by-step guide for the cooking process:

Once you've prepared your Beyond Burger patty, it's time to get it into the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is ideal for cooking the patty evenly. Place the patty in the air fryer basket, ensuring there's enough space for the hot air to circulate. If you're cooking multiple patties, make sure they don't touch to avoid sticking.

The cooking time for a Beyond Burger in an air fryer is approximately 12-15 minutes. This duration is crucial to ensure the patty is cooked through while maintaining its moisture. After 7-8 minutes, carefully flip the patty using a pair of tongs to avoid breaking it. This flipping step is essential to ensure even cooking on both sides.

Continue cooking for another 4-7 minutes after flipping. The exact time may vary depending on your air fryer and the thickness of the patty. You're aiming for an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) to guarantee food safety. Insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the patty to check the temperature.

Once cooked, remove the Beyond Burger from the air fryer and let it rest for a couple of minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and flavorful burger. Serve it as you would any other cooked burger, with your choice of toppings and sides.

Check Doneness: Internal temp should reach 160°F

When cooking a Beyond Burger in an air fryer, it's crucial to check the internal temperature to ensure it's cooked to perfection. The target temperature for a fully cooked Beyond Burger is 160°F (71°C). This is the point where the patty reaches a safe eating temperature and the proteins are denatured, making the burger safe to consume.

To check the doneness, you'll need a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the patty, ensuring it doesn't touch any bones or the air fryer basket. This method provides an accurate reading of the internal temperature.

Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Place the Beyond Burger in the air fryer basket. Ensure it's not overcrowded, allowing for even cooking.
• Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for approximately 12-15 minutes. The cooking time may vary depending on the air fryer model and the desired doneness.
• After the initial cooking time, check the internal temperature. If it's below 160°F, continue cooking in 2-minute intervals, checking the temperature each time, until the desired temperature is reached.
• For extra crispiness, you can briefly increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C) for the last minute of cooking, but be cautious not to overcook.
• Once the internal temperature reaches 160°F, remove the burger from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and flavorful patty.

Remember, it's essential to use a meat thermometer to get an accurate reading, as visual cues alone may not always indicate the correct doneness. Always aim for a minimum internal temperature of 160°F to ensure food safety.

Serve and Enjoy: Top with desired toppings and enjoy

Once your Beyond Burger is cooked to perfection in the air fryer, it's time to get creative and customize your creation! Here's how to serve and elevate your dish:

Assemble and Plate: Carefully remove the Beyond Burger from the air fryer and place it on a serving plate or directly on a bun. This step allows you to showcase your delicious creation. Consider arranging the patty in a way that highlights its shape and color, making it visually appealing.

Topping Time: Now, this is the fun part! Top your Beyond Burger with a variety of ingredients to suit your taste. Here are some ideas:

• Fresh Lettuce: Add crisp lettuce leaves for a refreshing crunch.
• Tomato Slices: Include juicy tomato slices for a burst of freshness.
• Cheese: Top with melted cheese, such as cheddar or Swiss, for a classic burger experience.
• Pickles: Add sliced pickles for a tangy and crunchy contrast.
• Onions and Peppers: Sautéed onions and peppers can provide a sweet and savory touch.
• Avocado: Mash some avocado for a creamy texture and healthy boost.
• Special Sauces: Don't forget the sauces! Try a classic ketchup, a tangy BBQ sauce, or a spicy mayo for an extra flavor kick.

Garnish and Presentation: Consider adding some garnish to make your burger even more enticing. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives can elevate the dish. You can also use colorful picks or toothpicks to secure the toppings, creating an appealing presentation.

Serve and Indulge: Present your customized Beyond Burger to your guests or family. Encourage them to take a bite and experience the unique texture and flavor. The air-fried Beyond Burger offers a healthier alternative to traditional burgers while still satisfying your cravings. Enjoy the process of creating a personalized burger and savor every bite!

Frequently asked questions