Emilie Meyer
Air fryers are a healthier alternative to deep frying, and they can cook up a variety of delicious foods. Black bean burgers are a great option for a lighter meal, and they can be made from scratch or with frozen black bean patties. They are vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, and soy-free, and can be made compliant for a plant-based Whole30 diet. To cook black bean burgers in an air fryer, you will need to preheat the air fryer, prepare the black bean mixture, form the patties, and then cook them in the air fryer for about 10-20 minutes, depending on the desired crispiness.
How to Cook Black Bean Burgers in an Air Fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Black beans, onion, breadcrumbs, garlic, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, olive oil, egg, nuts, mushrooms, mayonnaise, cilantro, baking soda, scotch bonnet pepper, garam masala, flaxseed, avocado, tomato, lettuce, chili, mango, jalapeño, feta cheese, Worcestershire sauce, sweet potatoes, wild rice, French fries |
| Preparation | Mash beans with a fork or potato masher, add seasonings, form patties, dehydrate beans in the air fryer, chill patties, preheat air fryer, spray basket with oil, place patties in a single layer, spray tops of patties with oil, cook, flip halfway through, add toppings, serve |
| Temperature | 375-400°F |
| Timing | 8-20 minutes, depending on the recipe |
| Toppings | Avocado, tomato, lettuce, onion, cheese, Worcestershire sauce, chili, mango, jalapeño, feta cheese, yogurt, mayonnaise, sriracha, guacamole, sour cream |
| Sides | Sweet potatoes, wild rice, French fries |
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What You'll Learn
Preparing the ingredients
Firstly, you will need to decide whether to use canned or homemade black beans. If you are using canned beans, be sure to rinse and drain them. If you want to reduce moisture and prevent crumbly patties, you can dehydrate the beans in your air fryer for a few minutes before mashing them. To dehydrate, spread the beans in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for about 10 minutes.
The next step is to mash the beans. Use a fork or a potato masher to mash the beans into a thick paste. It is important not to overmash the beans, as leaving some texture will help bind the burgers. You can also use a food processor to achieve a more uniform patty with evenly distributed ingredients.
Once your beans are mashed, add your desired seasonings and mix well. Suggested seasonings include salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cumin. You can also add an egg or a flaxseed and water mixture to help bind the burgers. If you are using an egg, it is recommended to chill the patties for at least 30 minutes before cooking to help them set.
After mixing the seasonings, it's time to form the patties. Wet your hands slightly and divide the mixture into equal portions. Form each portion into a tight patty, ensuring that all the edges are sealed to prevent the burgers from falling apart during cooking.
Now your patties are ready, you can preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes before cooking. Brush or spray the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking.
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Forming the patties
To form the patties, start by mashing the black beans with a fork or potato masher until they form a thick paste. Be sure to mash them thoroughly, as this will help bind the burgers together. You can also use a food processor to achieve a mostly uniform patty and evenly distributed ingredients. However, be careful not to overmash the beans, as some texture is needed for binding.
Next, add your desired seasonings and mix well. You can use salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and chili powder to taste. If you want to add some crunch and healthy fats, try incorporating walnuts, pecans, or pistachios into the mixture.
Now, it's time to form the patties. Wet your hands slightly and divide the mixture into 4-6 equal portions. Use your hands to form each portion into a tight patty, about 1/2-inch thick. Make sure all the edges are sealed well to prevent the burgers from falling apart during cooking.
At this stage, you can chill the patties for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This helps them set, but it is not mandatory, especially if your recipe includes breadcrumbs and eggs, which will also help bind the patties.
Finally, place the uncooked patties in the basket of your air fryer, making sure not to overcrowd it. You may need to cook them in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer. Spray the tops of the patties with oil spray, such as avocado oil or olive oil, to ensure they cook evenly and get a crispy texture.
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Cooking the burgers
To cook black bean burgers in an air fryer, you can either make them from scratch or use frozen black bean patties.
Making Black Bean Burgers from Scratch
First, prepare the black bean mixture. Drain and rinse the black beans, then spread them out in the air fryer basket and cook for about 10 minutes to remove excess moisture. Next, use a potato masher or fork to mash the beans into a thick paste. Add your desired seasonings, such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cumin. You can also add in chopped nuts, breadcrumbs, and an egg as a binder. Mix all the ingredients together until well combined.
Once the mixture is ready, form it into patties. Wet your hands slightly and divide the mixture into equal portions. Form each portion into a tight patty, about 1/2-inch thick, making sure the edges are sealed to prevent crumbling during cooking. Chill the patties for at least 30 minutes before cooking to help them set.
When you're ready to cook, preheat your air fryer to 375-400°F. Brush or spray the air fryer basket with oil, then place the patties inside, leaving some space between each patty. Spray or brush the tops of the patties with oil as well. Air fry for about 10 minutes, flipping the patties halfway through the cooking process. The burgers are done when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. Use a cooking thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should reach 160°F. If they are not fully cooked, return them to the air fryer for a few more minutes.
Using Frozen Black Bean Patties
Place the frozen black bean patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 380-400°F for about 10 minutes, flipping the patties halfway through the cooking time. The burgers are done when they are crispy and cooked through.
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Adding toppings
Once your black bean burgers are cooked, you can add your favourite toppings. If you're looking for inspiration, try diced mango, sliced jalapeño peppers, crispy bacon bits, or crumbled feta cheese. You could also add sliced tomato, lettuce, red onion, and cheese. If you want to spice things up, add some diced green chillies or Worcestershire sauce. For a healthier option, wrap your burger in a lettuce leaf or serve on a bed of greens. You could also add guacamole and sour cream for a decadent treat.
If you want to make a salsa topping, try combining sliced mangoes, red onion, cilantro, jalapeño pepper, lime juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl. You can also add yogurt or mayo mixed with sriracha. For an avocado mixture, mash an avocado in a small bowl and add salt, pepper, and chilli powder.
If you're making a Mexican or Southwest-style black bean burger, toppings that pair well include tomato salsa, hot sauce, sliced jalapeño peppers, avocado, and chili powder.
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Storing and reheating
There are two ways to reheat your black bean burgers: pan-frying and air frying. For pan-frying, heat a little oil in a pan over medium heat and cook the burgers for 3-4 minutes on each side. For air frying, preheat your air fryer to 400°F and cook the burgers for 8-10 minutes on each side.
If you're cooking your burgers from frozen, place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook at 380°F for 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through. You can also cook them in the microwave for a minute and a half and then air fry for five minutes.
If you're cooking your burgers fresh, preheat your air fryer to 400°F and cook for 10 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until crispy and cooked through. You can also cook them at 375°F for 20 minutes, flipping them after 15 minutes.
Top your black bean burgers with your favorite toppings, such as mashed avocado, guacamole, sour cream, salsa, or traditional toppings like lettuce, tomato, and cheese. You can also get creative with toppings like diced mango, sliced jalapeño peppers, crispy bacon bits, or crumbled feta cheese. Wrap your burger in a lettuce leaf or serve it on a toasted bun or roll.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes about 10 minutes to cook a black bean burger in an air fryer at 380 degrees Fahrenheit. You should flip the patty halfway through the cooking process.
You should set your air fryer to between 375 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit to cook a black bean burger.
To make black bean burgers from scratch, you will need cooked and drained black beans, diced onions, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, and seasonings such as salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. First, mash the black beans with a fork or potato masher until they form a thick paste. Next, add your seasonings and mix well. Then, form the mixture into patties and chill them for at least 30 minutes before cooking. Finally, spray the patties with oil and air fry for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
