Air-Fry Beyond Burgers: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious

Beyond Burgers are a great option for those looking to reduce their meat consumption and help the planet. They are plant-based burgers that are designed to taste and look like real beef patties. The best part? You can cook them in an air fryer, straight from frozen, and have a delicious and juicy burger on the table in under 15 minutes!

Preheat the air fryer to 350-400°F

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in cooking your Beyond Burger. Depending on the source, preheat your air fryer to between 350°F and 400°F.

Preheating your air fryer ensures that your Beyond Burger cooks evenly and efficiently. It also helps to create a crispy exterior and juicy interior. By preheating, you can also ensure that your burger reaches the optimal internal temperature of 165°F, which is important for both food safety and taste.

While preheating, you can also season your Beyond Burger patties and prepare any toppings or sides, such as cheese, onion rings, lettuce, tomato, or pineapple.

Once preheated, you can then place your burgers in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overlapping.

So, don't forget to preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature to ensure the best results for your Beyond Burger cooking experience!

Season the patty

Seasoning your Beyond Burger patties is a great way to add extra flavour to your plant-based meal. While Beyond Burgers are pre-seasoned to taste like real beef burgers, you can still add your own herbs and spices.

For example, you could sprinkle on some garlic powder or black pepper, or even a specific blend like Weber Steak 'N Chop Seasoning. You only need a small amount of seasoning, about 1/4 of a teaspoon on each side of the patty.

If you want to get creative, you can also try other seasonings like chilli flakes. Just remember, this step is totally optional, and you can still enjoy a delicious burger without any extra seasoning.

Cook for 9-18 minutes

Cooking times will vary depending on the size and thickness of the Beyond Meat patties, but there are some general guidelines to follow. If you're cooking from frozen, you can expect to cook the burgers for 15 to 18 minutes, flipping them halfway through. For a crispier burger, spray each side with vegetable oil before placing them in the air fryer. If your patties are refrigerated, you'll only need to cook them for 9 to 12 minutes, again flipping them halfway through.

Keep an eye on the internal temperature of your burgers. You're aiming for a minimum of 165°F, which can be measured with a meat thermometer. The exterior should be golden brown, and the interior might still be a little pink.

Once your burgers are cooked, it's time to add the cheese. Place a thin slice of vegan or regular cheese on the hot patty as soon as it comes out of the air fryer. The residual heat will melt the cheese.

If you're using burger buns, you can place them in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes to heat them up. Then, assemble your burger with your favourite toppings and enjoy!

Melt the cheese

Once your Beyond Burgers are cooked, it's time to melt the cheese!

Turn off the air fryer and place the cheese on the patties. Leave the basket closed for about 30 seconds to a minute, and the residual heat will melt the cheese.

If you're using vegan cheese, it might not melt in the same way as dairy cheese. In this case, try pressing the cheese into the cooked patty so that it sticks and doesn't fly off during cooking. Then, air fry for about a minute until the cheese melts.

You can also use toothpicks to hold the cheese in place or add it after cooking while the air fryer is still hot but with no fans running.

Serve with toppings and sides

Now for the fun part: toppings and sides! You can serve your Beyond Burger with a variety of toppings and sides, depending on your preferences and dietary needs.

For toppings, you can go classic with lettuce, tomato, red onion, and pickles. If you're looking for something more indulgent, add some cheese or vegan cheese—just remember to add it after cooking, as the circulating hot air can cause it to fly off. You can also get creative with toppings like pineapple, avocado, coleslaw, grilled onions, or bacon (vegan facon is an option).

As for sauces, the options are endless. You can go with traditional ketchup, mustard, or mayo, or spice things up with BBQ sauce, buffalo sauce, or a zesty burger sauce made with ketchup, mayo, and pickle juice.

If you're serving your Beyond Burger with a side, there are plenty of options to choose from. You can go with classic French fries or sweet potato fries, or opt for something healthier like a steamed vegetable side or a salad. If you want to make it a complete meal, add a side dish like sweet potato fries, potato salad, or a zesty potato salad with dill and peas.

You can also get creative and use Beyond Burgers in other dishes. Chop them up to top a salad or burrito bowl, or add them to grain bowls, jalapeño poppers, or spaghetti. The possibilities are endless!

Frequently asked questions