Air-Fried Veggie Burgers: Quick, Healthy, Delicious!

Air fryers are a quick and convenient way to cook veggie burgers. You can use store-bought or homemade patties, and there's no need to defrost them before cooking. Simply place the patties in the air fryer basket, ensuring they're not overcrowded, and cook for around 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through. You can also toast the burger buns in the air fryer. This method produces a perfectly crisp veggie burger that's cooked all the way through, and it's healthier than frying or grilling.

Choosing the right ingredients

Beans

Beans are a fantastic base for veggie burgers, providing protein, fibre, and a hearty texture. You can use a variety of beans, such as black beans, kidney beans, or cannellini beans. Rinse and drain your chosen beans thoroughly to remove any excess liquid, which can affect the texture of your patties. If you're using canned beans, be sure to pat them dry before mashing or processing.

Vegetables

The right veggies can add flavour, moisture, and texture to your veggie burgers. Red or white onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms are excellent choices. Grating or finely dicing your vegetables ensures they blend well with the other ingredients. You can also sauté ingredients like onions, garlic, and mushrooms to add extra flavour without extending the ingredient list.

Seasonings and Sauces

Seasonings and sauces are key to boosting the flavour of your veggie burgers. Italian seasoning, oregano, cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and sea salt are all great options. Fresh herbs like cilantro and parsley can also be added. A dash of lemon juice and a pinch of black pepper can further enhance the taste. Don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations to find your perfect blend.

Binding Agents

A good binding agent is crucial to holding your veggie burgers together. Oats are an excellent choice and can be gluten-free if needed. Other options include wheat germ, eggs, flax eggs, or breadcrumbs. If using oats, consider refrigerating your mixture for 20-30 minutes before forming patties to allow the oats to absorb moisture and firm up the mixture.

Optional Add-Ins

While not necessary, ingredients like nutritional yeast, vital wheat gluten (or gluten-free flour), and vegetable or cooking oil can enhance your veggie burgers. Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy, nutty flavour and boosts the nutritional profile of your burgers. Vital wheat gluten helps bind the ingredients and improves the texture, but gluten-free flour can be substituted. Oil adds moisture and helps achieve a crispier exterior, but it's optional if you prefer a healthier option.

Preparing the patty mix

Firstly, gather your ingredients. The beauty of veggie burgers is that you can get creative and experiment with different ingredients. However, some essential components for the patty mix include beans, a binding agent, vegetables, and seasonings. For beans, you can use white beans, black beans, kidney beans, or soybeans. Oats or wheat germ are excellent choices for binding agents, providing structure to your patties. As for vegetables, you can use onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms. Seasonings like Italian seasoning, cumin, smoked paprika, and garlic powder will add flavour to your mix.

Once you have your ingredients, it's time to start preparing the patty mix. Here are the steps to follow:

• Mash the beans: Start by mashing your chosen beans in a mixing bowl. You can use a fork or a potato masher for this step. The mashed beans will act as a base for your patties.
• Add dry ingredients: Next, add your dry ingredients to the mashed beans. This includes the binding agent (oats or wheat germ), as well as any spices and seasonings you wish to use. You can also add in finely chopped vegetables like onions or bell peppers at this stage. Mix everything together until well combined.
• Add liquid ingredients: If you're using any liquid ingredients, such as lemon juice, tomato sauce, or sriracha sauce, add them now. Mix everything together until you have a thick, sticky mixture.
• Adjust seasoning: At this point, it's a good idea to taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning as needed. This is also the time to add more spices or ingredients if you feel your mix needs an extra kick.
• Refrigerate (optional): If your mixture feels too soft or wet, you can place it in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes to firm up. This step is optional but can help make the patties easier to shape.
• Shape into patties: Use your hands to divide the mixture into equal portions and shape them into patties. You can use a measuring cup or a burger press to ensure uniform size and thickness. Thicker patties will result in juicier burgers, while thinner patties will be firmer and drier.
• Refrigerate or freeze: Before cooking, you can refrigerate the patties for up to 5 days or freeze them for future use. Frozen patties can be stored in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to a month.

Remember, the key to a good veggie burger patty is ensuring the mixture is well combined and has a sticky, mouldable texture. This will help the patties hold together during cooking and provide a satisfying bite.

Shaping the patties

To start, gather your chosen ingredients and mix them in a bowl. For a simple veggie burger, you can mash some beans and mix them with spices and herbs of your choice. You can also add in vegetables like onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms. It's important to ensure that your mixture is well-combined and has a sticky texture that will hold together.

Once your mixture is ready, it's time to shape the patties. Divide the mixture into equal portions, depending on how many patties you want to make. A typical batch yields around 4 patties. Use your hands to shape each portion into a round, flat patty shape, similar to a traditional burger patty. Make sure the patties are not too thick or too thin; aim for a thickness of about ⅝-inch. You can use a measuring cup or a burger press kit to help you achieve uniform sizes.

After shaping each patty, place them on a tray or plate. If you have time, you can chill the patties in the refrigerator for about 20-30 minutes to help them firm up and hold their shape better during cooking. This step is optional but can be helpful if you find the mixture too soft to work with.

When you're ready to cook, preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature, usually around 350°F to 370°F. Place the patties in the air fryer basket, making sure they are in a single layer and not overlapping. You may need to cook them in batches if you have a smaller air fryer.

Cook the patties for the recommended time, which can range from 9 to 13 minutes, depending on your air fryer and the thickness of your patties. Don't forget to flip the patties halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking on both sides.

Once they're done, remove the patties from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving. You can serve them on a bun with your favourite toppings, or enjoy them as is for a healthier option.

Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and seasonings to create your own unique veggie burger recipe!

Cooking the burgers

Now that you've got your veggie burger mix ready, it's time to cook them!

First, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (180°C). While the air fryer is preheating, form your mixture into a rectangle and divide it evenly into four pieces. Shape each piece into a patty about ⅝-inch thick. Note that flatter/thinner burgers will be firmer and drier; slightly thicker patties will be softer and moister inside.

Once your air fryer is preheated, place the patties in the basket, making sure they are in a single layer with space between them for the hot air to circulate. Spray the patties with olive oil or cooking spray.

Air fry your veggie burgers for 9-13 minutes, flipping them halfway through. The burgers are done when they are firm, crisp around the edges, and piping hot in the center.

If you want to add cheese to your burgers, this is the time to do it! Place a slice of cheese on each patty after you've flipped them, and it will melt by the time they are done cooking.

If you are cooking frozen veggie burgers, you can cook them straight from frozen. Air fry at 370°F for 6-7 minutes, then flip and air fry for another 6-7 minutes.

You can also cook the burger buns in the air fryer! Place the buns inside the air fryer and air fry for 3-4 minutes at 350°F.

Now it's time to build your burger! Place the patty on the bun and add your desired toppings and sauces. Enjoy!

Serving suggestions

On a bun

Serve your veggie burger on a bun with toppings such as ketchup, mustard, lettuce, and onion slices. You can also add cheese slices to your burger.

Salad

Veggie burgers can be served on top of mixed greens as a salad. You can also add toppings such as lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles.

With pasta or rice

Break up your veggie burger and toss it with pasta or rice. You can also add a sauce such as BBQ sauce or hummus to give it some extra flavour.

With sides

Serve your veggie burger with sides such as mac and cheese, waffle fries, French fries, or whipped feta cheese.

With sauces

Top your veggie burger with a delicious sauce such as BBQ sauce or hummus.

With vegetables

Add some sliced cucumber, tomatoes, and onions as a side to your veggie burger.

With a bun

Toast your burger bun in the air fryer and then build your burger.

With greens

Fill your burger bun with greens such as lettuce and add your patty and toppings.

With toppings

Add your favourite toppings to your veggie burger. Some popular options include lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and pickles.

With cheese

If you want to add a cheese slice to your veggie burger, place the cheese on the patty once it is done cooking. Turn off the air fryer and close the basket. The residual heat should melt the cheese.

Frequently asked questions