Quick Air Fryer Black Bean Burger

Looking for a delicious and healthy plant-based burger option? This air fryer black bean burger is the perfect solution! Packed with flavor and made with wholesome ingredients, it’s a quick and easy recipe that’s crispy on the outside and perfectly tender on the inside. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just trying to eat more plant-based meals, (aka meatless Mondays) this air fryer black bean burger will satisfy your craving for a hearty, satisfying burger without the guilt.

Reasons Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthier Option: It’s packed with fiber, protein, and nutrients, making it a great choice for a balanced meal.
• Quick & Easy: The air fryer speeds up the cooking process, giving you a crispy, satisfying burger in no time.
• Plant-Based: Perfect for vegans, vegetarians, or anyone looking to reduce their meat intake without sacrificing flavor.
• Affordable: Made with simple pantry staples, this burger is budget-friendly and perfect for meal prepping.
• Versatile: Enjoy this air fryer black bean burger in a bun, on a salad, or in a lettuce wrap—there’s no wrong way to eat it!

Ingredients You’ll Need For This Recipe

• Half an onion, finely diced: Adds natural sweetness and savory flavor to the burger patty.
• Half a pepper, finely diced: Provides a subtle crunch and a mild sweetness that complements the other ingredients.
• Minced garlic: Enhances the burger with bold, aromatic flavor that pairs perfectly with the black beans.
• Salt: Balances the flavors and brings out the savory richness in the other ingredients.
• One can of black beans (drained and rinsed): The main base of the burger, offering protein, fiber, and a creamy texture.
• Cumin: Adds a classic rick flavor.
• Chili powder: Adds a mild heat and a smoky depth of flavor to the patty.
• Cayenne pepper: Gives a kick of heat, balancing the other spices and enhancing the overall flavor.
• Garlic powder: Intensifies the garlic flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
• Paprika: Contributes a sweet, smoky flavor and vibrant color to the burger.
• Pepper: Adds a touch of heat and brightness to round out the seasoning.
• Onion powder: Boosts the savory depth, enhancing the overall umami flavor of the patty.
• 1 egg: Helps bind all the ingredients together, ensuring the patties hold their shape while cooking.
• Bread crumbs: Provides structure to the burger, giving it a firm texture and preventing it from falling apart.
• Oil (for brushing or spraying): Ensures the air fryer black bean burgers are crisp up nicely in the air fryer, adding golden color and flavor.

How to Make These Air Fryer Black Bean Burgers

Start by finely dicing half an onion and half a bell pepper, then mince a couple of cloves of garlic. I tend to use garlic in the jar, so that would work perfectly here too. Add a pinch of salt to the mix and cook everything in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft and aromatic, which should take about 5-7 minutes.

While that’s cooking, open a can of black beans, drain them, and give them a quick rinse. Then, microwave the beans for about 1 minute and 30 seconds to warm them up and make them easier to mash. Once the veggies are ready and your beans are nice and warm, transfer them to a large mixing bowl.

Add the sautéed onion, pepper, and garlic to the beans, then sprinkle in your seasonings: chili powder, cayenne, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, and a dash of salt and pepper. Add one egg to help bind everything together, and mix in some breadcrumbs to hold the patty’s shape.

Stir until the mixture is well combined, then use your hands to form it into patties—about 4-6, depending on your preferred size. Preheat your air fryer and lightly spray the basket with oil to prevent sticking.

Place the patties in the air fryer basket, ensuring they aren’t overcrowded and spray the top with a bit of oil. Cook at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure they get golden brown and crispy on both sides, oiling the top again after you flip.

Once the air fryer black bean burgers are cooked to perfection, serve your air fryer black bean burgers on a bun, in a lettuce wrap, or on a salad for a tasty, satisfying meal!

Storage Tips For This Recipe

1. Refrigeration: Once the burgers have cooled to room temperature, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for about 3-4 days. This makes them perfect for meal prepping!
2. Freezing: If you want to store them longer, you can freeze the patties. Place the cooked patties in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. They’ll stay good in the freezer for up to 3 months.
3. Reheating: To reheat refrigerated or frozen burgers, simply pop them back in the air fryer for 3-5 minutes at 375°F until heated through and crispy again. You can also reheat them in a skillet or microwave, though the air fryer will give them the best texture.

Common FAQ’s Related to this Recipe

• Can I make these burgers ahead of time?
  Yes, you can form the patties in advance and store them in the fridge for up to a day or freeze them for later. Just make sure to separate the patties with parchment paper if freezing.
• Can I skip the egg in the recipe?
  Yes, you can use a flax or chia egg (1 tablespoon of flaxseed or chia seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons of water) as a binder. Mashed potato or applesauce can also work as egg substitutes.
• Can I use other beans instead of black beans?
  Yes! You can substitute black beans with other beans like kidney beans, pinto beans, or chickpeas, though the flavor and texture may vary slightly.
• How do I prevent the air fryer black bean burger from falling apart?
  Make sure to mash the beans well and add enough breadcrumbs to help hold the mixture together. If you find the mixture too wet, you can add a bit more breadcrumbs or let it sit in the fridge for 15-30 minutes to firm up before forming the patties.
• Can I freeze the uncooked patties?
• Yes, you can freeze the uncooked patties! Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer, freeze until firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container. You can cook them straight from frozen in the air fryer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

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