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air fryer black bean burger

Air Fryer Black Bean Burger

Print Recipe
This air fryer black bean burger is 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.
Course Dinner
Keyword burgers, meatless
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 4

Equipment

  • Parchment Paper

Ingredients

  • 1/2 Onion
  • 1/2 Bell Pepper
  • 2 tsp. Minced Garlic
  • Salt (to taste)
  • 1 can Black Beans
  • 1/2 tsp. Chili Powder
  • 1/2 tsp. Cayenne Pepper
  • 1 tsp. Garlic Powder
  • 2 tsp Cumin
  • 1 tsp. Paprika
  • 1 tsp. Onion Powder
  • Pepper (to taste)
  • 1 large Egg
  • 1/2 cup Panko Bread Crumbs
  • Spray Oil

Instructions

  • Start by finely dicing half an onion and half a bell pepper, then mince a couple of cloves of garlic. Add a pinch of salt to the mix and cook everything in a skillet over medium heat, until the vegetables are soft, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
    1/2 Onion, 1/2 Bell Pepper, 2 tsp. Minced Garlic, Salt (to taste)
  • 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.
    1 can Black Beans
  • Once the veggies are ready and your beans are nice and warm, transfer them to a large mixing bowl.
  • Then add 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.
    Salt (to taste), 1/2 tsp. Chili Powder, 1/2 tsp. Cayenne Pepper, 1 tsp. Garlic Powder, 2 tsp Cumin, 1 tsp. Paprika, 1 tsp. Onion Powder, Pepper (to taste), 1 large Egg, 1/2 cup Panko Bread Crumbs
  • 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.
    Spray Oil
  • 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.
    Spray Oil
  • Once 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!

Notes

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 patties 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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