Why air fryer bean burgers is a good choice
Cooking bean burgers is a great way to get a crispy texture without using much oil. The hot air circulates around the patties to ensure they cook evenly on both sides. It is much faster than using a standard oven and requires less monitoring. This method keeps the kitchen cool and makes cleaning up after cooking very simple.
How to cook air fryer bean burgers
Prepare the beans: Drain the black beans and rinse them under cold water. Place the beans in a large mixing bowl and mash them with a fork or potato masher. Leave some beans slightly whole to give the burgers a better texture. Stir in the finely chopped onion and minced garlic until well combined.
Mix the ingredients: Add the breadcrumbs, cumin, paprika, salt and pepper to the bowl. Pour in the lightly beaten egg and stir everything together. Ensure the spices and breadcrumbs are distributed evenly through the bean mixture. The mixture should be thick enough to hold its shape when pressed.
Shape the patties: Divide the mixture into four equal portions. Use your hands to shape each portion into a flat round patty. Make sure they are roughly the same thickness so they cook at the same rate. Place the patties on a plate and let them rest for a few minutes while you preheat the machine.
Air fry the burgers: Place the patties in the basket without overlapping them. Cook the Bean Burgers at 190 degrees for about 10 minutes. Turn them over halfway through the cooking time to ensure they are crispy on both sides. Serve the hot patties in buns with your preferred sauces.
Useful tips for air fryer bean burgers
If you want a firmer texture, you can dry the beans in the oven for a few minutes before mashing them. This removes excess moisture and helps the bean burgers stay together during cooking. You can swap black beans for kidney beans or chickpeas if you prefer a different flavour.
Adding a little bit of lime juice or fresh coriander can also give the burgers a nice zingy taste. Make sure not to overcrowd the basket so the air can circulate properly. If the mixture feels too wet, add another tablespoon of breadcrumbs until it is easy to handle.
For a little more variety, you can also try
air fryer diced bacon,
air fryer bread rolls or
air fryer ham.