Air Fryer Bean Burgers
Air fryer bean burgers have a crisp outside and a soft, smoky middle, and they need only a light spray of oil instead of a pan full of it. Mashed black beans, softened onion, cumin and smoked paprika make the patties, and a short chill in the fridge keeps them together. They are ready in 45 minutes, most of which is hands-off, and they are a straightforward vegetarian dinner for four.
- Total
- 45 min
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 20 min
- Serves
- 4
- Per serving
- 330kcal
Getting air fryer bean burgers to hold together
Bean patties are softer than meat ones, so most problems come down to moisture. Drying the rinsed beans with kitchen paper, softening the onion in a pan first and chilling the shaped patties all help them set. Do not mash the beans to a paste: leaving a third whole gives the burgers bite and also helps them bind.
Tinned black beans are a handy base, but kidney or pinto beans work equally well. Gluten-free breadcrumbs make them suitable for a gluten-free diet, provided the buns are gluten-free too.
The method for air fryer bean burgers
Tap a time to start a timer.
- Soften the onion Heat the oil in a frying pan over a medium heat. Cook the onion for until soft and translucent, add the garlic for , then tip both into a large bowl.
- Mash the beans Pat the rinsed beans dry with kitchen paper. Add them to the bowl and mash with a potato masher or fork, leaving about a third of the beans whole for texture.
- Mix the patties Stir in the breadcrumbs, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper and egg. The mixture should hold its shape when pressed. If it feels wet, add another tablespoon of breadcrumbs.
- Shape and chill Divide into 4 and shape into patties about 8cm wide and 2cm thick. Put them on a plate and chill in the fridge for so they firm up.
- Air fry Heat the air fryer to 190°C for . Brush or spray both sides of the patties with a little oil and lay them in the basket in a single layer, not touching. Cook for , turning them carefully with a spatula after , until crisp and hot all the way through.
- Serve Toast the buns while the burgers rest for a minute, then fill with lettuce, tomato, a burger and mayonnaise.
Toppings and serving
A toasted bun, crisp lettuce, a slice of tomato and a spoonful of mayonnaise, or Greek yoghurt mixed with lime juice, are all these air fryer bean burgers need. Pickled red onion, sliced avocado or a slice of Cheddar on top work well too. Serve with oven chips or coleslaw. If you would like a lighter, nuttier alternative, try these chickpea burgers.
Common problems and fixes for Air Fryer Bean Burgers
- The burgers fall apart when you turn them.
- Pat the beans dry, mash only about two thirds of them and chill the patties for the full 15 minutes. Turn them with a wide spatula, and only once.
- The outside is dark but the middle is cold.
- Keep the patties no thicker than 2cm and cook at 190°C rather than hotter. If your basket is small, cook in two batches so the air can reach every side.
- The patties stick to the basket.
- Oil the patties and the basket lightly, or line the basket with a perforated air fryer liner. Wait until the crust has formed before you try to turn them.
Frequently asked questions about Air Fryer Bean Burgers
How long do air fryer bean burgers take to cook?
They need 12 minutes at 190°C, turned once halfway, after a 3-minute preheat. If your basket is smaller than about 5 litres, cook two patties at a time and allow 12 minutes per batch.
Can I freeze the patties?
Yes. Freeze the shaped, uncooked patties on a tray, then bag them for up to 3 months. Cook them from frozen at 190°C for about 16 minutes, turning halfway, until hot all the way through.
Can I use kidney beans or chickpeas instead of black beans?
Yes, kidney beans and pinto beans work in the same quantity. Chickpeas make a drier mixture, so you may need a splash of water or a little less breadcrumb.
Can I bake them in the oven?
Yes. Bake the oiled patties on a lined baking tray at 200°C (180°C fan), gas 6, for 20–25 minutes, turning once, until crisp and hot in the middle.
How did you like the recipe?
4.9 / 5 · 72 ratings
