Easy Air Fryer Black Bean Burger Recipe
Bursting with flavor, Air Fryer Black Bean Burgers are delicious! It’s so easy to make and doesn’t fall apart the moment you try to eat it. Ready in less than 30 minutes, it’s perfect for an easy dinner, meal prep a large batch, and freeze half for later!
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Why you’ll love making this Air Fryer Black Bean Burger
- The unique blend of spices like garlic powder, chili powder, and onion powder ensures that each bite of the air fryer black bean burger recipe is loaded with flavor. Plus a touch of vegetarian Worcestershire sauce adds a depth of taste to the black bean burger mixture, you won’t miss traditional burgers!
- Who said tasty can’t be healthy? Deep frying might give you that golden brown crust, but with the air fryer, you can achieve that perfect texture without all the excess oil. Delicious and healthy meals that don’t compromise on taste. Plus, this is a veggie burger we’re talking about! Packed with black beans, it’s a protein-rich option without the meat.
- No need to stand over a hot stove, flipping burgers halfway and worrying about uneven cooking. The air fryer basket makes sure the black bean burgers are cooked evenly, with that amazing crispy exterior. Plus, the use of a food processor or a simple potato masher makes the prep work a breeze.
- Dietary restrictions? No problem! Whether you’re gluten-free, soy-free, or just aiming to consume less meat, these delicious black bean burgers are a healthy alternative to traditional beef burgers and cater to various dietary restrictions. With the right choice of bread crumbs or even opting for lettuce wraps, you can easily adjust the recipe to fit your needs.
Ingredients you’ll need
You’ll need all the ingredients shown in the photograph below.
How to make Air Fryer Black Bean Burgers with step-by-step instructions
A complete printable recipe and the measurements in both US customary and metric are available in the recipe card below.
In a large bowl, combine canned black beans, onion, garlic, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika.
If you’re feeling adventurous, feel free to toss in a little bit of shredded cheese or blue cheese for an extra kick.
Mash the beans using a potato masher or fork, or pulse them in a food processor until you achieve a semi-smooth consistency with some chunks or your own desired consistency.
Use a spatula to fold in the egg, and then add the Panko breadcrumbs. These two ingredients bind everything together.
Once your black bean mixture is ready, form the patties. Form 6 evenly sized patties, shaping them with your hands.
The patties should hold their shape; if you find they are too wet, place the mixture in the fridge for 20 minutes or so to firm up.
Next, press the patties into flat burger-shaped discs. Ensure the patties are not too thick; otherwise, they might not cook evenly in the air fryer. Remember, the goal is a crispy exterior with a perfectly cooked interior.
Next, it’s time to air fry! Brush the air fryer basket with olive oil or spray it with cooking spray. Place the burgers in the basket in a single layer, don’t overcrowd them, and spray lightly with more olive oil.
Air fry at 400 degrees F for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking, until crispy and cooked through.
Once they’re golden brown and crispy, remove them and place them on your favorite burger buns, and top with your favorite toppings, like red onion slices, tomato slices, and sauces.
From oil sprays to muffin cups and from pizza pans to racks, we've got them all, and they make fantastic Christmas presents, too!
Recipe Notes and Expert Tips
- Consistency: When mashing or processing the black beans, aim for a consistency that has some small chunks. This approach not only adds texture to your burgers but is a great way to ensure they don’t turn out too mushy.
- Spice it up or tone it down: The beauty of this black bean burger recipe is its adaptability. If you’re a fan of spicy food, consider adding a dash of cayenne pepper. For those who prefer milder flavors, dial back on the chili powder.
- Breadcrumbs matter: Panko bread crumbs offer a light and airy texture, ensuring your patties aren’t too dense. However, if you’re on a gluten-free diet, there are gluten-free breadcrumb options available that work just as well.
- Cooking multiple batches: If you’re making a larger quantity and need to cook in multiple batches, remember that the air fryer retains heat. Your second batch might cook a tad quicker than the first, so keep an eye out to avoid overcooking. Batch cooking is great to keep in mind for meal prep!
- Cheese: Not only can you melt cheese on top of the burgers in the air fryer, but you can also add shredded cheese into the black bean mixture to add extra tangy flavor! I’d add no more than 1/4 cup. If you want to melt cheese on the patties, add cheese slices at the last minute of cooking in the air fryer. Delicious!
- Vegan: Use an egg substitute to make vegan burgers and a healthy meal for everyone.
- Air fryers: Different brands vary; you may need more or less time than stated, so keep an eye on them.
How to Store Leftover Black Bean Burgers
Before storing these delicious air fryer veggie burgers, make sure they’ve cooled down to room temperature.
Storing hot food can cause condensation, making your perfect black bean burger soggy, and we wouldn’t want that, would we?
Once cooled, transfer your cooked patties into an airtight container. If you’ve run out of containers, wrapping them tightly in aluminum foil or cling film works too.
They can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days if they’re cooked. Uncooked burger patties can be refrigerated for a little longer – up to 4-5 days.
Reheat them for 5 minutes in the air fryer until they are heated through and crispy again.
These burgers also freeze beautifully! Place your uncooked patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure they don’t touch, and freeze them for a couple of hours.
Once they’re frozen solid, transfer them to freezer bags. They can stay fresh for up to 3 months!
When you’re ready to eat, just air fry them directly from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time, and you’ve got a delicious and easy meal.
What to Serve with Black Bean Burgers
Healthy Salads
While your black bean burger is the main star, a refreshing side salad can be the perfect accompaniment. Try our Avocado Salad, Waldorf Salad, or Caprese Salad, and for a healthy indulgence, our Pizza Salad is so tasty!
Irresistible Fries
Burgers and fries are always a match made in heaven. Considering the healthier twist of your black bean sliders, why not continue the trend with sweet potato fries? They’re a delicious and nutritious alternative to traditional fries. If you prefer regular fries, try our Air Fryer Frozen Fries, Peri Peri Fries, or our Loaded Dirty Fries, or for a healthier alternative, zucchini fries in the air fryer.
More Veggie Sides
If you’re in the mood for even more healthy veggies, we have so many tasty options for you! Roasted Sweet Potatoes, Roasted Fingerling Potatoes, Cajun Corn on the Cob, Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli, and Smashed Brussels Sprouts are great with almost any dish!
Flavor-Packed Sauces
From smoky BBQ sauce to tangy lemon aioli sauce or even a spicy sweet chili sauce, the right dip can elevate the flavor of your slider. Don’t be shy; mix and match to find your favorite combo.
Chilled Drinks
Finally, what’s a delicious burger (even a black bean burger) without a chilled beverage on the side? Whether it’s a margarita, passionfruit martini, pineapple mojito mocktail, or sparkling water with a splash of lime, it’s the perfect way to wash down that deliciousness.
More air fryer recipes you will love
- Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls
- Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes
- Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers
- Air Fryer Flatbread Pizza
- Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers
Air Fryer Black Bean Burger
Ingredients
- 3 cups black beans cooked, drained, and rinsed
- ⅓ cup onion grated
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 egg
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Olive oil for brushing
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine black beans, onion, garlic, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika, and roughly mash them using a potato masher or fork until you have your desired consistency. Use a spatula to fold in the egg, and then add the panko breadcrumbs.3 cups black beans, ⅓ cup onion, 2 cloves garlic, 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, ½ teaspoon chili powder, ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 egg, 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Form 6 evenly sized patties, shaping them with your hands. The patties should hold their shape, if you find they are too wet, place the mixture in the fridge to firm up. Press the patties into flat burger-shaped discs.
- Brush the air fryer basket with olive oil. Place the burgers in the basket in a single layer, don't overcrowd them, and spray lightly with more olive oil. Air fry at 400 degrees F for 10 minutes, flipping once halfway through cooking, until crispy and cooked through.Olive oil
- Remove from the air fryer basket and serve between burger buns, sauce, and your favorite fillings.
Notes
- Consistency: When mashing or processing the black beans, aim for a consistency that has some small chunks. This approach not only adds texture to your burgers but also ensures they don’t turn out too mushy.
- Spice it up or tone it down: The beauty of this black bean burger recipe is its adaptability. If you’re a fan of spicy food, consider adding a dash of cayenne pepper. For those who prefer milder flavors, dial back on the chili powder.
- Breadcrumbs matter: Panko bread crumbs offer a light and airy texture, ensuring your patties aren’t too dense. However, if you’re on a gluten-free diet, there are gluten-free breadcrumb options available that work just as well.
- Cheese: Not only can you melt cheese on top of the burgers in the air fryer, but you can also add shredded cheese into the black bean mixture to add extra tangy flavor! I’d add no more than 1/4 cup. If you want to melt cheese on the patties, add cheese slices at the last minute of cooking in the air fryer. Delicious!
- Cooking multiple batches: If you’re making a larger quantity and need to cook in multiple batches, remember that the air fryer retains heat. Your second batch might cook a tad quicker than the first, so keep an eye out to avoid overcooking. Batch cooking is great to keep in mind for meal prep!
- Storage Instructions: Store cooked burgers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Uncooked burgers can be stored in the same way for up to 4-5 days.
- Freezing: This recipe is perfect for freezing! Place your uncooked patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure they don’t touch, and freeze them for a couple of hours. Once they’re frozen solid, transfer them to freezer bags. They can stay fresh for up to 3 months! When you’re ready to eat, just air fry them directly from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
Disclaimer
Please note that nutrient values are estimates only. Variations can occur due to product availability and manner of food preparation. Nutrition may vary based on methods of origin, preparation, freshness of ingredients, and other factors.
Made a double batch, was easy and yummy. Put the remainder in the freezer for my vegetarian son and I’m going to ditch my habit of buying store bought ones which are definitely inferior in so many ways!! THanks
I love the blend of spices and the texture of these burger patties. We find they’re great for meal prep, too!
That’s wonderful! I’m so happy that you love the burger patties. I agree, they are great for meal prep and easy to reheat.
Simple to make, sturdy, and ready in under 30 minutes. Ideal for a quick dinner or meal prep with freezer-friendly convenience.Delicious too!
I’m so glad you liked the recipe. It is simple, sturdy, and quick to make. I love that it is freezer-friendly and convenient for busy days. Thank you for your wonderful comment.
Finally found a black bean burger recipe that doesn’t fall apart! The air fryer gave it such a nice crisp while keeping the inside tender. Double thumbs up for this one!
That’s great! I’m so happy that you found the black bean burger recipe that works for you. The air fryer is a great way to make them crispy and tender.
I love how well these burgers hold together! I’ve had so many fall apart but these comes out substantial and delicious.
Thank you for making my recipe and sharing your experience. I’m glad that you love the burgers.