Air Fryer Black Bean Burgers

How to Make Air Fryer Black Bean Burgers

1. 1

   Step 1: Make flax egg and mash beans

   Stir the ground flaxseed into the warm water and let sit 3–5 minutes until thickened. In a large bowl, coarsely mash the drained black beans with a fork or potato masher, leaving some texture, then mix in the chopped red onion, minced garlic, and the spice mix until combined.

   For this step

   • 1 1/2 cupsCooked black beans, drained and rinsed
   • 1 tbspGround flaxseed
   • 3 tbspWarm water (for flax “egg”)
   • 1/2 cupRed onion, finely chopped
   • 2 clovesGarlic, minced (about 2 cloves)
   • 2 tspSpice mix (ground cumin, smoked paprika, kosher salt, black pepper)
   
2. 2

   Step 2: Bind and shape the patties

   Add the thickened flax mixture to the mashed beans and mix well. Fold in the panko breadcrumbs, then form the mixture into four even patties (about 3/4-inch thick); if mixture is too wet, add a tablespoon more panko and chill 5 minutes to firm up.

   For this step

   • 1/2 cupPanko breadcrumbs
   
3. 3

   Step 3: Air-fry the patties

   Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray or brush both sides of the patties with olive oil and place them in a single layer in the basket (work in batches if needed). Air-fry for 6 minutes, then flip and air-fry another 4–6 minutes until golden and crisp at the edges.

   For this step

   • 1 tbspOlive oil (for spraying or brushing)
   
4. 4

   Step 4: Toast buns and serve

   During the last 2 minutes of cooking, place buns cut-side up in the air fryer and toast until lightly browned. Assemble burgers with your favorite toppings (lettuce, tomato, avocado, ketchup or yogurt sauce) and serve immediately.

   For this step

   • 4 countWhole wheat burger buns
   

1. Stir the ground flaxseed into the warm water and let sit 3–5 minutes until thickened. In a large bowl, coarsely mash the drained black beans with a fork or potato masher, leaving some texture, then mix in the chopped red onion, minced garlic, and the spice mix until combined.
2. Add the thickened flax mixture to the mashed beans and mix well. Fold in the panko breadcrumbs, then form the mixture into four even patties (about 3/4-inch thick); if mixture is too wet, add a tablespoon more panko and chill 5 minutes to firm up.
3. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray or brush both sides of the patties with olive oil and place them in a single layer in the basket (work in batches if needed). Air-fry for 6 minutes, then flip and air-fry another 4–6 minutes until golden and crisp at the edges.
4. During the last 2 minutes of cooking, place buns cut-side up in the air fryer and toast until lightly browned. Assemble burgers with your favorite toppings (lettuce, tomato, avocado, ketchup or yogurt sauce) and serve immediately.