Air Fryer Frozen Black Bean Burgers – Healthy Plant-Based Meal

If you’re looking for a quick and healthy meal, these air fryer frozen black bean burgers are the perfect solution! No need to thaw — just pop them straight from the freezer into your air fryer and enjoy perfectly crispy, flavorful burgers in minutes. Whether you serve them in a bun, topped with cheese, or as a protein-packed patty on a salad, these black bean burgers are an easy go-to for busy weeknights or meatless meals.

Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Frozen Black Bean Burgers

• Quick and effortless meal option: These black bean burgers go straight from freezer to air fryer with no defrosting needed. In just 8 minutes, you’ll have a hot, delicious meal ready to serve. Perfect for busy nights when you want something fast but still satisfying. You’ll love how easy it is to whip up a healthy burger without any prep work!

• Crispy outside and tender inside: Cooking these burgers in the air fryer gives them a perfect crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist and flavorful. No more soggy or mushy veggie burgers! The texture is spot-on, making every bite enjoyable. Whether you enjoy them plain or dressed up with toppings, they come out perfectly every time.

• Versatile for different meals: These black bean burgers are delicious in a bun with your favorite toppings, but that’s not the only way to enjoy them. Add a slice of cheese for a melty cheeseburger, or serve them without bread for a low-carb, high-protein meal. You can also slice them and use them as a salad topper or inside wraps. The options are endless, so you can customize them to your liking!

• Healthy and filling: Packed with plant-based protein and fiber, black bean burgers are a nutritious choice for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. They make a hearty meal that will keep you full and satisfied. Plus, cooking them in the air fryer means less oil and fewer calories compared to pan-frying. It’s a wholesome option you can feel good about eating.

• Perfect every time with minimal effort: With the air fryer, there’s no need to babysit these burgers—just set the time and temperature, and let the air fryer do all the work. They come out evenly cooked and delicious without flipping or guessing. Even if you’ve never cooked a frozen burger before, this method makes it foolproof. You’ll get restaurant-quality results right in your own kitchen!

Ingredients For Air Fryer Frozen Black Bean Burgers

• Frozen black bean burgers – Any brand of frozen black bean burgers will work perfectly. You can cook them straight from frozen with no defrosting needed.

For the exact measurements of the ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Air Fryer Frozen Black Bean Burgers

• Air fryer – Essential for cooking the burgers quickly and evenly without any oil.
• Instant-read thermometer (optional) – Great for checking that the internal temperature reaches 165°F to ensure they are fully cooked.
• Tongs – Helpful for removing the hot burgers from the air fryer safely.

How To Make Air Fryer Frozen Black Bean Burgers

• Place the frozen black bean burgers in a single layer inside the air fryer basket.
• Set the air fryer to 400°F and cook the burgers for 8 minutes.
• Once cooking is done, check that the burgers are fully heated through. You can use a thermometer to make sure they reach at least 165°F inside.
• If they need more time, put them back in the air fryer for an additional 2-3 minutes until done.
• Remove from the air fryer and serve however you like—on a bun, with toppings, or as-is for a low-carb option.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve on a toasted bun with lettuce, tomato, fried onion, and your favorite sauces like mayo, mustard, or ketchup.
• Enjoy the burger as a patty without a bun, alongside a fresh tomato mozzarella caprese salad or steamed carrots.
• Slice the cooked burger and add it to a bowl of green salad, avocado, and a light vinaigrette for a healthy meal.
• Place the burger inside homemade flour tortillas or flatbread wrap with your favorite veggies like white cucumber and homemade tzatziki sauce for a quick wrap.
• Eat the burger on its own for a quick snack or easy protein addition to any meal.

Tips For Success

• Cook in a single layer: Always place the burgers in a single layer inside the air fryer basket to make sure they cook evenly and get crispy on the outside. Avoid stacking or overlapping the burgers.
• Check internal temperature: Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the burgers reach at least 165°F in the center. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut one in half to check that it’s hot and steaming inside.
• Adjust time based on burger size: Different brands of black bean burgers vary in size and thickness. If your patties are larger, they may need 1-3 extra minutes to cook fully—just check and adjust as needed.
• No need to preheat the air fryer: You can place the frozen burgers directly into the air fryer basket and start cooking right away—no preheating required, which saves time.
• Easy way to add cheese: To make a cheeseburger, place a slice of cheese on top of the cooked burger, close the air fryer, and let it sit for 1 minute to melt from residual heat—no extra cooking time needed.
• Customize how you serve them: Enjoy the burgers on a bun, on top of a salad, or as a plain patty with a side dish. You can get creative with toppings like avocado, salsa, or even a fried egg!

Variations And Substitutions

• Use any brand of black bean burgers: You can use any frozen black bean burger brand you like—Chipotle, spicy, or original flavor. The cooking method stays the same. If the patties are larger or thicker, just add a couple more minutes to the cook time.

• Make it a cheeseburger: If you want to turn your black bean burger into a cheeseburger, simply add a slice of your favorite cheese after cooking. Close the air fryer and let the cheese melt using the heat left in the basket—no need to turn the air fryer back on. You can use cheddar, pepper jack, or even dairy-free cheese for a vegan option.

• Add a spicy twist: To give your burger a little kick, top it with spicy salsa, hot sauce, or jalapeños. You can also use a spicy black bean burger variety if you prefer extra heat built right in.

• Make it low-carb: Skip the bun and enjoy the burger on a bed of lettuce, in a salad, or on top of sautéed veggies. This is a great option if you’re watching your carbs but still want a filling and flavorful meal.

• Serve it in a wrap: Instead of a traditional burger, slice the cooked patty and add it to a tortilla or low-carb wrap. Add your favorite veggies and a drizzle of sauce or dressing to make it a complete meal.

• Vegan and vegetarian friendly: Most black bean burgers are vegetarian, and many are vegan too—just check the package. If you want to keep the meal vegan, skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.

• Add toppings to customize: Take your black bean burger to the next level with toppings like avocado, pickles, lettuce, tomato, onions, or your favorite sauces. You can make it as simple or as loaded as you want.

• Pair with your favorite sides: These burgers go well with air fryer fries, sweet potato fries, salad, or even roasted vegetables. You can create a full meal with just a few extra ingredients.

• Different cooking times for different patties: If you’re using a different brand or homemade frozen black bean burgers, the cooking time may vary slightly. Start with 8 minutes, then check and add a few minutes as needed to reach the right temperature and texture.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerator storage: If you have leftover cooked black bean burgers, let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days.

• Freezer storage: You can also freeze the cooked burgers for longer storage. Wrap each burger in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months.

• Reheating in the air fryer: To reheat from the fridge, place the burger in the air fryer and cook at 350°F for about 3-4 minutes, or until heated through. If reheating from frozen, air fry at 350°F for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through if needed.

• Microwave option: You can also reheat the burgers in the microwave if you’re in a hurry. Microwave on a microwave-safe plate for about 1-2 minutes, checking to make sure they’re heated evenly.

• Stovetop reheating: Another option is to reheat the burgers on a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side, until warmed through. This method helps keep the outside crispy.

• Avoid overcooking: No matter which method you use, keep an eye on them to avoid drying them out. You want them to stay moist and flavorful inside.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cook more than two black bean burgers at a time in the air fryer?

Yes, you can cook more than two black bean burgers at once, as long as they fit in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure the burgers are not overlapping, so the hot air can circulate properly and cook them evenly. If you need to cook a large batch, you can do them in multiple rounds to keep them crispy and evenly cooked.

Do I need to defrost frozen black bean burgers before air frying?

No, there is no need to defrost frozen black bean burgers before cooking them in the air fryer. One of the best things about this method is that you can cook them straight from frozen. This makes it super convenient and fast when you need a meal in a hurry. Just place them in the air fryer basket, set the time and temperature, and let the air fryer do the work!

How do I know when the black bean burgers are done?

The black bean burgers are done when they are heated all the way through and reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F. You can use an instant-read thermometer to check this, or cut one patty in half to make sure it is steaming hot inside. They should also look nicely browned and slightly crispy on the outside.

Can I make these black bean burgers into cheeseburgers?

Absolutely! After the burgers are done cooking, simply place a slice of cheese on top of each patty while they’re still in the air fryer basket. Close the air fryer and let them sit for about one minute. The leftover heat inside will melt the cheese perfectly—no need to turn the air fryer back on. You can use regular cheese or a dairy-free version to keep it vegan.

What should I do if the burgers are still cold in the middle?

If the burgers are still cold inside after the initial cook time, just return them to the air fryer and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes at 400°F. Some brands of black bean burgers are thicker and may need a little more time. Always check for doneness and adjust the time as needed to ensure they’re hot and ready to eat.

Are black bean burgers healthy?

Yes, black bean burgers are a healthy option, especially if you’re looking for a plant-based meal. They are typically high in fiber and protein while being lower in fat compared to beef burgers. Cooking them in the air fryer also means you don’t need to add extra oil, keeping them lighter and healthier. You can enjoy them as part of a balanced meal with whole grains and veggies for added nutrition.

Can I cook homemade black bean burgers in the air fryer using the same method?

If your homemade black bean burgers are frozen, you can cook them similarly, but the timing may vary depending on their thickness and ingredients. Start with the same temperature of 400°F and cook for about 8 minutes, then check and adjust as needed. If they’re freshly made (not frozen), they might cook a little faster, so start checking them around the 6-minute mark.

What are the best toppings for black bean burgers?

You can get creative with toppings for black bean burgers! Classic burger toppings like lettuce, tomato, pickles, and onions work great. You can also add avocado, salsa, spicy mayo, or a slice of cheese. For a fun twist, try adding coleslaw or a fried egg on top! The possibilities are endless and can match your personal taste.

Other Easy Black Bean Recipes

Easy Black Bean Corn Dip Recipe – This flavorful black bean and corn dip comes together in minutes and makes the perfect party appetizer or quick snack.

Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers With Black Beans – These colorful bell peppers are filled with hearty quinoa and black beans for a healthy, satisfying vegetarian meal.

No Soak Instant Pot Black Beans Recipe – Cook tender and delicious black beans in the Instant Pot without soaking, perfect for meal prep or adding to your favorite dishes.

Cheesy Black Bean Enchiladas – These easy black bean enchiladas are loaded with cheese and smothered in enchilada sauce for the ultimate vegetarian comfort food.

Homemade Black Bean Cheeseburger Recipe – Juicy and flavorful, this homemade black bean cheeseburger is a delicious vegetarian twist on a classic favorite.

Other Easy Burger Recipes

Air Fryer Bubba Burgers From Frozen – Make perfectly juicy and crispy Bubba burgers straight from frozen in the air fryer—ready in minutes with no mess!

Air Fryer Frozen Salmon Patties – These air fryer frozen salmon patties cook up crispy on the outside and tender inside for a quick and healthy dinner option.

More Air Fryer Recipes

• Crispy Air Fryer Tater Tots
• Air Fryer Beyond Steak Bites
• Air Fryer Crescent Roll Cream Cheese Danishes