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Air fryer cherry veggie burger with a hearty vegetable patty, melted cheese, fresh lettuce, tomato slices, and a sweet cherry topping on a toasted whole grain bun.
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Air Fryer Cherry Veggie Burgers - Sweet, Savory, and Weeknight-Friendly

Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time12 minutes
Total Time27 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa (or brown rice)
  • 1/2 cup rolled oats (old-fashioned, not instant)
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped dried cherries (unsweetened preferred)
  • 1/2 small red onion, finely minced
  • 1 small carrot, grated
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large egg (or 1 flax egg for vegan: 1 tbsp ground flax + 2.5 tbsp water)
  • 2 tbsp almond butter (or peanut butter or tahini)
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1–2 tsp olive oil (for brushing)
  • Buns and toppings: lettuce, tomato, red onion, avocado, pickles, and your favorite sauce

Instructions

  • Set up the flax egg (if using): Stir ground flax with water and let it thicken for 5–10 minutes.
  • Mash the beans: In a large bowl, mash black beans with a fork until mostly smooth with some texture. Don’t puree completely—small pieces help with structure.
  • Add aromatics and mix-ins: Stir in quinoa, oats, chopped dried cherries, onion, grated carrot, and garlic.
  • Season and bind: Add egg (or flax egg), almond butter, soy sauce, smoked paprika, cumin, pepper, and salt. Mix until evenly combined. The mixture should be moist but hold together when pressed.
  • Rest the mixture: Let it sit for 5–10 minutes so the oats hydrate. If it still feels too loose, add 1–2 tablespoons more oats.
  • Form patties: Divide into 4–6 patties, about 1/2-inch thick. Press edges to smooth any cracks. Brush or spray both sides lightly with olive oil.
  • Preheat the air fryer: 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes. This helps the patties crisp right away.
  • Cook the first side: Place patties in a single layer in the basket (work in batches if needed). Air fry for 7–8 minutes.
  • Flip and finish: Carefully flip and cook 5–6 minutes more, until the outside is browned and firm and the center is heated through. Total time is about 12–14 minutes per batch.
  • Toast buns and assemble: Toast buns in the air fryer for 1–2 minutes. Add your favorite toppings and sauce. Serve hot.