This Air Fryer Beyond Burger is easy to prepare and ready in just 10 minutes! It's tender, smoky, and full of flavor in every bite. Vegan and gluten-free!
If you've been looking for delicious vegetarian burgers that taste like the real thing, look no further than this air fryer beyond burger!
It's truly mind-blowing how plant-based foods can be made to taste so similar to meat. Even the biggest meat-lover won't realize that it's vegan!
Perfect for serving with homemade Five Guys cajun fries, burger buns, and fresh veggies.
For more Beyond meat recipes, check out my Beyond Meat Chili and Beyond Meat Vegan Bolognese.
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What is beyond burger?
The Beyond Burger is a plant-based meat that is made to look, taste and cook like traditional beef burgers. It has a similar texture, and even smell, to a regular patty, but is made entirely from plants.
The main ingredients are pea protein, potato starch, and vegetable oils such as canola oil and coconut oil.
It's also gluten-free, soy-free, and high in protein with around 20gr of protein per patty.
Ingredients and Notes
- Beyond patties: Nowadays, you can find them at most big grocery stores. For best results, thaw them before cooking.
- Seasoning: Salt and black pepper.
- Burger ingredients: Buns, vegan mayo, cheddar slices, lettuce, tomatoes, and red onion. Or whatever you want to put in your burger.
How to Make Air Fryer Beyond Burger
Preheat your air fryer to 350ºF (180ºC). Season the patties with salt and black pepper on both sides, and rub gently.
Using a spatula, transfer them to the air fryer's basket. Cook for 8 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until golden brown.
Serve it either as a protein side or make burgers with it!
Expert Tips
- Beyond burgers and other Beyond meat products are sold frozen, so make sure to thaw the patties before cooking.
- Pay attention to smoke. If you see smoke coming out of your air fryer, open the basket and let it escape. In that case, it's best to place your air fryer below or near your kitchen hood.
- Season the patties. When testing, I found that they need a bit of salt and pepper, so don't skip on the seasoning.
- No need to spray with cooking spray or oil. The patties have enough fat in them so that they won't stick. Your air fryer basket will get pretty greasy.
- Adjust the cooking time if needed. Every air fryer is different, so make sure to check on the burgers after 10 minutes or so.
- If you want to add cheese, add a thin slice to the burger and press it down so that it sticks to the patty. This keeps the cheese from flying off the patty during air frying. Then, cook for 1-2 minutes, or until melty.
- Serve it right away. This beyond burger is best enjoyed warm and fresh.
FAQs
It's best to cook the patties after they've completely thawed, but if you forgot, you could cook them frozen. Follow the instruction in the recipe card below, and make sure to double the time. Instead of 4 minutes per side, the burgers will need 8-9 minutes.
Yes! The best way do to that is to transfer the patties to a plate either use the defrost setting or microwave for 30-second intervals on a low setting, flipping the patties halfway through. You know they're defrosted when you press the middle of the patties and there is no ice.
Be sure not to overcook them, because this will change the texture! After defrosting in the microwave, Beyond burgers should be cooked within an hour or two to prevent bacteria from spreading.
Beyond burger is done when it's golden brown on the outside and pink on the inside. The internal temperature should reach 165 degrees F (74 C). You can measure it by using a meat thermometer.
Yes. Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees F (180 C). Add the patties and cook for 1 minute on each side, or until the inner temperature has reached 165 degrees F (74 C).
Yes! This recipe will work with any "meat-like" plant-based burgers. The only thing to keep in mind is that cooking time may vary.
Yes! Air fryers have a heating element at the top and a mechanical fan that helps circulate the hot air around your food. If parchment paper touches the heating element it will burn.
Topping Ideas
The best part about this recipe is that you can add your favorite toppings.
- Sauces: Mayo, BBQ sauce, ketchup, mustard, buffalo sauce, etc. For a healthier twist, dollop my no-cilantro guacamole.
- Veggies: Tomato slices, red onion, mushrooms, etc.
- Greens: Lettuce, spinach, kale, arugula, etc.
- Cheese: You can put any cheese you like including vegan cheese, cheddar slices, smoked gouda, mozzarella, etc.
- Pickles or pickled vegetables: I love adding something pickles to my burger for tang and a pop of flavor.
How to Serve Air Fryer Beyond Burgers
For a complete meal, serve these vegan burgers with homemade cajun fries (Five Guys copycat), air fryer smashed potatoes, or potato salad without eggs.
They're also great served alongside sweet potato beet salad, Meditteranean orzo salad, or salad kabobs.
And for even more air fryer side dishes, check out my 20 Best Air Fryer Side Dishes.
Storage
- Fridge: While it's best to serve the patties right away if you have any leftovers let them cool to room temperature then transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for 2-3 days.
- Freezer: This recipe is not freezer-friendly. Once you cook your beyond burger in the air fryer, it's not safe to freeze it.
More Air Fryer Recipes
📖 Recipe
Air Fryer Beyond Burger Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 package (2 patties) Beyond Burger, thawed
- A pinch of salt
- A pinch of black pepper
For assembling the burger (optional)
- 2 burger buns, we use brioche (gluten-free if needed)
- 4-5 tablespoon vegan or regular mayo
- 2 cheddar slices (vegan if needed, we like Chao)
- 3-4 lettuce leaves
- 1 small tomato, sliced
- 1 small red onion, sliced
Instructions
Cook the patties
- Preheat your air fryer to 350ºF (180ºC).
- Season the patties with salt and black pepper on both sides, rubbing gently.
- Using a spatula, transfer them to the basket of your air fryer. Air fry for 8-9 minutes, flipping halfway through. You know they're ready when the inner temperature has reached 165 degrees F (74 C). The patties should be golden brown on the outside and pink on the outside.
Assemble the burger
- Cut your brioche buns in the middle. Spread mayo on the inner side of the top and bottom halves.
- Layer lettuce, one beyond patty, cheddar, tomato slices, and red onion. Repeat with the second burger. Serve!
Notes
- Pay attention to smoke. If you see smoke coming out of your air fryer, open the basket and let it escape. In that case, it's best to place your air fryer below or near your kitchen hood.
- No need to spray with cooking spray or oil. The patties have enough fat in them so that they won't stick. Your air fryer basket will get pretty greasy.
- Adjust the cooking time if needed. Every air fryer is different, so make sure to check on the burgers after 10 minutes or so.
- If you want to add cheese, add a thin slice to the burger and press it down so that it sticks to the patty. This keeps the cheese from flying off the patty during air frying. Then, cook for 1-2 minutes, or until melty.
- Serve it right away. This beyond burger is best enjoyed warm and fresh.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is a rough estimate calculated with third-party calculations without including the optional ingredients.
Sheila says
I used the air fryer and cooked exactly as you directed. Checked the burger with a digital thermometer and it was perfect! I bought the Beyond Burgers on sale at Costco. I'm not Vegan but am open to trying plant based products. I put Swiss cheese on mine, pickle and mayo. It was really good and the texture was good too. Thanks for sharing this air fryer recipe!
Petranka says
So glad you liked the recipe, Sheila! Thank you for the great review!
Sami says
I have been wanting to make a good vegan burger for a few weeks now and this was so delicious!
Petranka says
I am so happy to hear, Sami! Thanks for sharing!