Vegetarian dehulled bean burgers in the air fryer are a simple, genuine, and tasty recipe, perfect as a light alternative to meat burgers. Made with few ingredients – boiled beans, eggs, parmesan, breadcrumbs, parsley, and a drizzle of oil – and cooked in an air fryer, they are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, without the need to fry in plenty of oil.
These burgers are an excellent solution for presenting a healthy and nutritious second course, ideal not only for those following a vegetarian diet but also for those who wish to vary their diet with legume-based recipes. The air fryer allows for perfect browning and inviting crispiness with very little oil, making the burgers lighter and more digestible.
Another great advantage of this recipe is the use of dehulled borlotti beans. Compared to traditional whole beans, dehulled ones are skinless, making them more digestible, even for those with intestinal issues, and a valuable source of plant proteins, fibers, B vitamins, and minerals like iron, magnesium, and potassium.
Perfect for creamy preparations, such as purees and burgers, thanks to the soft consistency they achieve after cooking.
👉 It is important to remember that not all dehulled beans behave the same way: those used in this recipe require soaking for about 8 hours before cooking, to soften and cook evenly. There are also varieties of dehulled beans on the market that do not require soaking: always check the instructions on the package for the correct method.
Perfect to serve accompanied by a fresh salad, grilled seasonal vegetables or even in a soft bun for a “burger night” vegetarian version.
- Difficulty: Very Easy
- Cost: Economical
- Preparation time: 10 Minutes
- Portions: 4 burgers
- Cooking methods: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: All Seasons
Ingredients for Vegetarian Dehulled Bean Burgers in Air Fryer:
- 250 boiled dehulled borlotti beans
- 1 medium egg (at room temperature)
- 3 tablespoons breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon grated parmesan
- to taste chopped parsley
- to taste fine salt
- to taste ground black pepper
- to taste breadcrumbs
- to taste extra virgin olive oil
Tools for Vegetarian Dehulled Bean Burgers in Air Fryer:
- 1 Air Fryer
- 1 Bowl
- 1 Fork
- 1 Spoon
- 1 Plate
Steps for Preparing and Cooking Vegetarian Dehulled Bean Burgers in Air Fryer:
For the preparation of the burgers, it is important to cook the dehulled beans correctly. Soak 100 g of dry beans in cold water for about 8 hours, then drain and rinse them thoroughly under running water. Next, transfer them to a saucepan, cover them with water up to three fingers above their level and bring everything to the stove over medium-low heat. When the water begins to boil, lower the heat and continue with gentle cooking for about 30-35 minutes, until the beans are soft. Once ready, drain them and let them cool before using them in the burger dough. Remember that soaking and cooking times can vary slightly depending on the brand and variety of dehulled beans: for optimal results, always read the instructions on the package.
After cooking, you will notice that the beans will not remain completely intact: some will retain their shape, while others will tend to break apart and become almost creamy. This is normal and is precisely what makes them perfect for preparing compact burgers with a soft consistency.
Place the cooked beans in a large bowl and mash them well with a fork, add the egg, parmesan, breadcrumbs, chopped parsley (to taste based on your preferences), salt, and pepper, and mix well to obtain a homogeneous and firm mixture. If it still seems too soft, add more breadcrumbs.
If you like, you can add spices to your liking.
Divide the mixture obtained into 4 parts and shape 4 burgers about 3 inches in diameter and about 3/4 inch thick.
Coat the burgers in breadcrumbs.
Preheat the air fryer to 356°F (180°C), when it is hot place the 4 burgers either on a sheet of perforated parchment paper or directly on the grill, add a few puffs of extra virgin olive oil and cook for 15 minutes turning them halfway through cooking.
Once cooked, serve immediately.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Better borlotti or cannellini for burgers?
It depends on taste: borlotti are more flavorful and rustic, cannellini are more delicate and creamy.
Do dehulled beans always need soaking?
Not always. Some varieties do (like the borlotti I used, with 8 hours of soaking), others don’t. Always check the label.
Can I cook them in a traditional oven?
Yes, at 356°F (180°C) for 20-25 minutes, turning them halfway through cooking.
Can I cook them in a pan?
Yes! Pour a drizzle of oil in a non-stick pan, heat it well, and cook the burgers for 4-5 minutes per side over medium heat. Cover with a lid for even cooking and to keep them soft inside.
How long do bean burgers keep?
In the fridge for 2 days in an airtight container, or in the freezer for up to 1 month (raw or already cooked).
