Crispy Air Fryer Veggie Burgers

Ingredients

• Black beans (1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed)
• Cooked quinoa (1 cup)
• Zucchini (1 medium, grated)
• Carrot (1 medium, grated)
• Red bell pepper (1, finely chopped)
• Onion (1 small, finely chopped)
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced)
• Breadcrumbs (1/2 cup)
• Egg (1, beaten)
• Cumin (1 teaspoon)
• Paprika (1 teaspoon)
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon)
• Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon)
• Whole wheat burger buns (4)
• Lettuce (4 leaves)
• Tomato (1, sliced)
• Avocado (1, sliced)
• Sauce of your choice (to taste)
• Yogurt dressing (optional) ()
• Plain yogurt (1/2 cup)
• Lemon juice (1 tablespoon)
• Salt (to taste)
• Black pepper (to taste)

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mash the black beans with a fork or potato masher until mostly smooth but still slightly chunky.
2. Add the cooked quinoa, grated zucchini, grated carrot, chopped red bell pepper, chopped onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the bowl. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
3. Form the mixture into 4 patties, each about 1/2 inch thick, ensuring they hold together well.
4. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
5. Place the veggie burger patties in the air fryer basket, ensuring there is space between each patty for even cooking.
6. Cook the veggie burgers in the air fryer for 10 minutes, then carefully flip them over and cook for an additional 10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
7. While the veggie burgers are cooking, toast the whole wheat burger buns if desired.
8. Assemble the burgers by placing a veggie burger patty on the bottom half of each bun. Top with a lettuce leaf, a slice of tomato, and avocado. Add your choice of sauce.
9. For the optional yogurt dressing, mix together the plain yogurt, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl and drizzle on top of the assembled burger if desired.
10. Serve the air fryer veggie burgers immediately with a side of sweet potato fries or a fresh salad.