This vegan bean burger recipe is SO easy and flexible! You need just four basic ingredients – three of which are super flexible and can use whatever you have on hand. There’s also instructions to make these bean burgers in the oven, in the air fryer, in a skillet, or as mini bean burger sliders!

a veggie burger with cheese, lettuce, and ketchup on a toasted bread on marble.

Why These are the BEST Veggie Burgers

They’re super versatile to use whatever kinds of beans are in your pantry – chickpeas, kidney beans, pinto beans, black beans, it all works!
You can use whatever veggies you have on hand or enjoy. Our personal favorites include mushrooms, kale, bell peppers, caramelized onions, and broccoli.
They’re delicious – and again, you can customize the flavors to your preference! A little sauce is added for both texture and flavor, and you can use anything you prefer, from ketchup to pesto to a plant-based salad dressing to even curry paste!
They’re very affordable.
You can make them a few different ways!

What You Need

Ingredients

beans
cooked vegetables
milled flax seed
sauce of choice (i.e. barbecue, ketchup, pesto, etc.)

Equipment

It’s flexible! Use whatever cooking method you have or prefer: a skillet, an oven, or an air fryer. A food processor or small food chopper will come in handy for mixing up your burger mixture, too!

How to Make Vegan Bean Burgers

collage depicting steps to making veggie burgers: food processor, stir in whole beans, form into patties, cook and enjoy.

Combine half the rinsed and drained beans with cooked vegetables, sauce, and flax seed in a food proccessor and pulse until evenly combined.
Stir in remaining half of beans – this will add more texture!
Form mixture into four patties.

To Make in a Skillet:

Lightly spray a skillet with nonstick spray or add a small drizzle of oil to the skillet over medium-high heat. Cook each side 3-4 minutes, until there is a crisp sear on the outside. This method is best if you want a crisp exterior and softer interior.

To Make in an Oven:

Preheat oven to 400° and line a baking sheet with parchment or a silicone baking mat. Place patties on mat and cook for 10 minutes, flip patties, and bake another 10 minutes.

To Make in an Air Fryer:

If your air fryer preheats, preheat it to 385°. Lightly spray both sides of the burger patty with nonstick spray or brush with oil. Place in the air fryer for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through. This option is best for a firmer, overall more crisp bean burger.

To Make as Burger Bites/ Mini Sliders:

Form each patty into smaller patties. You can keep them in a mini burger shape or in whatever shape you prefer. Preheat oven to 400°F and place small burger bites on baking sheet lined with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper. Bake for 10-15 minutes, depending on size of bites (you’ll want them to be slightly crisp on the outside and slightly firm).

Bonus Tips to Help Your Burgers Turn Out Great

Be sure to rinse and drain canned beans very well – you don’t want any excess moisture or your burgers may be too soft.
If you’re using a thinner sauce, stick with just 1 tablespoon, whereas you could add up to 2 tablespoons of something thicker (like tomato paste).
If you’re using a sauce that doesn’t have as much flavor diversity (like tomato sauce), season with other ingredients as desired.
If your cooked vegetables are very “wet”, try draining them or even gently squeezing them through a dry kitchen towel (or something like a nutmilk bag).
For a softer burger interior, go with the skillet method.
For a crispier burger, go with the air fryer.

half a veggie bean burger showing the inside texture.

Are they healthy?

As a dietitian, I think foods like beans, vegetables, and flax seed are all incredibly nutrient-dense. They all are high in fiber, which is good for gut health and fullness, as well as vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. I would definitely consider these a healthy, convenient dinner!

Know, too, that “healthy” is subjective. The foods that help one maintain their health may or may not work for you – and that’s okay! Honor the body you have. As a registered dietitian nutritionist, I suggest eating a variety of nourishing foods that help you feel good and achieve or maintain your health, balanced with the foods you love. Remember – an election isn’t won with every vote, but the majority. Your health is the same way – the overall dietary pattern is what matters most.

Related Recipes

You may also be interested in this post: How to Eat a Balanced Vegetarian Diet.

Did you make this recipe? Please give a rating and review below! For more balanced nutrition and no fuss, balanced recipes, be sure to follow me on Instagram!