Air Fryer Tofu & Veggie Burgers

Ingredients

• 200 grams Extra firm tofu (Drained and rinsed, not pressed)
• 4 cups Broccoli florets (Rinsed and dried)
• 2 cups Mini sweet peppers (Washed and halved)
• 4 cups Spinach (Triple-washed or washed thoroughly)
• 1 medium Onion (Diced)
• 1 teaspoon Olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Pink Himalayan salt (Or to taste)
• 1 teaspoon Crushed black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon Italian seasoning (Dried blend (thyme, rosemary, oregano))
• 1 teaspoon Crushed red pepper
• 1 cup Gram flour (besan) (For binding)

Instructions

1. Prepare Tofu

   Open the tofu packet, drain the water, and rinse the tofu. Set aside. No pressing required.

   Time: PT2M

2. Prep Vegetables

   Rinse and dry 4 cups of broccoli florets. Wash and halve 2 cups of mini sweet peppers. Check spinach (4 cups) for any debris even if labeled 'triple washed.' Dice 1 medium onion.

   Time: PT8M

3. Roast Vegetables in Air Fryer

   Add broccoli, sweet peppers, spinach, and diced onion to the air fryer basket. Air fry at 390°F for 8 minutes until veggies are wilted and slightly roasted but not mushy.

   Time: PT8M

   Temperature: 390°F

4. Pulse Roasted Veggies

   Transfer roasted veggies to a food processor. Pulse 3-4 times (or run for 3-4 seconds) until crumbly. Do not over-process.

   Time: PT2M

5. Mix Seasonings

   Transfer pulsed veggies to a mixing bowl. Add 1 teaspoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste), 1 teaspoon crushed black pepper, 0.5 teaspoon Italian seasoning, and 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper. Mix well.

   Time: PT2M

6. Crumble and Add Tofu

   Crumble the drained tofu directly into the mixing bowl using your hands. Mix thoroughly with the veggies and seasonings.

   Time: PT2M

7. Add Gram Flour and Bind

   Add 1 cup gram flour (besan) to the mixture. Use your hands to combine thoroughly. Test if the mixture binds by forming a ball; if too wet, add a little more flour.

   Time: PT2M

8. Shape Burgers

   Take a large portion of the mixture, roll into a ball, and flatten to form a burger patty. Repeat with remaining mixture. Place patties on a plate or tray.

   Time: PT4M

9. First Air Fry

   Place patties in the air fryer basket without crowding. Air fry at 385°F for 10 minutes.

   Time: PT10M

   Temperature: 385°F

10. Flip and Second Air Fry

    After 10 minutes, flip each patty. Air fry again at 385°F for 8 minutes.

    Time: PT8M

    Temperature: 385°F

11. Serve

    Serve hot as is, or in a sandwich. Optionally, top with sriracha or your favorite sauce.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

180

Protein

11g

Carbohydrates

23g

Fat

5g

Fiber

6g

Ingredient Substitutions

• Instead of Extra firm tofu: Paneer (for non-vegan option)
• Instead of Broccoli florets: Cauliflower florets
• Instead of Mini sweet peppers: Bell peppers
• Instead of Spinach: Kale, Swiss chard
• Instead of Onion: Shallot, Red onion
• Instead of Olive oil: Avocado oil, Sunflower oil
• Instead of Pink Himalayan salt: Sea salt, Kosher salt
• Instead of Crushed black pepper: White pepper
• Instead of Italian seasoning: Dried oregano, Dried basil
• Instead of Crushed red pepper: Chili flakes, Cayenne pepper (smaller amount)
• Instead of Gram flour (besan): Chickpea flour, Oat flour (texture will change)

Equipment Needed

• Air fryer
• Food processor
• Mixing bowl
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups/spoons
• Spoon or spatula
• Fork (optional)

Critical Steps — Do Not Skip

• Roast vegetables until just wilted, not mushy.
• Pulse veggies to a crumbly texture, not a paste.
• Add enough gram flour to bind, but not so much that burgers become dry.
• Air fry patties in a single layer and flip halfway for even cooking.

Chef Tips from the Video

• Use extra firm tofu for best texture—do not skip draining.
• Roast veggies just until wilted; overcooking will make mixture mushy.
• Pulsing veggies instead of blending keeps texture interesting.
• Serve with spicy sauce or vegan mayo for extra flavor.

Troubleshooting

Storage

Refrigerator: Store cooked patties in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer: Freeze cooked patties (separated by parchment) for up to 2 months. Reheat in air fryer or oven.

Room temperature: Safe for up to 2 hours after cooking.

Make-Ahead Tips

• Shape patties and refrigerate (uncooked) for up to 24 hours before air frying.
• Cooked patties reheat well in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes at 350°F.