Air Fryer Impossible Burgers: The Ultimate Guide to Perfect Plant-Based Patties
Craving a juicy, flavorful burger but looking for a plant-based alternative that’s quick and easy to prepare? Look no further than Air Fryer Impossible Burgers! These revolutionary plant-based patties are a game-changer for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or your next backyard barbecue. Forget messy stovetop frying or lengthy grilling; the air fryer delivers perfectly cooked Impossible Burgers every single time, with minimal effort and less oil.

Impossible Burgers have revolutionized the plant-based food scene, offering an incredibly satisfying alternative for those following a healthy plant-based diet or simply looking to reduce their meat consumption. Crafted from a clever blend of soy protein, coconut oil, and sunflower oil, these patties are designed to mimic the appearance, texture, and delicious taste of traditional ground beef burgers. They sizzle, brown, and even “bleed” like real meat, making them a fantastic option for both committed vegans and curious meat-eaters alike.
If you’re a true burger enthusiast, whether plant-based or not, you’ll be thrilled by how versatile the air fryer is for making perfect patties. Beyond Impossible Burgers, check out these 5 must-make burgers that you can effortlessly prepare in your air fryer, expanding your weeknight meal rotation with delicious and convenient options.
Effortless Cooking: Air Frying Frozen Impossible Burgers
One of the biggest advantages of Impossible Burgers, especially when using an air fryer, is their incredible convenience. You can cook these plant-based patties directly from frozen, eliminating the need for thawing and significantly cutting down on your meal preparation time. This makes them an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you need a quick, satisfying dinner without any fuss.
While Impossible Burgers are a fantastic staple for a plant-based lifestyle, their appeal extends far beyond! Many meat-eaters are discovering the deliciousness and health benefits of these patties. They are notably lower in fat and completely free of cholesterol compared to traditional beef burgers. When you combine these health advantages with the ease of air frying, you get a super simple meal with virtually zero active prep time – perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
Explore More Air Fryer Burger Recipes:
- Air Fryer Beyond Burger: Discover another fantastic plant-based option! These Beyond Burgers cook up beautifully in the air fryer, offering a different but equally delicious meat alternative that might just become your new favorite go-to meal.
- Air Fryer Chicken Burgers: Don’t miss out on the incredible flavor and juiciness of these chicken patties. They’re so satisfying, you won’t even think about beef as you savor every bite.
- Air Fryer Turkey Burgers: Lean ground turkey, seasoned to perfection, creates a wholesome and delicious turkey burger that’s sure to become a regular in your recipe rotation.
Essential Tips for Air Frying Success
Achieving perfectly cooked Impossible Burgers in your air fryer is simple, but a few key tips will ensure the best results every time:
- Do Not Overcrowd the Basket: This is perhaps the most crucial rule for air frying anything! For even cooking and that desirable crispy exterior, place your Impossible Burger patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Ensure there’s enough space around each patty for the hot air to circulate freely. If you’re cooking for a crowd, work in batches.
- Preheat Your Air Fryer: Just like a traditional oven, preheating your air fryer ensures that the patties start cooking immediately at the correct temperature, leading to a better texture and consistent results.
- Flip Halfway: For uniform browning and even cooking on both sides, remember to flip the patties halfway through the cooking process.
Are you new to the world of air frying? Or maybe you’re looking to expand your culinary toolkit? We’ve got you covered! Check out our most recommended air fryer accessories to make your cooking experience even smoother, and explore our top beginner air fryer recipes to kickstart your journey with this amazing appliance.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with Air Fryer Impossible Burgers
There are countless reasons why cooking Impossible Burgers in your air fryer will become your new favorite method:
- Incredibly Easy and Fast: From frozen to ready-to-serve in under 15 minutes, these burgers are the ultimate solution for busy days when time is of the essence. Minimal effort, maximum deliciousness!
- Perfect Texture Every Time: The air fryer’s circulating hot air creates a beautifully crispy exterior while locking in the moisture, ensuring a wonderfully juicy interior. Say goodbye to dry, rubbery patties!
- A Healthier Alternative: Compared to pan-frying, air frying requires significantly less oil, making your Impossible Burgers a healthier option without compromising on flavor or texture. Enjoy your favorite comfort food guilt-free!
- Versatile and Customizable: Whether you prefer classic toppings or love to get creative, Impossible Burgers serve as the perfect canvas for a wide array of flavors and combinations.
- Plant-Based Goodness for Everyone: These burgers are not just for vegans or vegetarians; their delicious taste and satisfying texture make them a hit with meat-eaters too, offering a sustainable and delicious alternative.

Simple Ingredients for Flavorful Impossible Burgers
Creating mouth-watering Air Fryer Impossible Burgers requires just a few basic ingredients, most of which you probably already have on hand, plus your favorite toppings!
- Frozen Impossible Burgers: The star of our show! These incredible plant-based patties are the perfect foundation for a delicious and satisfying “meatless” meal. Keep them frozen until you’re ready to cook for maximum convenience.
- Cooking Spray: A light mist of non-stick oil spray, such as olive oil or avocado oil, is essential. It prevents the burgers from sticking to the air fryer basket and helps achieve that desirable slight crispiness on the exterior, enhancing the texture and flavor.
- Seasonings: While Impossible Burgers are flavorful on their own, a touch of seasoning can elevate them further. Classic choices like salt and pepper are a must. You can also add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or your favorite all-purpose burger seasoning blend to truly customize the taste.
- Burger Buns: Select your favorite type of bun or bread to complement your plant-based burger. From classic sesame seed buns to brioche, whole wheat, or even lettuce wraps for a low-carb option, the choice is yours!
- Fresh Toppings (Lettuce, Tomato, Pickles, Onion): These traditional burger toppings add essential freshness, crunch, and a burst of flavor. For a twist, consider topping your burger with peppery arugula, nutrient-rich spinach, or robust kale for alternative textures and added nutritional value. Thinly sliced red onion or caramelized onions can also add a gourmet touch.
- Optional Condiments & Cheese: Elevate your burger with an array of optional additions. Classic condiments like ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise are always a hit. Explore other sauces like tangy Ranch dressing, smoky BBQ sauce, or a fiery hot sauce for an extra kick. For cheese lovers, a slice of your favorite cheese (dairy or vegan) melted on top in the last minute of cooking is pure bliss. Consider cheddar, provolone, gouda, or Swiss for different flavor profiles.
How to Perfectly Air Fry Frozen Impossible Burgers: Step-by-Step
Achieving a perfectly cooked, juicy Impossible Burger in your air fryer is incredibly simple. Follow these easy steps for a delicious meal in minutes:
Step 1: Prepare Your Air Fryer. First, begin by preheating your air fryer to 380°F (195°C). This ensures that the patties start cooking immediately at the optimal temperature, which is key for a crispy exterior. Once preheated, lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. This crucial step helps prevent the burgers from sticking and aids in creating a nice golden-brown crust.
Step 2: Load the Patties. Carefully place the frozen Impossible Burgers into the prepared air fryer basket. It’s vital to arrange them in a single layer, ensuring that no patties are overlapping. This allows the hot air to circulate evenly around each burger, guaranteeing consistent cooking and a uniform texture.

Step 3: Air Fry to Perfection. Air fry the patties at 380°F (195°C) for 8-10 minutes. Make sure to flip the burgers halfway through the cooking time (around the 4-5 minute mark) to ensure both sides cook evenly and develop a beautiful golden-brown crust. The burgers are done when they are thoroughly warmed through and have reached your desired level of crispiness.
Note on Thawed Patties: If you’re cooking thawed Impossible Burgers instead of frozen ones, your total air frying time will likely be 1-3 minutes less. Keep a close eye on them to prevent overcooking.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy! Once the burgers are perfectly cooked, carefully remove them from the air fryer. Place each patty on your chosen burger bun or bread, then pile high with your favorite burger toppings and condiments. Serve immediately and savor your quick, delicious, and healthy plant-based meal!

What to Serve with Your Air Fryer Impossible Burgers
These incredibly versatile burgers pair beautifully with a wide array of side dishes, making meal planning a breeze. For a classic burger night experience, consider these delectable air fryer companions:
- Crispy Fries: Few things go better with a burger than a pile of perfectly cooked fries. Try our Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries for a healthier, flavorful twist, or classic potato fries for traditional comfort.
- Golden Onion Rings: Add a delightful crunch with homemade Air Fryer Onion Rings. They’re crispy, savory, and perfectly complement the richness of the burger.
- Fresh Vegetables: Balance your meal with a vibrant vegetable side. Our Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus adds a touch of smoky flavor and elegance, while Air Fryer Corn on the Cob offers a sweet and juicy contrast.
- Salads: A light, fresh garden salad or a vibrant coleslaw can provide a refreshing counterpoint to your hearty burger.
- Other Air Fryer Veggies: Don’t limit yourself! Any of your favorite air-fried vegetables, like broccoli, cauliflower, or bell peppers, would make a fantastic and healthy side.
Storing and Reheating Leftover Impossible Burgers
While these delicious burgers are often devoured in one sitting, sometimes you might have leftovers, or perhaps you prepped a batch for later in the week. Proper storage and reheating ensure your Impossible Burgers remain just as tasty:
Storage: If you find yourself with leftover cooked Impossible Burgers, allow them to cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 to 4 days. This keeps them fresh and prevents them from drying out.
Reheating: To reheat your cooked Impossible Burgers, the air fryer is once again your best friend. Place the refrigerated patties back into the air fryer basket (no need to preheat for reheating, but a quick preheat can help crisp them up faster). Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes, or until they are thoroughly heated through and have regained a slight crispness. Be careful not to overcook, as this can make them dry.
One of the great aspects of buying frozen Impossible Burgers is the ability to cook only what you need. This often means fewer leftovers and less food waste, making them a very practical choice for any meal size.
MORE DELICIOUS AIR FRYER VEGETABLE RECIPES
Side Dishes
Air Fryer Broccoli
Side Dishes
Air Fryer Cauliflower
Chicken
Air Fryer Stir Fry
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Air Fryer Broccolini
In conclusion, Air Fryer Impossible Burgers are an incredibly easy, quick, and delicious way to enjoy a plant-based meal. Whether you’re a long-time vegan, exploring meat alternatives, or simply looking for a convenient and healthier burger option, the air fryer delivers perfectly cooked patties every time. With minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, these burgers are a fantastic addition to any meal plan!

Air Fryer Impossible Burgers
Rate
Equipment
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1 Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 4 Impossible Burgers
Instructions
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Preheat the air fryer to 380°F. Spray the air fryer basket lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
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Place the frozen Impossible Burgers in the basket, in a single layer without overlapping.
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Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping the burgers halfway through cooking, until they are golden brown and warmed through. (If burgers are thawed, total time air frying may be 1-3 minutes less.)
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Remove from the air fryer and serve with a bun and your favorite burger toppings.
Notes
Try different seasonings and sauces for a variety of fun flavors!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Impossible Burgers
Here are some common questions to help you get the most out of your Air Fryer Impossible Burgers:
Can I cook Impossible Burgers in the air fryer?
Absolutely! The air fryer is an excellent appliance for cooking Impossible Burgers, delivering perfectly crispy exteriors and juicy interiors. Just remember to flip them halfway through the air frying process to ensure even cooking on both sides.
Do I need to thaw Impossible Burgers before cooking in the air fryer?
No, there’s no need to thaw them! You can cook Impossible Burgers directly from frozen, which is one of the biggest conveniences of this method. If you do happen to thaw them beforehand, simply reduce the cooking time by 1-3 minutes and keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking.
What are the best toppings for Impossible Burgers?
The beauty of Impossible Burgers is their versatility with toppings. Classic burger toppings like crisp lettuce, ripe tomato slices, crunchy pickles, and thinly sliced onion always pair wonderfully. For those looking to experiment, consider adding creamy avocado slices, crispy air fryer onion rings, savory sautéed mushrooms, or a slice of your favorite vegan cheese for an extra layer of flavor. Don’t be afraid to try different cheeses like gouda or Swiss for unique taste combinations!
Can I add cheese to my Impossible Burger in the air fryer?
Yes, you can! For perfectly melted cheese, place a slice of your preferred cheese (dairy or vegan) on top of the Impossible Burger during the last 1-2 minutes of the air frying cycle. The residual heat will melt it beautifully.
How do I ensure my Impossible Burgers don’t stick to the air fryer basket?
To prevent sticking, always preheat your air fryer and lightly spray the basket with a non-stick cooking spray before placing the patties inside. This creates a barrier and helps achieve a clean release.
What temperature should I cook Impossible Burgers in the air fryer?
We recommend air frying Impossible Burgers at 380°F (195°C). This temperature ensures even cooking and a great texture without burning the exterior.
Can I make these burgers ahead of time for meal prep?
Yes, you can! Cook a batch of Impossible Burgers in your air fryer, let them cool, and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes when you’re ready to eat.