Black Bean Cakes: 28 minutes (makes 2-3 servings)

My favorite snacks to take to work are those that are very satiating and have a good crunch. Snacks that can check all the boxes I try to keep on hand. These black bean cakes are easy to throw together (less than 30 minutes!) and satisfy those cravings. I always keep the ingredients on hand in my pantry so I can make them for lunches, as appetizers, or just anytime.

I use the air fryer so they get a nice crispy texture. This also reduces the amount of oil needed while cooking. This recipe is also full of good things like fiber and protein. The black beans provide plant based protein that helps with saeate. They are also high in fiber which helps with weight management and promotes healthy digestion. Plus they are a customizable, so you can mix in different seasonings and flavors. You can make this a spicy as you like. I personally add jalapeño and serve with sour cream, but you can use the cakes as vegan taco filling, add it to salads or use it as a sandwich pattie.

Ingredients:

• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and thoroughly drained
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed)
• ¼ cup finely diced red onion (or yellow onion)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro (or parsley)
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ¼ tsp ground cumin
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing)

Optional Spicy Add-ins:

• 1-2 tbsp diced jalapeño or serrano pepper (seeds removed for less heat)
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
• A dash of hot sauce in the mixture

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, thoroughly mash the drained black beans with a fork or potato masher. Leave some beans partially mashed for texture.
2. Add the breadcrumbs, diced red onion, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, lime juice, smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, and pepper to the bowl. If using spicy add-ins, incorporate them now.
3. Mix everything until well combined. The mixture should hold together when pressed. If it’s too wet, add a little more breadcrumbs; if too dry, add a tiny bit more lime juice or water.
4. Divide the mixture into 4-6 equal portions and form them into patties, about ½-inch thick.
5. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
6. Lightly brush both sides of each black bean cake with olive oil.
7. Place the patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket (you may need to work in batches, depending on your air fryer size, to avoid overcrowding).
8. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy on the outside.
9. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings like avocado slices, salsa, sour cream, or a squeeze of fresh lime!