No-Fry Burger & Fries Dinner

As we welcome in a new year, many of us vow to abide by a healthier body and mind. As college students trying to find that perfect balance between cheap costs, quality products, and time restraints, it is more than easy to straggle away from such resolutions. However, rediscovering my airfryer has given me some room to experiment with a recipe that can be replicated in either the kitchen or a dorm room. The combination of cajun fries and an avocado & black bean burger, topped with toasted onions, is enough to fill hearty appetites while sticking to a healthier you. 

Are air fryers really healthier? Investing in a new cooking appliance can seem like a bad decision, when you can easily spend that college budgeted money somewhere more useful- grabbing that daily morning black coffee or spending it towards your Trader Joe's end of the week shopping, especially when your stove-top pan can do the same thing at a much cheaper price. After testing out this appliance, I can confirm that the hype surrounding it is very much real. 

So how does it work exactly? The air fryer circulates hot air through convention and the hot air in turns cooks your food, presenting you with a dish that is cooked with little to no oil - a healthier and tastier option. The airfryer I used to make this recipe is the Phillips Air Fryer. This one is a little on the pricey side, but for a cheaper option, check out this one by Elite. Think of it as an investment for your health. 

Black Bean and Quinoa Burger + Cajun Fries

• Prep Time:20 mins
• Cook Time:15 mins
• Total Time:35 mins
• Servings:2
• Easy

Ingredients

• For the burger:
• 1 large burger
• 1 avocado
• 2 large tomatoes
• Whataburger Creamy Pepper Sauce or sauce your choosing
• 4 hamburger buns
• Dr. Praeger's Black Bean Quinoa Veggie Burgers
• For the cajun fries:
• 2 large potatoes
• cajun seasoning
• 1 bag toasted onions
• salt and pepper to taste
• olive oil

• Step 1

  Starting with the recipe for the cajun fries,
  Preheat the air fryer to 350°.

  

• Step 2

  Cut two large potatoes lengthwise, and based on how thin you would like your fries to be.

  

• Step 3

  Place slices into a large bowl full of cold water to prevent any browning. Let soak for about 20 minutes.

  

• Step 4

  After the potatoes are done soaking, drain the water and remove any excess moisture from the fries by blotting them with paper towels. This will help them fry crispier.

  

• Step 5

  Add the fries into a bowl for seasoning. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 2-4 teaspoons of cajun seasoning, and salt and pepper, to taste.

  

• Step 6

  Once the air fryer is done preheating, place the seasoned fries into the basket of the fryer. Set the cooking time to 15 minutes.
  
  Tip: Some of the seasoning will get lost in the basket, so to ensure adequate seasoning of the fries, use the seasoning mixture again after they are done.

  

• Step 7

  After 15 minutes, the fries should be crispy and lightly brown.

  

• Step 8

  For the burger,
  Chop one large onion into thin slices.

  

• Step 9

  Chop two tomatoes into slices.

  

• Step 10

  Cut one avocado into slices.

  

• Step 11

  Toast two hamburger buns until they are nice and light brown on either side.

  

• Step 12

  Using Dr. Praegers black bean and quinoa burger, cook one patty on both sides for 1 minute each.

  

• Step 13

  Now time to assemble! First, spread an even layer of the creamy pepper sauce on both buns.
  
  Then, add your burger, your chopped tomatoes, chopped onions, and sliced avocado.
  
  To finish, top the burger with toasted onions for an extra crunch!
  
  Your burger is now assembled! Serve with cajun fries for a hearty meal!

  

Whether you are looking for healthier alternatives to frying, reducing your daily oil intake, or just feel like experimenting in the kitchen, I definitely recommend an air fryer in preparing your next dinner dish! You can even use your airfryer to make more recipes like roasted chickpeas or peppers - the options are endless. You won't be disappointed!