Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Health-Conscious: Made with whole plant foods, these sliders are rich in fiber and essential nutrients while being low in fat.
- Flavorful: The combination of black beans, brown rice, and beets, along with aromatic spices and BBQ sauce, delivers a satisfying taste.
- Versatile: Perfect for sliders, these patties can also serve as full-sized burgers, catering to different serving preferences.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 small beet
- 1 ½ cups cooked brown rice (short grain recommended)
- 1 (15-ounce) can low-sodium or no-salt-added black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 ½ tablespoons coconut aminos
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon ground flaxseeds
- 1 tablespoon arrowroot powder (or tapioca starch)
- 2 tablespoons homemade BBQ sauce or a good store-bought version without added sugar
Optional ingredients for serving or topping:
- Romaine lettuce leaves
- Additional BBQ sauce
- Vegan ranch dressing
- Dijon or yellow mustard
- Dill pickles
- Scallions (green onions)
- Sliced avocado
Directions
- Prepare the Beet: Boil the beet in water for about 25 to 30 minutes until tender. Once cooled, peel and dice it into small pieces.
- Cook the Rice: Prepare the brown rice according to package instructions. Allow it to cool to room temperature.
- Mash Beans and Rice: In a large mixing bowl, mash the black beans and cooked brown rice together until a mushy consistency forms.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the diced beet and coconut aminos to the mashed mixture.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, ground flaxseeds, and arrowroot powder. Sprinkle this over the bean-rice-beet mixture.
- Add BBQ Sauce: Pour the BBQ sauce over the mixture and stir well, ensuring all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Form Patties: Using your hands, shape the mixture into small slider patties.
- Cook the Patties: Air-fry the patties at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are crisp on the outside and heated through.
- Assemble Sliders: Serve the patties on romaine lettuce leaves or slider buns, adding desired toppings such as additional BBQ sauce, vegan ranch dressing, pickles, or avocado.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Yields 12 to 15 sliders or 4 to 5 full-size burgers.
- Prep Time: Approximately 30 minutes.
- Cook Time: About 15 minutes.
- Total Time: Approximately 45 minutes.
Variations
- Cooking Method: If you don’t have an air fryer, these patties can be baked in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Flavor Enhancements: Add spices like smoked paprika or cumin to the mixture for a different flavor profile.
- Serving Suggestions: These patties pair well with vegan ranch dressing, jalapeño lime aioli, or spicy margarita mocktail for a complete meal.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Uncooked patties can be frozen on a baking sheet until firm, then transferred to a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Cooked patties can also be frozen and reheated as needed.
- Reheating: Reheat patties in the air fryer or oven until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bean?
Yes, adzuki beans are a suitable alternative and can be used in place of black beans.
Are these sliders suitable for gluten-free diets?
Absolutely, these sliders are made with gluten-free ingredients, making them suitable for those avoiding gluten.
How can I make these sliders spicier?
Incorporate chopped jalapeños into the mixture or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the spices.
Can I bake these sliders instead of air-frying?
Yes, baking is a great alternative. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
What can I use if I don’t have arrowroot powder?
Tapioca starch is a suitable substitute and can be used in equal amounts.
Conclusion
These vegan sliders are a flavorful and nutritious option for those seeking plant-based meal ideas.

Vegan Sliders
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12-15 sliders or 4-5 full-size burgers.
- Category: Main Dish, Vegan
- Method: Air-frying, Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These delectable black bean vegan sliders are made with whole plant-based ingredients, offering a crispy exterior and a tender, chewy interior. Perfect for various dietary preferences, these sliders are gluten-free, oil-free, soy-free, and nut-free.
Ingredients
- 1 small beet
- 1 ½ cups cooked brown rice (short grain recommended)
- 1 (15-ounce) can low-sodium or no-salt-added black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 ½ tablespoons coconut aminos
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon ground flaxseeds
- 1 tablespoon arrowroot powder (or tapioca starch)
- 2 tablespoons homemade BBQ sauce or a good store-bought version without added sugar
Optional toppings for serving
- Romaine lettuce leaves
- Additional BBQ sauce
- Vegan ranch dressing
- Dijon or yellow mustard
- Dill pickles
- Scallions (green onions)
- Sliced avocado
Instructions
-
Prepare the Beet:
- Boil the beet for 25-30 minutes until tender. Once cooled, peel and dice it into small pieces.
-
Cook the Rice:
- Prepare the brown rice according to package instructions and let it cool to room temperature.
-
Mash Beans and Rice:
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the black beans and cooked rice together until mushy.
-
Combine Ingredients:
- Add the diced beet and coconut aminos to the mixture.
-
Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, ground flaxseeds, and arrowroot powder. Sprinkle this mixture over the bean-rice-beet mix.
-
Add BBQ Sauce:
- Pour in the BBQ sauce and stir until all ingredients are fully combined.
-
Form Patties:
- Shape the mixture into small slider patties using your hands.
-
Cook the Patties:
- Air-fry at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy on the outside and heated through.
-
Assemble Sliders:
- Serve the patties on romaine lettuce leaves or slider buns, adding your choice of toppings such as BBQ sauce, vegan ranch dressing, pickles, or avocado.