Short Answer:

To ensure veg patties cook evenly inside, cut vegetables into uniform sizes and mash them thoroughly for a consistent mixture. Using a binding agent like breadcrumbs or cornflour helps the patties hold shape during cooking.

Arrange patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket and flip or shake them halfway through cooking. Preheating the air fryer and cooking at the right temperature (180–200°C) ensures the interior cooks through while the exterior becomes golden-brown and crispy.

Detailed Explanation:

Ensuring Even Cooking of Patties

Even cooking of veg patties in an air fryer depends on proper preparation, arrangement, and cooking technique. Start with vegetables that are boiled or steamed until soft. Mash them evenly to create a uniform mixture, which ensures all patties have the same texture and moisture content.

Binding and Mixture Consistency

Add binding ingredients such as breadcrumbs, cornflour, or mashed lentils to the mixture. This helps patties retain their shape and prevents them from crumbling, allowing heat to penetrate evenly. Too little binding may cause patties to break or cook unevenly, while too much can make them dense and slow to cook internally.

Shaping and Size Uniformity

Form patties uniform in size and thickness. Thick patties take longer to cook and may remain soft inside, while thin patties cook faster but can burn externally. Consistent size ensures the same cooking time for all patties, helping achieve a cooked-through interior with a crispy exterior.

Basket Arrangement and Air Circulation

Place the patties in a single layer with space between them in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding blocks airflow, resulting in uneven cooking. Proper circulation allows hot air to surround each patty, evenly cooking both the interior and exterior.

Flipping and Monitoring

Flip or shake the patties halfway through cooking to ensure uniform exposure to heat. This prevents one side from overcooking while the other remains underdone. Check patties near the end of cooking to avoid undercooked interiors or over-browned surfaces.

Temperature and Timing

Cook at a moderate temperature, typically 180–200°C, for 12–15 minutes depending on patty size. Preheating the air fryer ensures even heat distribution from the start. Adjust cooking time slightly for thicker patties or larger batches to guarantee the interior is fully cooked.

Additional Tips

1. Avoid adding excess water to the vegetable mixture.
2. Chill patties briefly before air frying to firm them for even cooking.
3. Lightly spray or brush oil on patties for better browning and texture.
4. Serve immediately for optimal texture and flavor.

Conclusion:

To ensure veg patties cook evenly inside, prepare a uniform vegetable mixture, use adequate binding, shape patties consistently, and place them in a single layer in the air fryer. Flipping halfway, maintaining the right temperature, and monitoring cooking time guarantee a tender interior with a golden, crispy exterior, resulting in perfectly cooked patties every time.