Air Fryer Green Beans
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Crisp, tender air fryer green beans make a quick and flavorful side dish with garlic, butter, and spices. Simple to prep, they’re perfect for busy weeknights or healthy family meals.
I’ll be honest, I didn’t always get excited about eating green beans. Growing up, they were often boiled to the point of being mushy, and I’d push them around my plate more than I actually ate them. That all changed when I started experimenting with my air fryer, and suddenly, green beans went from a boring side dish to something I actually looked forward to making.
What I love most about air fryer green beans is how quick and easy they are. With just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes of cooking time, you get crisp, tender beans with so much flavor. They are perfect for busy weeknights when I want something healthy but do not have the energy for complicated recipes. They also pair well with just about anything from chicken and steak to fish or even a simple rice bowl.
These green beans have become a staple in my kitchen, and I often make them when friends or family come over. People are always surprised at how much flavor you can get from such a simple recipe, and they usually ask for seconds. It is also a great way to get picky eaters, even kids, to enjoy their veggies because the texture is crisp instead of soggy. If you have been looking for a way to make vegetables more exciting, this recipe is one you will want to keep on repeat.
Items Needed
Here’s what you’ll need to make air fryer green beans:
- Green beans – The main ingredient that turns crisp-tender in the air fryer while retaining fresh flavor.
- Unsalted butter – Adds richness and a silky coating to the beans.
- Olive oil – Helps the seasoning stick and promotes even crisping.
- Granulated garlic – Brings a savory, aromatic flavor to the dish.
- Kosher salt – Enhances the natural flavor of the beans.
- Ground black pepper – Adds mild heat and depth of flavor.
- Cayenne powder (optional) – Provides a spicy kick for extra flavor.
- Chopped fresh parsley – Adds freshness and a pop of color for serving.
- Water for boiling – Used to quickly blanch the beans before air frying.
- Ice water – Stops the cooking process and locks in the bright green color.
Tools you’ll need
Before starting the recipe, you’ll want to have all your kitchen essentials ready. I recommend having the following items:
Ways To Customize
Here are some easy ways you can customize your air fryer green beans recipe:
- Add cheese – Sprinkle Parmesan or feta on top before serving for a cheesy twist.
- Switch up the spices – Try smoked paprika, onion powder, or Italian seasoning instead of cayenne.
- Make them zesty – Squeeze fresh lemon juice or add lemon zest for a bright, tangy flavor.
- Add crunch – Top with toasted almonds, pecans, or breadcrumbs for extra texture.
- Make them spicy – Use chili flakes, hot sauce, or a dash of sriracha instead of cayenne.
- Give them an Asian flair – Toss with soy sauce, sesame oil, and sesame seeds.
- Go Mediterranean – Add olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
Be sure to check out the full recipe and ingredient list below.
How To Make It
Thoroughly wash fresh green beans with cold running water.
Add green beans to boiling water for 1 minute, and immediately submerge boiled green beans in ice-cold water to cool down.
Once the blanched green beans have cooled down, pat them dry with paper towels and transfer to a plate.
Drizzle with olive oil and coat the blanched green beans.
Season blanched green beans with garlic, cayenne powder (if using), salt, and ground black pepper.
Add softened butter and lather each seasoned green bean using kitchen tongs.
Gently transfer seasoned green beans onto the Air Fryer tray and slowly insert the tray into the middle cooking chamber, near the rotisserie catch , if using an Air Fryer Oven.
If using an Air Fryer basket, simply place the seasoned green beans in the inner basket.
Air fry green beans for 8 minutes or until crisp-tender, turning once halfway through. Add 1 to 2 minutes if softer green beans are preferred.
Note
Make sure the green beans are completely dry after blanching before adding oil and seasonings, since excess moisture can keep them from getting crisp in the air fryer.
Storage
Store leftover air fryer green beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 4 minutes until warmed through and slightly crisp again. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but the texture will be softer compared to using the air fryer.
Helpful Hints
Pro tip: Avoid Crowded Baskets!
Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket, as this prevents the beans from crisping evenly. Cook in batches if needed.
- Trim the ends – Cutting off the tough ends of the beans makes them more tender and pleasant to eat.
- Use fresh beans – Fresh green beans give the best texture and flavor compared to frozen ones.
- Shake halfway – Turn or shake the beans halfway through cooking for even crisping.
- Season after cooking – For a stronger flavor boost, sprinkle extra seasoning right after air frying while the beans are still hot.
- Serve right away – Green beans taste best when enjoyed immediately, as they can soften if they sit too long.
- Line with parchment (optional) – Using air fryer-safe parchment paper makes cleanup easier without affecting crispness.
Serving Suggestions
Air fryer green beans make an excellent side dish for just about any main course. They pair beautifully with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or baked salmon, adding a crisp and flavorful vegetable to the plate. Because they are so quick and easy, they are perfect for busy weeknights when you need something healthy that does not take much effort.
For a lighter meal, you can serve them alongside a hearty bowl of soup. The crisp beans balance perfectly with something warm and comforting, like my Turkey Taco Soup. Together, they make a wholesome combination that is filling yet still light enough for lunch or dinner without feeling heavy.
If you want to round out your meal with something sweet, add a rich dessert to the table. The buttery, garlicky flavor of the green beans pairs surprisingly well with a creamy treat like my Chocolate Oreo Mousse. Serving them together creates a satisfying menu that goes from fresh and savory to indulgent and sweet in the best way.
FAQs
Recipe
Air Fryer Green Beans
Ingredients
INGREDIENTS:
- 300 grams green beans
- 1 tablespoon softened unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon granulated garlic
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne powder optional
- chopped fresh parsley for garnishing
BLANCH:
- water for boiling
- ice water
Instructions
- Thoroughly wash fresh green beans with cold running water.
- Add green beans to boiling water for 1 minute and immediately submerge boiled green beans in ice-cold water to cool down.
- Once the blanched green beans have cooled down, pat dry with paper towels and transfer to a plate.
- Drizzle with olive oil and coat the blanched green beans.
- Season blanched green beans with garlic, cayenne powder (if using), salt, and ground black pepper.
- Add softened butter and lather each seasoned green bean using kitchen tongs.
- Gently transfer seasoned green beans onto the Air Fryer tray and slowly insert the tray into the middle cooking chamber, near the rotisserie catch , if using an Air Fryer Oven.
- If using an Air Fryer basket, simply place the seasoned green beans in the inner basket.
- Air fry green beans for 8 minutes or until crisp tender, turning once halfway through. Add 1 to 2 minutes if softer green beans are preferred.
Notes
- Use quality ingredients from the green beans, to unsalted butter, and the seasonings.
- Remove spoiled green beans and discard those with dark spots.
- The recipe uses minimal salt. Add 1/4 teaspoon salt if saltier green beans are preferred.
Nutrition
Equipment
- Measuring spoons
- Kitchen tongs
- Pot for boiling
- Instant Vortex Plus Air Fryer Oven
