Air-Frying Green Beans: Healthy, Quick, And Delicious!

Air fryer green beans are a quick, tasty, and healthy snack or side dish. They can be made in minutes with minimal preparation and are a great low-carb alternative to fries. The air fryer is a small oven with lots of airflow, which cooks food quickly and with less oil than traditional frying methods. Green beans can be seasoned with salt, pepper, lemon, paprika, and garlic powder, and are best served hot and crispy.

Trimming the ends

• Wash the green beans thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or residue.
• Gather your tools: You can trim the ends of green beans with a sharp knife or a pair of clean scissors. You may also use a combination of both tools, depending on your preference and the bean's texture.
• Line up the beans: Place the washed green beans on a cutting board, lining them up neatly in a row. This technique will help you trim the ends efficiently and ensure they are all roughly the same length after trimming.
• Trim the ends: Using your chosen tool, cut off the tips of the green beans. You may cut them individually or trim multiple beans at once if they are lined up neatly.
• Dry the beans: After trimming, thoroughly dry the green beans with a kitchen towel or paper towels. This step is crucial as it helps the olive oil and seasonings adhere better to the beans during the next step.
• Optional step: If you prefer, you can also cut the beans into smaller pieces after trimming to ensure they cook evenly in the air fryer. However, this step is not necessary if you plan to cook them whole.

Remember, the key to successful air fryer green beans is to ensure they are dry and well-coated with oil and seasonings before placing them in the air fryer. By following these steps, you'll be on your way to creating delicious and crispy air-fried green beans!

Seasoning

The most basic seasoning for air fryer green beans is salt and pepper. You can add these to taste, and they will complement the natural flavour of the beans.

However, there are many other options to explore. For a tangy, sharp kick, you can add some lemon pepper or squeeze some lemon juice over the beans. Garlic powder is another popular choice, adding a savoury note to the beans. If you like your food spicy, you can add some chilli flakes or chilli powder, or use chilli oil instead of olive oil. Smoked paprika is another option, adding a subtle smoky flavour. For a more traditional, comforting flavour, you could sprinkle on some homemade walnut miso parmesan cheese.

You can also experiment with other seasonings like onion, seasoning salt, or even crumbled bacon.

Single-layer arrangement in the air fryer basket

When cooking green beans in an air fryer, it's important to arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. This is because the hot air needs to circulate around all the green beans. If you overcrowd the basket, the beans won't get that air fryer texture and crispness. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the beans in two batches.

To ensure an even layer of beans, start by trimming the ends off the green beans and removing any stems. You can do this by hand or with scissors. Then, place the trimmed beans in a bowl and toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, or any other seasonings of your choice. You can also add Parmesan cheese and lemon juice for extra flavour. Once the beans are coated, place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer.

Cooking times may vary depending on your desired level of crispness and the model of your air fryer. For crisp-tender beans, cook for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. If you prefer your beans with more bite, cook for a shorter time. If you like them softer, cook for a few minutes longer.

By arranging the green beans in a single layer in the air fryer basket, you'll ensure that they cook evenly and get that signature crispness that makes air-fried green beans so delicious.

Reheating

To reheat in an air fryer, set the temperature to 350°F and heat for 2-3 minutes. Check the beans periodically to ensure they are warmed through.

If you are reheating a larger batch of beans, you may need to cook them in two batches to ensure even heating.

It is also important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size and model of your air fryer, so adjust the time as needed.

Additionally, if you are reheating frozen green beans, increase the cooking time to 12 minutes at 400°F.

Storing

If you want to freeze your green beans, let them cool down completely and then add them to a freezer bag or container. Frozen green beans will stay fresh for up to 3 months.

When you're ready to enjoy your leftover green beans, you can reheat them in the air fryer, oven, microwave, or on the stovetop. Reheating them in the air fryer will help bring back some of that delicious crunch, but be careful not to overcook them.

It's worth noting that this storage advice applies to fresh green beans. If you're using frozen green beans, it's best to thaw them in a bowl of water before patting them dry and cooking them in the air fryer.

Frequently asked questions