Air-Fried Baked Beans: A Quick, Easy Treat?

Baked beans are a classic side dish, but can you make them in an air fryer? The answer is yes! Air fryer baked beans are a quick, easy, and delicious option for a summer BBQ or potluck. With just a few simple ingredients and an air fryer, you can have the perfect side dish ready in no time.

There are a variety of recipes for air fryer baked beans, some starting with canned beans and others making the beans from scratch. You can also experiment with different types of beans, seasonings, and additional ingredients to create your own unique dish.

So, if you're looking for a new way to make baked beans, why not give the air fryer a try? It's a convenient and tasty option that will surely impress your family and friends.

Air fryer temperature and timing

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 380 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature setting is ideal for cooking baked beans and will ensure even cooking. While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare your ingredients and mix them in a large bowl.

Once the air fryer is preheated, it's time to transfer the bean mixture to an oven-safe casserole dish. Place the dish in the air fryer and set the timer for 15 to 20 minutes. It's important to stir the beans a few times during the cooking process to ensure even cooking and to prevent them from sticking.

Depending on your preferred level of crispness, you may want to cook the beans for a shorter or longer period within this time range. For a softer texture, aim for the lower end of the range, and for a crispier result, cook for a few minutes longer.

It's worth noting that air fryer models can vary, so it's always a good idea to keep an eye on your beans during the cooking process to ensure they don't overcook or burn. Adjust the timing as needed based on your air fryer's performance.

Additionally, if you're cooking a large batch of beans, you may need to cook them in multiple batches to ensure even cooking. Simply repeat the process until all your beans are cooked to perfection.

Remember, the key to successful air-fried baked beans is maintaining the right temperature and keeping an eye on the timing, stirring occasionally, and adjusting as needed based on your desired level of doneness.

Ingredients and prep

Making baked beans in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a classic comfort food. You can use canned or dried beans, and there are several recipes to choose from. Here is a list of ingredients and prep steps to help you get started:

Ingredients:

• Beans: You can use canned baked beans or make them from dried beans. Canned beans are more convenient, but dried beans cooked from scratch will give you a more authentic flavour. Kidney beans, navy beans, pinto beans, white beans, and cannellini beans are all great choices.
• Oil: Olive oil or neutral oil will add depth of flavour and help the spices coat the beans evenly.
• Spices: For a classic baked bean flavour, you'll need onion, garlic, yellow mustard, salt, brown sugar or honey, and apple cider vinegar. You can also add BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and ground beef or bacon for a heartier dish.
• Other vegetables: Chopped onions, bell peppers, and tomatoes can be added for extra flavour and texture.

Prep:

• If using dried beans, cook them in a pressure cooker or on the stovetop before preparing the rest of the ingredients. Canned beans can be used directly, but be sure to rinse them first if you're particular about the texture.
• Chop or dice any additional ingredients, such as onions, bell peppers, or meat.
• In a medium or large bowl, combine all the ingredients and stir well until they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. You can also add a little water if the mixture seems too dry.
• Transfer the mixture to an oven-safe or air fryer-safe casserole dish.
• Preheat your air fryer to 380 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Place the dish in the air fryer and set the timer for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring the beans a few times during the cooking process to ensure even cooking.
• Once the beans are cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove them from the air fryer and serve!

Storage and reheating instructions

Refrigeration

Allow the beans to cool down to room temperature. Transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Freezing

Place the cooled beans in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 6 months. Thaw the beans by leaving them in the fridge overnight.

Reheating

You can reheat the beans in an air fryer or a microwave. If you are using a stovetop, add a splash of water and heat the beans in a pan. Reheat the beans in the air fryer for 3-5 minutes at 380°F. If you are using a stovetop, heat them on low heat.

Recipe variations

There are endless ways to adapt and change up your air fryer baked beans recipe. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Spicy Beans

Add some heat to your beans by including cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, or chilli powder. Chopped jalapenos, hot sauce, or black pepper can also be used to add some spice.

Sweet Beans

For a sweeter taste, add an extra tablespoon of honey, maple syrup, or brown sugar to the mix before air frying. You could also use sweet onions to enhance the sweetness.

Savory Beans

For a heartier, savory flavor, add some cooked ground beef, ground turkey, ground chicken, or sliced hot dogs/sausages to the mix. You can also add more vegetables, such as chopped green bell peppers or tomatoes.

Gluten-Free Beans

To make the recipe gluten-free, start with gluten-free baked beans and ensure that all the condiments you use (such as ketchup and Worcestershire sauce) are also gluten-free.

Dr Pepper Beans

For a unique twist, add about 1/4 cup of Dr Pepper to the mix to create a sweet and slightly spicy flavor.

Vegetarian/Vegan Beans

For a vegetarian or vegan option, omit the bacon and replace it with plant-based alternatives or additional vegetables. You can also use vegetarian/vegan-friendly Worcestershire sauce and other condiments.

Crispy Beans

If you want to add some crunch to your beans, try air frying or baking some bread crumbs or croutons separately and sprinkling them on top before serving.

Comparison to other cooking methods

Baked beans are a classic comfort food that can be made in an air fryer. They are a perfect, quick and easy side for a summer BBQ party. The air fryer allows you to cook baked beans faster than traditional cooking methods, without having to wait for a summer BBQ.

Compared to other cooking methods, the air fryer offers several advantages. Firstly, it requires less oil, resulting in a healthier cooking option. Secondly, it cooks food quickly and enhances the flavour of the beans. The air fryer is also versatile, allowing you to cook various dishes such as vegan crab cakes, sweet potato burgers, and spiced crispy chickpeas.

However, one disadvantage of using an air fryer for baked beans is that it may not be suitable for large batches. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the beans in batches to ensure even cooking.

Another factor to consider is the texture of the beans. Air-fried beans may have a different texture compared to beans cooked using traditional methods such as boiling or oven-baking. If you prefer softer beans, you may need to adjust the cooking time or add more liquid to the air fryer.

In terms of taste, air-fried baked beans offer a unique blend of flavours. The light sweetness, tangy BBQ flavours, and onion and garlic notes come together perfectly in this cooking method. The ability to control the level of sweetness or spiciness is also a plus.

Overall, the air fryer is a convenient and tasty way to cook baked beans, offering a quick and healthy option for those who want to enjoy this classic comfort food without the lengthy preparation time.

Frequently asked questions