Air-Frying Green Bean Casserole: A Quick, Easy Treat?

Green bean casserole is a beloved classic American dish, often served during the holidays. But can you make it in an air fryer? The answer is yes!

Air-frying green bean casserole is a quick and easy way to make this tasty dish. It's also a great option if you're short on oven space. The cooking time is significantly reduced compared to baking it in the oven, and you can achieve the perfect texture for your green beans.

So, if you're looking for a delicious and convenient way to make green bean casserole, give your air fryer a try!

Ingredients and measurements

The ingredients and their measurements for making green bean casserole in an air fryer are as follows:

• 2 large onions (180 g) or 2 pieces large onions
• ⅓ cup (50 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon (5 g) garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon (5 g) onion powder
• ½ teaspoon (3 g) black pepper, or to taste
• 1 teaspoon (5 g) salt, or to taste
• ¾ cup (200 ml) vegetable oil for frying
• 1.5 cups (300 g) frozen green beans, thawed in advance, or 4 cups cut green beans (about 2 cans green beans) or 28 oz whole green beans (drained)
• 1 cup (200 ml) light cream or milk or half-and-half
• 2 oz (50 g) cheddar cheese, grated, or ½ cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded
• 4 oz (100 g) cream cheese, softened
• 11 oz (300 g) mushrooms, sliced
• 1 teaspoon (5 g) salt
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup or 14 oz cream of mushroom soup
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 ½ cups French fried onions or 1 1/3 cups French fried onions

Optional ingredients include:

• Soy sauce
• Parmesan cheese
• Bacon
• Cornflakes
• Worcestershire sauce
• Sour cream

You can also add in some more vegetables of your choice, such as carrots, mushrooms, bell peppers, baby corn, zucchini, broccoli, cauliflower, potatoes, spinach, and kale.

Step-by-step instructions

Firstly, gather your ingredients. You will need green beans (fresh, frozen, or canned), cream of mushroom soup, milk or half-and-half, soy sauce (optional), salt and pepper, and French-fried onions. You can also add cheese (such as Parmesan or cheddar) and bread crumbs for extra flavor and crunch.

If using fresh green beans, you will need to blanch them first. You can do this by steaming or boiling them for a few minutes until they are slightly tender. Frozen green beans should be thawed before use, and canned green beans can be used as they are.

Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In a large bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup, milk or half-and-half, soy sauce (if using), salt, and pepper. You can also add garlic powder for extra flavor. Stir in the green beans and half of the fried onions.

Transfer the green bean mixture to a baking dish that fits in your air fryer. Place the dish in the air fryer and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Once the casserole is heated through, remove the dish from the air fryer and top with the remaining fried onions. You can also add cheese and bread crumbs at this point for extra flavor and crunch. Return the dish to the air fryer and cook for an additional 2-5 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown.

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious and creamy green bean casserole with a crunchy topping!

You can also make this recipe in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days before baking. Simply assemble the casserole (without the topping) and cover it before placing it in the fridge. You can also freeze the casserole for longer storage.

Customisation options

Green bean casserole is a versatile dish that can be customised to suit your taste preferences. Here are some options for customising your green bean casserole when cooking it in an air fryer:

Type of Green Beans: You can use either fresh, frozen, or canned green beans for this recipe. If using fresh green beans, it is recommended to pre-cook them before adding them to the casserole. Frozen green beans should be thawed before use, while canned green beans can be added directly to the dish.

Onions: Fried onions are a classic topping for green bean casserole, adding a crunchy texture and flavour. You can use store-bought fried onions or make your own at home. To make your own, cut onions into slices, separate the layers, and soak them in milk for 20 minutes. Then, drain the milk and coat the onions with a mixture of flour, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt before frying them in oil until crispy.

Cheese: Cheese can add a savoury flavour and creamy texture to your casserole. Cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, or a combination of both are popular choices. You can also experiment with other types of cheese, such as Gruyere or Swiss cheese, to add your own twist to the dish.

Soup: Cream of mushroom soup is traditionally used in green bean casserole, but you can substitute it with cream of potato soup or cream of chicken soup to change up the flavour. If you prefer a vegan option, you can also make your own vegan cream of mushroom soup.

Spices and Seasonings: You can enhance the flavour of your casserole by adding spices and seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and seasoned salt. A splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce can also add an extra punch of flavour.

Protein: For a heartier dish, consider adding some protein to your casserole. Cooked bacon pieces, strips of bacon, or sausage pieces can be mixed into the casserole for a savoury, meaty flavour.

Vegetables: You can add a variety of vegetables to your green bean casserole, such as carrots, mushrooms, bell peppers, baby corn, zucchini, broccoli, cauliflower, potatoes, spinach, or kale. This is a great way to incorporate more nutrients and colours into your dish.

Toppings: In addition to fried onions, you can get creative with other toppings for your casserole. Cornflakes can be used instead of onions for a crunchy texture. Breadcrumbs can also be sprinkled on top along with the onions to make the dish even crispier.

Storage and reheating instructions

Green bean casserole is a delicious and creamy holiday staple, often served as a side dish during Thanksgiving and Christmas. The good news is that you can make this dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2-4 days before cooking. Here are some detailed instructions for storing and reheating your green bean casserole to ensure it stays fresh and tasty.

Storing Your Green Bean Casserole:

• Let it cool completely: Before storing your green bean casserole, it is important to let it cool down to room temperature. Do not store hot food in the fridge as it can raise the internal temperature and potentially spoil other food items.
• Cover it tightly: Use plastic wrap, aluminum foil, or a lid that fits snugly to cover your casserole dish. This ensures that your casserole doesn't dry out or form a crust on top.
• Label and date: Label your casserole with the date it was prepared. This helps you keep track of how long it has been stored and how long it will last.
• Refrigerate: Place your covered and labelled casserole in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: If you need to store your green bean casserole for longer than 3-4 days, freezing is an option. Let the casserole cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating and serving.

Reheating Your Green Bean Casserole:

There are several ways to reheat your green bean casserole, including using an oven, microwave, stovetop, slow cooker, or air fryer. Here are detailed instructions for each method:

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole on a baking sheet and cover it with foil. You can also use a baking dish, casserole dish, or a dutch oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. If you want the topping to be extra crispy, remove the foil during the last few minutes of baking.
• Microwave: Place the casserole in a microwave-safe bowl or dish. Cover and heat for 2-3 minutes, depending on the portion size. Start with medium power and adjust if needed. Stir once halfway through. Be careful of excess steam when removing from the microwave.
• Stovetop: Add the casserole to a medium-sized pot, pan, or skillet and place it on the stove. Turn the heat to medium-low and stir occasionally until the casserole is heated through. You may need to add a small amount of liquid, such as chicken broth or butter, for the best texture.
• Slow cooker: Place the leftover casserole in a slow cooker and set the temperature to low. Heat for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until fully heated through.
• Air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F. Place the casserole in a heat-safe dish that does not touch the heating element. Put the dish in the air fryer basket and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring halfway through.

No matter which reheating method you choose, always ensure that your green bean casserole is heated thoroughly before serving. Enjoy your delicious and creamy green bean casserole!

Tips and tricks

• Check that your casserole dish fits in the air fryer before assembling your dish.
• Preheat your air fryer to 325°F for 3-5 minutes while you assemble the casserole.
• Use an air fryer-safe dish. If you're unsure, check the dish you're using. Some recommended air fryer-safe dishes include an 8-inch square baking pan and a bucket-style baking pan with handles.
• If you're using fresh green beans, steam or boil them for a few minutes before adding them to the casserole.
• If you're using frozen green beans, be sure to thaw them before adding them to the casserole.
• If you're using canned green beans, drain the water from the can before adding them to the casserole.
• You can use different types of cheese, such as Parmesan, cheddar, or gruyere.
• If you want to add extra flavour, you can include a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce.
• You can also add in some onion powder to enhance the onion flavour.
• If you don't like your green beans too soft, adjust the cooking time accordingly. Air fry for a shorter period if you prefer them crispier.

Frequently asked questions