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

Air fryers are a convenient and healthy way to cook vegetables, and green beans are no exception. In fact, air-fried green beans have a unique crisp-tender texture that makes them a tasty and addictive side dish. They are also incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal preparation and cooking time. Simply wash and trim the beans, toss them in olive oil, and season with salt and pepper (or other spices of your choice). Then, arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for around 8-10 minutes. You can also experiment with different oils and seasonings to find your perfect combination. So, if you're looking for a quick, healthy, and delicious way to cook green beans, give the air fryer a try!

How to prepare green beans for the air fryer

Preparing green beans for the air fryer is a simple process. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Wash and Trim the Green Beans

Start by giving the green beans a thorough wash under running water to remove any dirt or dust. Then, trim the stem ends from the beans. You can use a sharp knife or a pair of clean scissors for this task. Some people also like to cut off the tail ends, but it is not necessary.

Step 2: Dry the Green Beans

After trimming, use paper towels or a kitchen towel to pat the green beans dry. This step is important as it helps the seasonings stick to the beans and ensures even cooking.

Step 3: Season the Green Beans

Place the trimmed and dried green beans in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle them with olive oil, or oil of your choice. You only need a little bit of oil, just enough to coat the beans lightly. Then, add your desired seasonings. The most basic seasonings are salt and pepper, but you can also get creative and experiment with other options like garlic powder, lemon pepper, chili flakes, or smoked paprika. Toss the beans well to ensure they are evenly coated with oil and seasonings.

Step 4: Arrange in the Air Fryer Basket

Preheat your air fryer to between 375°F and 400°F. Place the seasoned green beans in the air fryer basket, making sure to arrange them in a single layer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the beans in batches.

Step 5: Air Fry

Air fry the green beans for 8 to 10 minutes, or until they reach your desired level of doneness. For a crispier texture, increase the cooking time. During cooking, shake the basket or toss the beans halfway through to ensure even cooking and to prevent overheating in one spot.

And that's it! You now have delicious, crispy, and tender air-fried green beans ready to be served as a side dish or enjoyed as a healthy snack.

Note: If you are using frozen green beans, it is recommended to thaw them in a bowl of water first and then pat them dry before proceeding with the seasoning and air frying steps.

The best temperature to cook green beans in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook green beans in an air fryer!

It is worth noting that cooking times may vary depending on the type of air fryer you have, as well as the thickness of the green beans. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may also need to cook the green beans in batches to ensure they cook evenly.

How long to cook green beans in an air fryer

Air-frying green beans is a quick and easy way to make a tasty side dish. The cooking time will depend on the texture you want to achieve, the type of air fryer you have, and the quantity of green beans you are cooking.

First, prepare the green beans by trimming the stems and cutting larger ones in half so they are relatively equal in size. You can also cut off the tail ends, but this is not necessary. Then, wash the green beans and dry them with paper towels or a kitchen towel.

Next, place the green beans in a large bowl and add olive oil, salt, and pepper. You can also add other seasonings like lemon pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, or red pepper flakes. Toss the green beans until they are evenly coated with the oil and seasonings.

Now you are ready to cook the green beans in the air fryer. Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, and cook at 375-400°F for 8-12 minutes, or until they are crisp-tender. If you are cooking a large quantity of green beans, you may need to cook them in batches. Be sure to shake the basket or toss the green beans halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking.

If you prefer your green beans to have a softer texture, you can cook them for a longer time, up to 20 minutes. However, keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer, so it is important to keep an eye on the green beans to avoid overcooking.

With these simple steps, you can enjoy delicious and healthy air-fried green beans as a side dish to any meal.

Seasoning and flavour combinations for green beans

Green beans are a versatile vegetable that can be seasoned in many ways to add flavour. Here are some seasoning and flavour combinations to try when cooking green beans in an air fryer:

• Salt and Pepper: This classic combination is a simple yet effective way to season green beans. Add salt and pepper to taste, tossing the green beans to ensure they are evenly coated before air frying.
• Lemon: Lemon wedges are a great way to add a refreshing flavour to green beans. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the cooked green beans or serve with lemon wedges on the side.
• Olive Oil: Using olive oil to coat the green beans before air frying adds a subtle flavour and helps to achieve a crispy texture.
• Chilli Powder/Chilli Flakes: For those who like their food spicy, adding chilli powder or chilli flakes to the green beans before air frying can add a nice kick. Alternatively, use chilli oil instead of olive oil.
• Smoked Paprika and Garlic Powder: Seasoning green beans with smoked paprika and garlic powder adds a savoury and subtly sweet flavour.
• Lemon Pepper: Lemon pepper can add a zesty twist to the classic combination of salt and pepper.
• Garlic: Experiment with adding garlic to your green beans, either in powder form or fresh garlic cloves.
• Onion: Try adding onion to your green beans, either in powder form or by cooking sliced onions alongside the green beans in the air fryer.
• Other Seasonings: Feel free to experiment with other seasonings like seasoning salt, or even walnut miso parmesan cheese for a more indulgent dish.

How to store leftover air-fried green beans

Storing leftover air-fried green beans is simple. Here are some steps to follow to ensure your leftover green beans stay fresh and tasty:

Firstly, it is important to let the green beans cool completely to room temperature. Placing hot food in the fridge is not advisable as it can affect the temperature of the fridge and cause other foods to spoil.

Once the beans have cooled, place them in an airtight container. You can line the container with a paper towel to absorb any excess moisture. Seal the container tightly, removing as much air as possible.

Store the container of green beans in the refrigerator. They should keep for 3-4 days.

When you are ready to eat your leftover green beans, you can reheat them in the microwave or, for a crispier texture, pop them back into the air fryer for a few minutes. Just be careful not to overcook them.

Some other tips for storing green beans include:

• Do not wash the beans before storing them as the moisture can cause mould to form. Simply wipe off any dirt with your hands.
• If you want to keep the green beans for longer than 4 days, you can freeze them. Blanch the beans first by boiling them for a few minutes, then place them in ice water to cool. Dry them thoroughly, then place them in a freezer bag or container. They should keep for 8-10 months.

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