Air-Fryer Baked Beans: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Baked beans are a classic comfort food, and you can easily cook them in an air fryer. With just a few simple ingredients, you can have a delicious and hearty meal or side dish that's perfect for a summer BBQ. You can use canned or dry beans and add your choice of meat and vegetables, making it a versatile dish that's sure to be a family favourite. The air fryer also makes it easy to cook the beans without heating up your kitchen, and you can even make them diabetic-friendly by using date puree for sweetness instead of sugar or artificial sweeteners.

Baked beans in an air fryer: a quick and easy side dish

Baked beans are a classic comfort food and a staple at summer BBQs. They are usually cooked in a pot on the stove or in the microwave, but did you know you can also make them in an air fryer?

Air fryer baked beans are a quick and easy side dish that can be made in just a few simple steps. You will need a can of beans, some pantry staples, and an air fryer. Start by spritzing a baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. In a separate bowl, mix your desired ingredients such as onion, tomato paste, pepper, garlic powder, vinegar, mustard, liquid smoke, bacon, date paste, and water. Microwave this mixture for 4-5 minutes until bubbly. Then, stir in your beans and pour the mixture into the prepared dish. Air fry at 315 degrees Fahrenheit for 30-40 minutes, or until the sauce is thick and the beans are crusty. You can also add ground beef, ground turkey, chicken, or sliced sausages to make the dish more hearty and filling.

If you're short on time, you can also buy pre-made bacon pieces or cook bacon in your air fryer by preheating to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and cooking bacon slices for 8-10 minutes. Remember to stir the beans a few times during cooking to ensure even cooking. You can also adjust the sweetness or spiciness of the dish by changing the type of BBQ sauce used.

Leftover baked beans can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. When you're ready to enjoy them again, simply air fry for 3-5 minutes, adding a bit of water or broth if needed. So, the next time you're looking for a quick and tasty side dish, why not give air fryer baked beans a try? They're versatile, flavorful, and sure to be a hit with the entire family.

How to make baked beans from scratch in an air fryer

Baked beans are a classic comfort food and a great, quick and easy side dish for a summer barbecue. You can make them from scratch in an air fryer with just a few simple ingredients. Here's how:

Firstly, gather your ingredients. You will need a can of beans, some pantry staples, and your air fryer. For a classic flavour, use sweet onions, diced cooked bacon, salt, brown sugar or maple syrup, ketchup, and honey or Dijon mustard. If you want to make the dish diabetic-friendly, you can replace the sugar with date puree, made by mashing pitted dates with hot water. You can also add ground beef, ground turkey, chicken, sliced hot dogs, or sausage for a heartier dish. If you want to add some extra vegetables, try chopped green bell pepper or tomatoes.

Before you begin, preheat your air fryer to 380 degrees Fahrenheit. If you are using dry beans instead of canned, remember to soak them overnight and cook them for longer.

In a large mixing bowl, combine all your ingredients. Transfer the mixture to a 2-quart casserole dish or a silicone pot that fits in your air fryer basket. Make sure the dish is air fryer-safe or oven-safe.

Now, it's time to air fry! Place the dish in the air fryer and set the timer. For a diabetic-friendly recipe, air fry at 315 degrees Fahrenheit for 30-40 minutes. For a classic recipe, 15 to 20 minutes should be enough. Stir the beans a few times during the cooking process to ensure even cooking. If you like your beans with a little crust, cook them for a little longer.

And that's it! You can serve your homemade air-fried baked beans with cornbread or grilled chicken or pork. Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

The best type of beans to use for air fryer baked beans

Baked beans are a classic comfort food and a summer staple. You can use canned beans or dry beans to make air fryer baked beans. If you are using dry beans, remember to soak them overnight and cook them before adding them to the air fryer.

Canned beans are a convenient option, and you can use pretty much any brand of your choice. Bush's Baked Beans are a popular option, but feel free to use your favourite variety.

When it comes to the type of beans, you have several options. Kidney beans, navy beans, pinto beans, and white beans are all great choices. You can also use butter beans, which have a pretty neutral flavour and can be seasoned to your taste.

If you're looking for a quick and easy side dish for your summer BBQ or potluck, air fryer baked beans are a perfect choice. They are versatile, full of flavour, and can be customised to your preference.

Making baked beans in an air fryer without artificial sweeteners

Yes, you can cook baked beans in an air fryer! This method is perfect for a quick and easy side dish for a summer BBQ, or as a tasty classic comfort food.

To make baked beans in an air fryer without artificial sweeteners, you can use date puree to add sweetness. First, spritz a quart or one-and-a-half-quart baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Then, in a large microwave-safe bowl, mix onion, tomato paste, pepper, garlic powder, vinegar, mustard, liquid smoke, bacon, date paste, and water together. Cover the mixture and microwave on high for 4-5 minutes until bubbly. Next, stir in the beans and pour the mixture into the prepared dish. You can use canned beans or dry beans, but if you use dry beans, remember to soak them overnight first.

Now, you're ready to air fry! Pop the dish in the air fryer and set the temperature to 315 degrees Fahrenheit. Set the timer for 30-40 minutes, stirring a few times in between. The beans are ready when the sauce is thick and the beans are a little crusty on top. If you prefer your beans to be less dry, you can cook them for a shorter time.

You can also add extra ingredients to make the dish more hearty and filling, such as ground beef, ground turkey, ground chicken, sliced hot dogs, or sausage. For a vegetarian option, you can add more vegetables, like chopped green bell pepper or tomatoes.

Air fryer baked beans are a delicious and easy dish to make, perfect for a summer BBQ or a cozy comfort food. By using date puree instead of artificial sweeteners, you can enjoy a tasty and healthier option.

What to serve with air fryer baked beans

Air fryer baked beans are a versatile side dish that can be served with a variety of main courses. Here are some ideas for what to serve with air fryer baked beans:

Cornbread

A classic pairing, cornbread is a great option to serve with air fryer baked beans. You can make it in the air fryer alongside the beans for a quick and easy side dish.

Sandwiches or Burgers

Air fryer baked beans can be a delicious addition to sandwiches or burgers. Try pairing them with a hot honey chicken sandwich, a simple turkey sandwich, or an air-fried jalapeno popper chicken burger.

BBQ Dishes

Air fryer baked beans are a perfect side dish for a summer BBQ. Serve them alongside BBQ chicken wings, shrimp tacos, BBQ salmon, or corn on the cob. They will complement the smoky flavours of the BBQ and are a great option for feeding a crowd.

Heartier Options

For a heartier meal, you can add ground beef, ground turkey, ground chicken, sliced hot dogs, or sausage to the baked beans. These additions will make the dish more filling and satisfying.

Breakfast Options

Air fryer baked beans can also be served as a breakfast option. Pair them with breakfast pizza waffles or air fryer loaded nachos for a unique and tasty morning treat.

Frequently asked questions