Baked beans are a classic comfort food, traditionally cooked in a saucepan or oven. However, using an air fryer to cook canned baked beans can result in a unique texture and flavour. The air circulation and high heat in an air fryer create a crispy exterior, enhancing the texture of the beans, while the rapid cooking process helps to lock in the flavours. This method also reduces the cooking time compared to traditional methods.

To make baked beans in an air fryer, you'll need a few simple ingredients and a casserole dish. You can use canned beans or make the baked beans from scratch. If using canned beans, opt for high-quality varieties with a good balance of sweetness and savoury notes, and consider adding extra ingredients such as bacon, onions, or spices. If making from scratch, you'll need dried beans, which need to be soaked overnight, and a range of seasonings and flavourings.

Whether using canned or dried beans, the cooking process is similar. Preheat your air fryer to around 350-390°F (175-200°C). Combine the beans with your chosen seasonings and any additional ingredients in a mixing bowl, then transfer them to an oven-safe dish. Place the dish in the air fryer and cook for 8-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Can You Do Baked Beans in an Air Fryer?

Air Fryer Temperature and Timing

The temperature and timing you use for your air fryer will depend on the type of beans you are cooking and the texture you want to achieve.

Canned Beans

If you are using canned beans, you should preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes before adding the beans. The cooking time can vary based on the air fryer model and the quantity of beans, but a general guideline is to cook them for 8–10 minutes, stirring them halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning and heating.

Dry Beans

If you are using dry beans, you will need to soak them in water for at least 6–8 hours, or overnight, before cooking. This will help to soften them and reduce the cooking time. Once soaked, you can drain and rinse the beans, then transfer them to a large pot and cover them with water. Bring the water to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook the beans for approximately 1 to 2 hours or until they are tender but not mushy.

Air Frying

When air frying your beans, preheat your air fryer to 380°F (200°C). Place the beans in the air fryer basket, spreading them out in an even layer. Cook the beans for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring them a few times during the cooking process to ensure even cooking. If you want a softer consistency, cook the beans at 350°F for 10 minutes. For a firmer texture, cook them at 400°F for 8–10 minutes. If you're after a crispy texture, cook them at the same temperature for 15–20 minutes.

Selecting the Right Ingredients

Bean Variety

Choose high-quality navy beans, which are the traditional choice for baked beans. Navy beans have a mild flavour and are excellent at absorbing the rich flavours of the sauce. Alternatively, you can use other types of beans such as kidney beans, pinto beans, white beans, or black beans. If you are short on time, opt for canned beans, but be sure to rinse them first to remove any excess sodium and preservatives. For a more authentic taste, dried beans are recommended, but they will need to be soaked and cooked before using.

Sauce and Seasonings

The sauce is key to flavourful baked beans. You can use store-bought barbecue sauce, such as honey barbecue sauce or hickory and brown sugar barbecue sauce, or make your own sauce from scratch. A basic sauce typically includes ingredients like tomato puree, molasses, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, and smoked paprika. You can adjust the sweetness, tanginess, or spiciness to your taste. Don't be afraid to experiment with additional seasonings like onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, or liquid smoke.

Meat and Vegetables

Bacon is a popular addition to baked beans, providing a nice salty and crispy texture. Finely chop or dice the bacon and cook it before adding it to the beans. You can also use other meats like ground beef, ground turkey, or sliced hot dogs. For a vegetarian option, omit the meat and add extra vegetables. Onions, bell peppers, jalapenos, and celery are great choices to enhance the flavour and texture of your dish.

Sweetness and Tang

To balance the flavours, you may want to add a touch of sweetness or tanginess to your baked beans. Honey, maple syrup, or brown sugar can be used to add sweetness, while apple cider vinegar or molasses provide a tangy twist. Adjust these ingredients to your taste preferences.

Remember, the beauty of making baked beans in an air fryer is that you can customise the recipe to your liking. Don't be afraid to experiment with different ingredients, spices, and seasonings to create your perfect batch of baked beans.

Preparing Ingredients

Preparing the ingredients for air fryer baked beans is simple and only requires a few steps.

Firstly, decide whether you want to use canned or dried beans. If you opt for dried beans, you will need to soak them overnight or for at least 6-8 hours before cooking. Cover the beans with water in a large bowl, ensuring they are fully submerged. This step softens the beans and reduces the cooking time. If you're short on time, canned beans are a convenient alternative, but be sure to drain and rinse them to remove excess sodium and preservatives.

Next, gather and prepare your additional ingredients. Finely chop or dice any vegetables you plan to include, such as onions, bell peppers, or celery. If you want to add bacon for a salty, crispy element, chop it into small pieces for even distribution throughout the dish. You can cook the bacon separately in a pan until crispy, or directly in the air fryer before adding the beans. Don't forget to blot the bacon with paper towels to remove excess grease before crumbling it into your bean mixture.

For spices and seasonings, gather options like smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt. You can also include liquid condiments such as Worcestershire sauce, barbecue sauce, ketchup, honey, or apple cider vinegar. If you want to add a touch of sweetness, brown sugar, maple syrup, or honey are excellent choices.

Once you have all your ingredients ready, it's time to combine them. In a medium or large mixing bowl, add your beans, vegetables, bacon (if using), and seasonings. Stir the ingredients until they are well combined and evenly distributed. At this point, you can also add any liquid condiments and sweeteners to the mixture. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasonings to your preference.

Now, you're ready to transfer the bean mixture to your air fryer. Use an oven-safe or air fryer-safe dish, such as a 2-quart casserole dish or a silicone pot that fits in your air fryer basket. Spread the mixture evenly in the dish to ensure consistent cooking.

With your ingredients prepared and assembled, you're almost ready to start cooking your delicious air fryer baked beans!

Flavour and Texture Enhancement Tips

Ingredients

When choosing your canned baked beans, opt for a high-quality variety with a good balance of sweetness and savoury notes. You can also use dried beans, but these will need to be soaked and cooked before using. If you go down this route, choose dried navy or haricot beans for a truly authentic taste.

You can enhance the flavour of your baked beans by adding some simple ingredients:

• Garlic and onion
• Worcestershire sauce
• Brown sugar
• Mustard

For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce. For a sweeter twist, add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar or a splash of molasses to the sauce.

Techniques

To get the perfect texture, adjust the temperature and cooking time according to your preference:

• For a softer consistency, cook at 350°F for 10 minutes
• For a firmer texture, cook at 400°F for 8-10 minutes
• For a crispy texture, cook at 400°F for 15-20 minutes

Always preheat your air fryer before adding the beans for even cooking. Mix the beans with any additional ingredients or seasoning before transferring them to the air fryer basket. Cook the beans in a single layer and shake the basket halfway through to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Recipe Variations

Bacon and Brown Sugar Beans

Add cooked and crumbled bacon to the beans before placing them in the air fryer. Stir in some brown sugar to create a sweet and savoury flavour profile. Cook according to the recipe instructions, ensuring the bacon becomes crispy and the brown sugar caramelises.

Vegetarian Baked Beans

Omit meat-based ingredients such as bacon or Worcestershire sauce. Enhance the flavour with spices like cumin, chilli powder, and smoked paprika. Add diced vegetables such as onions, bell peppers, or jalapeños for extra texture and taste.

Spicy Mexican-style Beans

Add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to give the beans a spicy kick. Mix in some cooked chorizo or ground beef for a heartier version. Top the cooked beans with shredded cheese, chopped coriander, and a squeeze of lime juice before serving.

Maple and Mustard Beans

Combine maple syrup and Dijon mustard to create a tangy and sweet sauce for the beans. Adjust the ratio of maple syrup and mustard to suit your taste. Cook the beans until the sauce thickens and the flavours meld together.

Dr Pepper Style

Transform simple air-fried baked beans into Dr Pepper baked beans by adding about ¼ cup of Dr Pepper to the mix.

Gluten-free

Start with gluten-free baked beans and ensure that the condiments (ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, etc.) you're using are also gluten-free.

Frequently asked questions