Air-Fried Green Beans: Quick, Easy, And Healthy!

Air fryers are a great way to cook green beans, and they can be prepared in a variety of ways. Green beans can be cooked in an air fryer in under 20 minutes and can be seasoned with olive oil, salt, pepper, balsamic vinegar, red-pepper flakes, and garlic. They can also be garnished with lemon wedges, cracked black pepper, or walnut miso parmesan cheese.

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:

Ingredients:

• Fresh green beans
• Olive oil or oil of your choice (co: 2>avocado oil, grapeseed oil)
• Salt (preferably kosher salt)
• Black pepper
• Other seasonings of your choice (garlic powder, smoked paprika, lemon pepper, red pepper flakes, etc.)

Optional Ingredients:

• Lemon wedges
• Chili powder
• Chili oil
• Balsamic vinegar
• Grated garlic
• Breadcrumbs
• Butter

Instructions:

• Wash the green beans thoroughly in water.
• Trim the ends of the green beans. You can use scissors or a paring knife to cut off any stems.
• Dry the green beans with a kitchen towel or paper towels.
• Place the cleaned and trimmed green beans in a large bowl.
• Add olive oil or your chosen oil, along with salt and pepper, to the bowl. You can also add other seasonings of your choice.
• Toss the green beans until they are evenly coated with the oil and seasonings.
• Preheat your air fryer to 375-400°F.
• Place the coated green beans in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure even cooking. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
• Cook the green beans for 8-10 minutes, or until they reach your desired level of doneness. Shake the basket or toss the green beans halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking.
• Once cooked to your liking, remove the green beans from the air fryer and serve immediately.

Tips:

• Experiment with different seasonings and spices to find your favorite flavor combinations.
• For a crispier texture, cook the green beans for a shorter amount of time or use french-style thin green beans.
• If using frozen green beans, thaw them in a colander under cool water and dry them thoroughly before tossing with oil and seasonings.
• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-4 days.

Air fryer temperature and cooking time

The air fryer is a great tool for quickly roasting vegetables without using much oil. It is also handy when your stovetop and oven are occupied with other dishes, or when you don't want to heat up the kitchen.

The temperature and cooking time for air-frying green beans can vary slightly depending on the type of air fryer you have, as well as the thickness of the green beans. However, most recipes recommend preheating your air fryer to between 375°F and 400°F. At this temperature, the green beans should cook in around 8-10 minutes, but you can cook them for longer if you prefer them softer or more well done. It is also recommended to shake the basket or toss the beans halfway through cooking to redistribute them and ensure even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may also need to cook the green beans in batches.

How to get the best texture

To get the best texture from your air-fried green beans, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, make sure to trim and dry your green beans before cooking. This will help ensure even cooking and prevent sogginess. You can leave the tail ends on for a more rustic look, but be sure to remove the stem ends.

Secondly, when placing the green beans in the air fryer basket, arrange them in a single layer. This is important because it allows the hot air to circulate around each bean, cooking them evenly. If your air fryer is small, you may need to cook the beans in batches.

Thirdly, the cooking time will depend on your desired texture. For a crisp-tender texture, cook the beans for around 8-10 minutes. If you like your beans softer, cook them for a further 2-3 minutes. Keep in mind that thinner beans will cook quicker than thicker beans, so adjust your cooking time accordingly.

Finally, for an extra crispy texture, toss the green beans in the air fryer basket halfway through the cooking time to redistribute them and ensure even cooking.

By following these simple tips, you'll be able to achieve the perfect texture for your air-fried green beans!

Reheating and storing tips

If you have any leftover green beans, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When it comes to reheating, you can either use your air fryer or a microwave. Reheating in the air fryer will help retain the beans' texture and bring back some of the crunch, but be careful not to overcook them.

To reheat in the air fryer, set the temperature to 350°F and cook for 2-3 minutes. If you're using the microwave, there's no specific time or temperature setting; simply heat them until they're warm enough for your liking.

It's worth noting that green beans are best enjoyed fresh, so if you're aiming for that crispy texture, it's recommended to consume them right after cooking.

Seasoning ideas

The great thing about green beans is that they are a versatile vegetable that can be seasoned in many ways. Here are some seasoning ideas to try when making air fryer green beans:

• Smoked paprika and garlic powder: This combination gives the green beans a savoury and subtly sweet flavour. The smoked paprika adds a smoky depth of flavour, while the garlic powder provides a subtle pungency.
• Lemon pepper: Lemon pepper can add a bright, citrusy flavour to the green beans. It is especially good if you are looking for a tangy and refreshing taste.
• Salt and pepper: Keeping it simple with salt and pepper allows the natural flavour of the green beans to shine through while enhancing their taste.
• Chilli flakes: If you like a bit of spice, adding some chilli flakes to the green beans can give them a nice kick. Chilli flakes not only add heat but also a subtle fruity flavour.
• Balsamic vinegar: Using balsamic vinegar to season your green beans will give them a sweet and tangy flavour. It is a great way to add depth and complexity to the dish.
• Red pepper flakes and garlic: Combining red pepper flakes and garlic creates a flavourful combination that is both pungent and slightly spicy. The garlic provides a sharp taste, while the red pepper flakes add a subtle heat.
• Bread crumbs: Adding bread crumbs to the green beans gives them a crispy texture and a buttery flavour. This is a great way to add some crunch to the dish.
• Olive oil and lemon: Using olive oil and lemon together enhances the natural flavour of the green beans. The olive oil adds a fruity and slightly bitter taste, while the lemon brings a bright, acidic note.

Frequently asked questions