Air-Fryer Green Bean Casserole: A Quick, Easy Treat

Green bean casserole is a classic American dish that is traditionally served during the holidays. It is typically made with green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and fried onions, and can be prepared in the oven or an air fryer. Preparing green bean casserole in an air fryer offers several advantages, such as reduced cooking time and the ability to free up oven space for other dishes. The air fryer also helps to create a crispy texture on the casserole topping.

The process of making green bean casserole in an air fryer is straightforward. It involves mixing the ingredients, including the green beans, soup, milk, and seasonings, in a bowl, and then transferring the mixture to an air fryer-safe casserole dish. The dish is placed in the air fryer basket and cooked for a specified amount of time, typically around 10 to 15 minutes. The fried onions are then added on top, and the casserole is cooked for an additional few minutes until the onions are golden brown.

Some recipes suggest preheating the air fryer before adding the casserole, while others recommend adding the fried onions in layers, sprinkling some on top of the casserole before cooking and adding the rest towards the end. The flexibility of this dish allows for customisation, with some recipes suggesting the addition of cheese, bacon, or other vegetables to suit individual tastes.

Ingredients and measurements

Making a green bean casserole in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a tasty side dish for any meal. Here is a list of ingredients and measurements to help you get started:

• Green Beans: You can use fresh, frozen, or canned green beans. If using fresh beans, cook them first in a skillet or pan and let them cool before adding them to the casserole. Frozen beans should be thawed before use, while canned beans can be used directly. The amount of green beans needed may vary depending on the recipe, but typically ranges from 1.5 to 4 cups.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: This is a key ingredient in green bean casserole, providing a creamy texture and savoury flavour. You can use one 10.5-ounce can or about 14 ounces of cream of mushroom soup. Alternatively, you can substitute it with cream of potato or chicken soup for a variation in flavour.
• Milk: Whole milk is recommended for the best results, but you can also use half-and-half or heavy cream. The amount of milk required may vary, but it is typically added to the soup to create a creamy base for the casserole.
• Seasonings: This includes salt, preferably seasoned salt or kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper for enhanced flavour. You can also add garlic powder, onion powder, or soy sauce to boost the savouriness of the dish.
• Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese is a popular choice, adding a strong flavour to the casserole. You can grate your own or use pre-shredded cheese. Other options include Gruyere or Swiss cheese. The amount of cheese may vary, but it is typically added in small quantities, such as half a cup or 2 ounces.
• Fried Onions: French fried onions provide a crispy texture and savoury taste to the casserole. You can use store-bought or make your own in the air fryer. The onions are typically mixed into the casserole and also sprinkled on top for an extra crunchy topping.

You can also add other ingredients to customise your green bean casserole, such as crumbled bacon, sliced mushrooms, or sautéed onions. Additionally, you will need an air fryer-safe baking dish that fits comfortably inside your air fryer basket.

Step-by-step instructions

Firstly, gather your ingredients. You will need green beans (fresh, frozen, or canned), cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken/potato/celery soup), milk (or half-and-half), garlic powder, salt, and pepper. You can also add in some shredded cheddar cheese, French fried onions, and soy sauce for extra flavour.

If you are using fresh green beans, you will need to cook them first. You can steam, boil, or fry them until they are tender. If you are using frozen green beans, make sure to thaw them first.

Now, it's time to assemble the casserole. In a large bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. If you are using cheese, French fried onions, or soy sauce, add them to the mixture as well. Make sure everything is combined well.

Next, add in the green beans and gently toss them with the soup mixture until they are coated. You can do this directly in the bowl or in a separate baking dish. If you are using a baking dish, make sure it is oven-safe and fits in your air fryer basket.

Once your casserole is assembled, it's time to cook it. Place the baking dish in the air fryer basket and set the temperature to 325-350 degrees Fahrenheit. Cook the casserole for 10-15 minutes, stirring halfway through.

After the casserole is heated through, it's time to add the crispy topping. Sprinkle the French fried onions and some extra cheese on top of the casserole. Return the dish to the air fryer and cook for an additional 2-5 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown.

Finally, remove the casserole from the air fryer and let it cool down for a few minutes before serving. Your green bean casserole is now ready to be enjoyed!

You can also make this casserole in advance and refrigerate or freeze it until you are ready to cook it. Simply assemble the casserole, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days, or in the freezer for a few months. When you're ready to eat it, let it come to room temperature and then follow the cooking instructions above.

Reheating and storage

Green bean casserole is a holiday staple dish in many households. The good news is that it can taste just as good when reheated using several methods, including the oven, microwave, stovetop, slow cooker, or air fryer.

Storing Green Bean Casserole

• Cooling: Let the casserole cool completely before storing. Never store hot food in the fridge as it can increase the temperature and spoil other food.
• Covering: Cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap, aluminium foil, or a lid to prevent it from drying out or forming a crust.
• Labelling: Label and date the casserole so you can keep track of how long it has been stored.
• Refrigeration: Store the covered casserole in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to four days.
• Freezing: To freeze, cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap and aluminium foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating Methods

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until heated through. For a crispy topping, 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 two to three minutes, stirring halfway through. Be careful of excess steam when removing.
• Stovetop: Add the casserole to a pot, pan, or skillet over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally, and add liquid such as chicken broth or butter if needed.
• Slow Cooker: Place the casserole in the slow cooker and set the temperature to low. Heat for two to three hours, stirring occasionally.
• Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). 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 six to eight minutes, stirring halfway through.

Tips

• To keep the casserole warm before serving, leave it in the oven at a low temperature (around 200°F) or use a warming tray or chafing dish.
• When reheating, ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
• If the casserole feels dry, add a small amount of water, broth, or extra sauce.
• Always bring the casserole to room temperature before reheating to avoid temperature shock and ensure even cooking.

Customisation and alternatives

There are many ways to customise your green bean casserole and make it your own. Here are some suggestions:

• Cheese – While some recipes call for cheddar cheese, you can experiment with different types of cheese such as Gruyere, Swiss, or Parmesan. Adding cheese can enhance the savoury flavour and make the casserole even more indulgent.
• Onion alternatives – If you're not a fan of fried onions, you can substitute them with cornflakes to create a crispy topping. You can also add onion powder to the mix to enhance the onion flavour.
• Extra ingredients – You can add bacon pieces, mushrooms, chicken, or sausage to the casserole for a heartier dish. For vegetarians, you can include mushrooms or other vegetables like broccoli, carrots, zucchini, spinach, or kale.
• Soup variations – While cream of mushroom soup is traditional, you can substitute it with cream of potato soup or cream of chicken soup for a slightly different flavour. If you're making the dish for mushroom lovers, you can also add some fresh mushrooms to the mix.
• Spices and seasonings – In addition to salt and pepper, you can experiment with spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or soy sauce to enhance the flavour of the casserole. A little bit of Worcestershire sauce or Parmesan cheese can also add a savoury kick.
• Crispy toppings – To make the casserole even crispier, you can sprinkle some breadcrumbs on top along with the fried onions. This will add an extra layer of texture and flavour to the dish.
• Vegetable variations – While green beans are the star of the show, you can also add other vegetables to the mix, such as carrots, bell peppers, baby corn, zucchini, broccoli, cauliflower, or potatoes. This can be a great way to use up any leftover veggies in your refrigerator.
• Protein additions – For a more substantial dish, you can include protein sources like cooked chopped bacon, chicken, or sausage. This can transform the casserole into a heartier meal.

History of the dish

Green bean casserole is an American dish that was created in 1955 by Dorcas Reilly, who worked in the home economics department at the Campbell Soup Company in Camden, New Jersey. The recipe was designed to be quick and easy to make, using ingredients that were commonly found in US households at the time. Reilly created the dish for a feature article for the Associated Press, and it was originally called the "Green Bean Bake" when it was first printed on soup cans.

Reilly's recipe was intended to showcase the versatility of Campbell's cream of mushroom soup, which had been created that same year and was the company's first soup to be marketed as a sauce as well as a soup. The dish consists primarily of green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and french-fried onions, and it has become a popular side dish for Thanksgiving dinners in the United States. In fact, Campbell's estimates that 40% of the cream of mushroom soup sold in the US is used to make green bean casserole and that the dish is served at 20 million Thanksgiving dinners each year.

While the dish did not initially test well within the company, it eventually gained a reputation as "the ultimate comfort food". Culinary historian Laura Shapiro praised the recipe's use of crunchy fried onion topping as a "touch of genius", elevating an otherwise ordinary convenience-food side dish. The dish has been described as "iconic" by several publications, and it has been inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in Akron, Ohio, in recognition of its significance in American culture and cuisine.

Frequently asked questions