Air-Fryer Canned Green Beans: A Quick, Healthy Treat?

Canned green beans can be cooked in an air fryer, but the results may vary. While some people enjoy the change in texture, others find that canned green beans are too soggy and tasteless, even after air frying. To get the best results, it is recommended to double the cooking time to make the beans crispier. Additionally, seasoning the beans with garlic powder or onion powder can enhance their flavour. It is also important to drain the beans before air frying and to pat them dry for the best texture.

Air fryer green beans: a healthy, tasty, low-carb snack

Air fryer green beans are a quick, easy, and tasty snack that can be made in minutes. They are a healthier alternative to regular fries and are a great side dish or appetizer. Here's a guide on how to make them, with tips on ingredients, cooking methods, and more.

Ingredients

You will need fresh green beans for this recipe. Look for beans that are nice and green and have a good "snap" to them. You will also need flour, eggs, panko breadcrumbs, and seasonings such as salt, pepper, and paprika. For cooking, you will need an air fryer and cooking spray or olive oil.

Method

Start by rinsing the green beans and snapping off the stems. You can then choose to coat the green beans with flour, dip them in beaten egg, and roll them in the breadcrumb mixture. This will give them a crispy coating. Place the coated green beans in a single layer in the air fryer basket and spray with cooking oil or olive oil.

Cooking

Air fry the green beans at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 minutes. If you want a darker coating, cook for an additional minute or two at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.

Tips

• Use cooking spray to ensure an even coating of oil on the green beans.
• Know that all air fryers are different, so adjust the time and temperature as needed.
• For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
• To reheat, air fry at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 5-6 minutes, tossing halfway through.

Variations

You can also make air fryer green beans without the breading. Simply toss the green beans with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and air fry at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 8-10 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness. You can also experiment with different seasonings, such as garlic powder, lemon pepper, or chili flakes.

Canned Green Beans

While fresh green beans are recommended for the best taste and texture, you can also air fry canned green beans. Drain the liquid from the can, place the beans in the air fryer basket, and air fry at 350-380 degrees Fahrenheit for 5-11 minutes. Season with butter, salt, and pepper, or your desired seasonings.

Enjoy your healthy, tasty, low-carb snack!

How to make air fryer green beans

Ingredients:

• Fresh green beans
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Lemon wedges (optional)
• Butter (optional)
• Garlic powder (optional)
• Smoked paprika (optional)
• Parmesan cheese (optional)

Method:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F-400°F.
• Wash the green beans and trim off the tips and any stems.
• Place the green beans in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil.
• Sprinkle salt and pepper, and any other desired seasonings, over the green beans. Toss to coat.
• Place the green beans in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
• Air fry for 8-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the green beans are blistered and fragrant.
• Serve immediately with lemon wedges, if desired.

Tips:

• For a more traditional American topping, sprinkle with walnut miso parmesan cheese.
• To reheat, place the green beans back in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes.
• If you don't have an air fryer, you can cook the green beans in the oven at 375°F for 30 minutes.

Air fryer green beans: seasoning and serving suggestions

Air-fried green beans are a quick, tasty, and healthy side dish or snack. They can be seasoned and served in a variety of ways and are ready in just a few minutes. Here are some ideas for seasoning and serving air-fried green beans:

Seasoning Ideas:

• Keep it simple: Season your green beans with just salt and pepper for a classic flavour.
• Garlic and chilli: Add some garlic powder or chilli flakes for a punch of flavour.
• Lemon pepper: For a zesty kick, use lemon pepper to season your green beans.
• Spicy: If you like your food with a kick, add some red pepper flakes, chilli powder, or paprika.
• Herbs and spices: Experiment with different herbs and spices like onion powder, garlic salt, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, or balsamic vinegar.

Serving Suggestions:

• As a side: Air-fried green beans make a great side dish for any meal. Serve them alongside a main course like steak, chicken, or fish.
• As a snack: Season and serve your air-fried green beans as a tasty and healthy snack.
• With dips: Try dipping your green beans in ranch dressing, mayonnaise mixed with lemon juice, or other dips like Red Robin Campfire Sauce, Chick-Fil-A Sauce, or Blue Cheese Dressing.
• With a squeeze of lemon: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over your green beans for a refreshing burst of flavour.
• With parmesan cheese: Sprinkle some parmesan cheese over your green beans for an extra savoury touch.
• With walnut miso parmesan: For a vegan option, top your green beans with homemade walnut miso parmesan.

Tips for Air Frying Green Beans:

• Use fresh or canned beans: While fresh green beans are recommended for the best texture, you can also use canned green beans for convenience. Just drain and pat them dry before air-frying.
• Single layer: For even cooking and a bit of crunch, place the green beans in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You may need to cook in batches.
• Experiment: Feel free to experiment with different oils, seasonings, and cooking times to find your perfect combination.

So, get creative and enjoy the versatility of air-fried green beans!

Air fryer green beans: reheating and storing

Reheating

If you have any leftover air fryer green beans, you can reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes. Reheating in the air fryer will help preserve the texture of the beans.

Storing

Store your leftover green beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for 2-4 days.

Air fryer green beans: the best cooking methods

Air-fried green beans are a tasty, low-carb snack that can be made in minutes. You can use fresh, frozen, or canned green beans, but each type requires a slightly different approach. Here are some of the best methods for cooking green beans in an air fryer.

Using Fresh Green Beans

Fresh green beans are ideal for air frying and will give you the best results. Start by washing and trimming the green beans, then drying them with a kitchen towel. Next, toss the beans in a large bowl with olive oil, salt, and pepper, or other seasonings of your choice. You can also add other ingredients like garlic powder, smoked paprika, or lemon pepper to enhance the flavor. Place the seasoned beans in the air fryer basket in a single layer to ensure even cooking.

Preheat your air fryer to between 375°F and 400°F, depending on your preference and the level of crispness you desire. Air fry the green beans for 8 to 12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to turn the beans. For softer beans, add an extra minute or two of cooking time.

Using Frozen Green Beans

If you're using frozen green beans, it's best to thaw them first in a bowl of water before patting them dry and mixing with oil, salt, and pepper. You can also experiment with adding other seasonings like garlic or onion powder. Follow the same air frying instructions as for fresh green beans, adjusting the cooking time as needed.

Using Canned Green Beans

Canned green beans can also be air-fried, but they won't get as crispy as fresh or frozen beans. Start by draining the liquid from the can and placing the beans in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 350°F for 5-6 minutes, or double the time for a crispier texture. After cooking, season with olive oil, salt, and pepper, or other spices like garlic powder or onion powder.

Tips for Success

• Always ensure your green beans are in a single layer in the air fryer basket for even cooking.
• Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the beans in batches.
• For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
• To reheat leftover air-fried green beans, use the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes to preserve their texture.

Air-fried green beans make a delicious and healthy side dish or snack, and with these methods, you can enjoy them however you like your beans—crispy, tender, or somewhere in between!

Frequently asked questions