Air-Fryer String Beans: Breaded, Crispy, And Delicious!

Air fryers are a convenient and quick way to cook breaded string beans. The process is simple and only requires a few ingredients, such as olive oil, salt, and pepper, to taste. The key to achieving the desired crispiness is to ensure the beans are placed in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cooked in batches if needed. This recipe is a fast and easy side dish that can be paired with any main course, adding a healthy boost of green beans to your meal.

Trimming the ends of the string beans

Firstly, gather your string beans and inspect them. Look for any that are flimsy, limp, or discoloured, and remove them from the batch. Fresh, firm, and bright green beans are best for air frying. You can wash the beans, but make sure to dry them with a kitchen towel before proceeding to the next step.

Now, it's time to trim the ends. Line up a handful of beans on a cutting board and, using a sharp knife, chop off the tips of the beans. Alternatively, you can use a pair of clean scissors for this task. You can also snap off the ends with your hands, but this may be more difficult. If you want to be more precise, you can trim each bean individually with a paring knife, although this method will be more time-consuming.

Once you have trimmed all the beans, give them a quick rinse under cool water to remove any excess debris or dirt. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Trimming the ends of the string beans helps ensure even cooking and improves the overall appearance of the beans. It also removes any tough or woody parts, making the beans more tender and enjoyable to eat.

After trimming, you can proceed with the rest of the recipe, such as seasoning the beans and placing them in the air fryer. Remember to follow the specific instructions for your chosen recipe to ensure the best results.

Adding oil and seasoning

Before adding oil and seasoning, wash the green beans and trim the ends. If there are any remaining stems, you can use scissors to trim them. You can also cut the beans in half to ensure they are all roughly the same size.

Once the beans are prepared, place them in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil. You can also use avocado oil, chilli oil, or any other oil of your choice. Toss the beans in the oil to ensure they are evenly coated.

Next, add your seasonings. Salt and pepper are the most basic seasonings, but you can also add garlic powder, lemon pepper, chilli flakes, red-pepper flakes, or any other spices you like. Toss the beans again to ensure they are evenly coated with the seasonings.

If you want to get creative, you can try tossing the beans with balsamic vinegar, grated garlic, and red-pepper flakes, or smoked paprika and garlic powder. You can also add lemon zest and juice for a fresh, tangy flavour.

For an extra crispy texture, you can bread the green beans before adding them to the air fryer. To do this, prepare three separate bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs. Dip each green bean into the flour, then the egg, and finally the breadcrumbs, ensuring they are evenly coated.

Finally, place the seasoned green beans in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can prevent proper air circulation and result in uneven cooking.

Preheating the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is a crucial step in the cooking process, and it can affect the final outcome of your breaded string beans. Here is a detailed guide to ensure you get the best results:

Firstly, it is important to understand why preheating is necessary. For most air fryers, preheating helps to speed up the cooking process and can also enhance the crispiness of your food. This is especially true if you are aiming for that desirable golden, crispy exterior on your breaded string beans.

Now, let's get into the specifics of preheating your air fryer for breaded string beans. Start by consulting your air fryer's manual to check if preheating is recommended for your particular model. If it is, turn on your air fryer and ensure it is clean, plugged in, and ready to use.

The next step is to determine the ideal preheating temperature and duration. For breaded string beans, a preheating temperature of around 360°F to 400°F (or 182°C to 204°C) is recommended. Set your air fryer to this temperature and allow it to preheat for approximately 3 to 5 minutes. If your air fryer has a preheat button, simply press it, set the temperature, and let the air fryer do the work.

While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare your breading station and the string beans. Ensure your string beans are washed, trimmed, and dried before coating them with your chosen breading. You can also use this time to prepare any additional ingredients or side dishes.

Once the preheating cycle is complete, you can carefully place the breaded string beans into the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer to promote even cooking. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can affect the airflow and lead to uneven cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the string beans in batches.

Now that your air fryer is preheated and your breaded string beans are ready, you can proceed with the cooking instructions outlined in your chosen recipe. Remember to follow the recommended cooking time and temperature settings for the best results. Enjoy your delicious, crispy breaded string beans!

Cooking the string beans

To cook string beans in an air fryer, start by washing the beans and drying them with a kitchen towel. If there are any stems still attached, trim them off. You can do this with a pair of scissors or snap them by hand.

Next, place the beans in a bowl and add olive oil (or oil of your choice). Toss the beans in the oil until they are fully coated. You can also add salt and pepper, or any other seasonings you like. For example, lemon pepper, garlic powder, or chilli flakes.

Once the beans are coated, place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer. If your air fryer is small, you may need to cook the beans in two batches. Preheat the air fryer to between 375°F and 400°F. The higher the temperature, the crispier the beans will be. Air fry for 6-12 minutes, depending on how crispy you like your beans. Shake the basket halfway through cooking to redistribute the beans and ensure even cooking.

If you are using frozen beans, you can either thaw them under cool running water and pat them dry before adding oil and seasonings, or place them straight into the air fryer basket and cook in 5-minute increments, tossing the basket each time.

Storing leftovers

If you want to extend their shelf life further, you can freeze the leftover breaded string beans. To do this, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container after they have cooled down completely. Frozen breaded string beans can be stored for up to 8-10 months.

When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, you can reheat them in the air fryer or microwave. Just be careful not to overcook them, as this may affect their texture and taste.

Frequently asked questions