Air-Frying Green Beans: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Air fryers are a great way to cook green beans. They are quick, easy, and healthy, and can cook the beans in under 15 minutes. Air-fried green beans are a perfect side dish for nearly any meal, and the beans can be seasoned in a variety of ways.

How to prepare green beans for air frying

Preparing green beans for air frying is a simple process that can be done in a few minutes. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Wash and Trim the Green Beans

Start by giving the green beans a thorough wash to remove any dirt or dust. Then, trim the stem ends from the beans. You can use a pair of clean scissors or a knife for this task. It is preferable to trim the side of the green bean with the woody stem. However, it is okay to leave the thin string on the end if it is still bright green and fresh.

Step 2: Season the Green Beans

Place the cleaned and trimmed green beans in a large bowl. Drizzle them with olive oil or any oil of your choice. You can also add a small amount of balsamic vinegar if you like. Then, season the beans with salt and pepper, or any other seasonings of your choice. Some suggested seasonings include smoked paprika, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, and grated garlic. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice and some lemon zest for extra flavour.

Step 3: Toss and Coat the Green Beans

Once you have added all your desired seasonings, toss the green beans in the bowl until they are evenly coated. Make sure that each bean is well-coated for optimal flavour and texture. You can use your hands or a spoon to toss the beans.

Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer

While you are tossing and coating the green beans, you can preheat your air fryer to 375-400°F. Preheating the air fryer will help to sear the exterior of the green beans, creating a nice roasted flavour.

Step 5: Arrange the Green Beans in the Air Fryer Basket

After the green beans are well-coated and the air fryer is preheated, it is time to arrange the beans in the air fryer basket. Spread the beans in an even layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the beans in two batches to avoid overcrowding.

Now that your green beans are prepared, you can air fry them according to your desired level of doneness. Enjoy your delicious and healthy side dish!

Air fryer temperature and cooking time

The temperature and cooking time for your air fryer green beans will depend on the texture you want to achieve. If you want softer beans, cook them for 6-8 minutes at 400°F. For a crispier texture, leave them in for 8-10 minutes. If you want to avoid overcooking, aim for 8 minutes at 375°F or 350°F. For a more browned and blistered texture, 10-12 minutes at 375°F or 380°F should do the trick.

It's important to note that the cooking time will depend on the size of your beans and your air fryer. Thinner beans will cook faster than fatter beans, and you may need to cook them in two batches to ensure even cooking. Additionally, shaking the basket halfway through cooking can help achieve even browning and crispness.

If you're reheating leftover green beans, use the air fryer to bring back some of that crunch, but be careful not to overcook them. You can also reheat them in the microwave.

How to get the perfect texture

To get the perfect texture, it is important to not overcrowd the air fryer basket. This encourages proper airflow and even cooking. Place the green beans in a single layer in the air fryer basket. This will give them a bit of a crunch. If you overcrowd the basket, the beans won't get that air fryer texture. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the beans in two batches.

The cooking time will vary based on the size of your beans, so start with about 10 minutes and keep a close eye on them after that. You can cook according to your preference. For soft green beans that are slightly crisp on the outside, aim for 6-8 minutes. For a crispier bite, go for 8-10 minutes. Thinner beans will cook quicker than fatter beans.

The circulating heat of the air fryer helps to cook the beans through while keeping a pleasant bite. When cooked properly in an air fryer, green beans should be tender while retaining a bit of crisp texture and browning on the outside. This browning and Maillard reaction delivers a great roasted/caramelized effect, similar to the results of dry-fried green beans.

Reheating and storing green beans

Storing leftover green beans cooked in the air fryer is simple. Let the beans cool down completely before storing them in an airtight container in the fridge. They should be good to eat for up to 3–4 days.

To reheat the green beans, you can use the air fryer or a microwave. Reheating in the air fryer will bring back some of the crunch, but be careful not to overcook them. Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit or the maximum heat setting if your air fryer doesn't go up to 375 degrees. Place the green beans in the air fryer in small batches to ensure even heating. The beans will be ready in 2-3 minutes, but thicker beans may take a little longer.

Health benefits of air-fried green beans

Air fryers are a great way to cook green beans, a healthy and nutritious vegetable. Green beans are packed with vitamins, minerals, and fibre, and they are a great addition to any meal.

Firstly, green beans are an excellent source of vitamin K, which is important for maintaining strong and healthy bones. They also contain vitamin C, an important nutrient for immune function, and vitamin A, which is necessary for eye health. Green beans are a good source of folate, a B vitamin that is vital for preventing neural tube defects and reducing the risk of certain birth defects. The fibre in green beans helps to keep your digestive system healthy and can also help to improve symptoms of digestive disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome.

Secondly, green beans are a good source of plant-based protein and iron, which is essential for transporting oxygen around the body and can help to prevent anaemia. They also contain calcium, which is important for bone health, and magnesium, which has numerous health benefits.

Thirdly, green beans are a healthy, low-calorie food that is perfect if you are watching your weight. They have virtually no fat, no cholesterol, and very little sugar. As a result, they can help to maintain a healthy heart and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Finally, green beans are a great side dish that can be cooked in an air fryer in just 10 minutes. They are tossed in olive oil, salt, and pepper, and cooked until tender. Air frying requires minimal oil and enhances the flavour of the beans while keeping their nutrition intact.

Frequently asked questions