Air Fryer Green Beans: How Long To Cook Them?

Air fryers have become indispensable kitchen appliances for many home cooks. They can cook your favourite foods to crispy perfection with minimal oil, and they're also handy for quickly roasting vegetables. If you're looking to cook green beans in an air fryer, you're in luck! This handy appliance can cook green beans in a matter of minutes, resulting in a blistered, crisp-tender texture that's perfect as a side dish.

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:

Step 1: Wash and Trim the Green Beans

Give the green beans a good wash under running water to remove any dirt or dust. Then, trim the stem ends from the beans. You can leave the tail ends on. If you like, you can also cut the beans to your desired length or snap them by hand.

Step 2: Dry the Green Beans

Use paper towels or a kitchen towel to pat the green beans dry. This step is important as it helps ensure the beans cook properly and achieve the desired texture.

Step 3: Season the Green Beans

Place the trimmed and dried green beans in a large bowl. Drizzle olive oil over the beans, or an oil of your choice, such as avocado oil or grapeseed oil. Use tongs or your hands to toss the beans and ensure they are evenly coated.

Next, it's time to season the beans. You can keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or get creative with your favourite spices and seasonings. Some popular options include lemon pepper, garlic powder, chili flakes, onion, or garlic. You can also add Parmesan cheese for an extra indulgent touch. Toss the beans again to ensure they are well-coated with the seasonings.

Step 4: Arrange the Green Beans in the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, typically between 375°F and 400°F. Place the seasoned green beans into the air fryer basket, arranging them in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this will affect the texture of the beans. You may need to cook the beans in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.

Step 5: Air Fry the Green Beans

Cook the green beans for 8 to 10 minutes, or until they reach your desired level of doneness. For a more tender bean, air fry for a longer period. If you like your beans crispier, take them out after a shorter cooking time. Remember to shake the basket halfway through the cooking process to redistribute the beans and ensure even cooking.

And that's it! You now have delicious, crispy air-fried green beans to enjoy as a snack or side dish.

How long to cook green beans in the air fryer

Air-fried green beans are a quick and easy side dish that can be prepared in under 20 minutes. The cooking time will depend on the type of air fryer you have, the thickness of the green beans, and your desired level of crispness.

Preparation

First, rinse your green beans and trim the ends. If you are using fresh green beans from the garden, you can snap them instead of cutting them with scissors. You can also halve any longer beans so that they are roughly the same length.

Next, place the green beans in a large mixing bowl and drizzle with olive oil (or another oil of your choice). Sprinkle with salt and pepper, or any other seasonings of your choice. Toss the beans to ensure they are evenly coated.

Cooking

Preheat your air fryer to between 375°F and 400°F. Place the green beans in the air fryer basket in a single layer. You may need to cook the green beans in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Cook the green beans for 8 to 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. For a softer bean, cook for a further 2 minutes. If you prefer your green beans to be more on the crispy side, take them out after 6-7 minutes.

Tips

• If you are using frozen green beans, there is no need to thaw them first. Simply increase the cooking time by 2 to 3 minutes.
• For crispier green beans, place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding will make them soggy.
• If you are cooking in batches, keep the first batch warm in the oven at a low temperature (about 170ºF) or on a "keep warm" setting.
• For extra flavour, sprinkle the cooked green beans with lemon juice or lemon zest, or serve with lemon wedges.

Storage

Allow the green beans to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They will keep for 3 to 4 days.

To reheat, use your air fryer or the microwave. You can also freeze cooked green beans for up to 3 months.

How to serve air-fried green beans

Air-fried green beans are a simple, healthy, and delicious side dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some tips and ideas on how to serve them:

Preparation and Cooking:

Before serving air-fried green beans, it is important to prepare and cook them properly. Here are the steps to follow:

• Wash and dry the green beans.
• Trim the ends of the beans and cut them to a similar length if needed.
• Toss the beans with olive oil, salt, and pepper, or other desired seasonings. You can also add minced garlic or garlic powder for extra flavour.
• Preheat the air fryer to between 375°F and 400°F.
• Place the beans in the air fryer basket in a single layer. You may need to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding.
• Air fry for 8 to 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Adjust the cooking time to your desired level of crispness.
• If desired, sprinkle with lemon juice, lemon zest, or Parmesan cheese after cooking.

Serving Suggestions:

Air-fried green beans make a great side dish for a variety of meals and can be served in several ways:

• Serve them as a simple side dish with a squeeze of lemon juice and your favourite seasonings.
• For an elegant touch, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and serve with lemon wedges.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chilli powder for a spicy kick.
• For an Asian-inspired twist, add low-sodium soy sauce, skip the Parmesan and lemon, and top with sesame seeds.
• Try a garlic butter variation by using melted butter instead of olive oil and adding garlic powder, Parmesan, and lemon.
• Air-fried green beans go well with a variety of main courses, including chicken, beef, pork, and seafood.
• They can also be a tasty snack on their own or added to a pasta salad or egg bake.

Storage and Reheating:

If you have leftover air-fried green beans, here are some tips for storage and reheating:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• To reheat, place them in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes, or use the microwave.
• You can also freeze leftovers for up to 3 months and reheat them in the air fryer or oven.

How to store leftover air-fried green beans

To store leftover air-fried green beans, you'll want to make sure they're stored in an airtight container and kept in the fridge. They should last for 3 to 4 days this way, but it's best to consume them within 2 to 3 days for the best results.

Let Them Cool:

First, let the cooked green beans cool down to room temperature. Storing hot food can increase the temperature of your refrigerator, which is not ideal for food safety or maintaining food quality. Place the beans on a wire rack or a trivet to allow air to circulate and speed up the cooling process.

Portion and Pack:

Once the green beans are cooled, portion them into airtight containers or storage bags. Make sure the containers are designed for food storage and feature a tight-fitting lid or seal. Glass or plastic containers with secure lids, or heavy-duty freezer bags, work well.

It's best to store the green beans in a single layer to ensure even cooling and heating when you reheat them. Pack them in portions that you're likely to use at one time, as you shouldn't refreeze previously frozen and thawed green beans.

Store in the Fridge:

Place the containers of green beans in the refrigerator. They'll last for about 3 to 4 days in the fridge, although some sources recommend consuming them within 2 to 3 days for the best quality and texture.

Reheat and Enjoy:

When you're ready to enjoy your leftover green beans, you can reheat them in your air fryer, in the oven, or in a skillet on the stovetop.

To reheat in the air fryer, place the green beans in the air fryer basket and heat them at 350°F to 375°F for 3 to 5 minutes, or until they're heated through. Give them a shake halfway through to ensure even heating.

Alternatively, you can reheat them in a preheated 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also sauté them in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until they're warmed to your liking.

Tips for Storing and Reheating:

• For the best results, it's recommended to consume leftover green beans within 2 to 4 days.
• If you're not planning to eat the leftovers within this time frame, it's best to freeze them. Spread the cooked green beans on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer until frozen solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen green beans can be stored for about 8-10 months.
• When reheating, avoid overheating the green beans, as this can make them soggy and less appetizing. Reheat only until they're heated through, and avoid reheating more than once.
• To add a bit of freshness to your leftovers, consider sprinkling on some fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.

By following these simple steps, you can enjoy your air-fried green beans again and minimize food waste!

What foods pair well with air-fried green beans

Air-fried green beans are a simple and quick side dish that can be served with a variety of main courses. Here are some suggestions for foods that pair well with air-fried green beans:

Pickle-Brined Chicken Tenders

Chicken tenders are a classic comfort food that can be easily elevated by brining them in a pickle juice solution before cooking. This adds a tangy and savoury flavour to the chicken, which can complement the freshness of the green beans.

Cast Iron Skillet Steak

A well-cooked steak is a delicious main course that can be paired with a variety of sides. The char and crust of a skillet steak can provide a nice contrast to the crispness of air-fried green beans. Don't forget to let your steak rest!

Breaded Chicken Breast

Chicken breast is a versatile protein that can be breaded and cooked in a variety of ways, such as frying, baking, or air frying. Breaded chicken breast can have a nice crispy texture that pairs well with the crispness of air-fried green beans.

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken

BBQ chicken is a classic dish that can be easily prepared in an air fryer. The smoky and savoury flavours of BBQ chicken can complement the freshness of green beans, making them a tasty pairing.

Air Fryer Fish Sticks

Fish sticks are a fun and tasty dish that can be easily prepared in an air fryer. The crispiness of the fish sticks can pair well with the crisp-tender texture of air-fried green beans. Serve with tartar sauce or your favourite dip!

Air Fryer Boneless Pork Chops

Pork chops are a juicy and flavourful cut of meat that can be easily prepared in an air fryer. Boneless pork chops ensure that you get a tender and juicy bite every time. The savoury flavours of the pork can pair well with the freshness of green beans.

Frequently asked questions