Air Fryer Green Beans: The Perfect Timing

Air fryer green beans are a quick and easy dish to make, requiring minimal preparation and cooking time. The beans are simply seasoned with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and can be cooked in an air fryer in as little as 8 minutes. The air fryer gives the beans a crispy texture, making them a tasty and healthy snack or 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 Dry the Green Beans

Give the green beans a good rinse under cool water to remove any dirt or dust. Then, use paper towels or a kitchen towel to pat them dry.

Step 2: Trim the Green Beans

Use a pair of scissors or a sharp knife to trim the stem ends from the green beans. You can leave the tail ends intact. If desired, cut any longer beans in half so that they are all roughly the same length.

Step 3: Season the Green Beans

Place the trimmed green beans in a large bowl. Drizzle them with olive oil, or oil of your choice. You only need a light coating, just enough to help the seasonings stick and promote browning. Toss the green beans with the oil until they are evenly coated.

Next, it's time to season the green beans. At a minimum, you should add salt and pepper to taste. However, you can also experiment with other seasonings like garlic powder, lemon pepper, chili flakes, or Parmesan cheese. Toss the green beans with the seasonings until they are evenly distributed.

Step 4: Arrange the Green Beans in the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to between 375°F and 400°F. Place the seasoned green beans in the air fryer basket, arranging them in a single layer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the green beans in batches.

Step 5: Air Fry the Green Beans

Air fry the green beans for 8 to 10 minutes, or until they reach your desired level of doneness. Shake the basket halfway through the cooking time to redistribute the beans and ensure even cooking. If you prefer your green beans with more bite, cook them for a shorter amount of time. For a softer bean with more char, cook them for the full 10 minutes or slightly longer.

And that's it! You're ready to enjoy your perfectly cooked air fryer green beans.

How long to cook green beans in the air fryer

Air fryers are a great way to cook green beans, giving them a crispy texture with a soft inside. The cooking time will depend on the type of air fryer you have, the thickness of the green beans, and your personal preference for how well-done you like your vegetables.

Preparation

First, wash and dry your green beans. You can leave the tail ends on, but trim the stem ends. If you are using fresh green beans from the garden, you may want to trim or snap them by hand to ensure they are all roughly the same length.

Cooking Time

Place the green beans in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches.

Cook the green beans for 7 to 10 minutes at 375°F (190°C), shaking the basket halfway through. If you prefer your green beans to be more tender, give the basket a toss to redistribute the beans and cook for another 2 minutes.

If you are cooking frozen green beans, you may need to add an extra 2 minutes to the cooking time.

Serving

Air fryer green beans are best served hot and fresh. They will soften over time, but you can always reheat them in the air fryer for 3 to 4 minutes to restore some crispness.

You can serve them as they are, or with a squeeze of lemon juice, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, or your favourite seasonings.

How to store leftover green beans

Storing leftover green beans is simple. If you have cooked more green beans than you can eat, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge and consume them within 2 to 4 days.

Refrigerating Green Beans

If you want to store raw green beans in the refrigerator, place them in a plastic bag in the vegetable crisper drawer. Whole beans stored this way should keep for about seven days.

Freezing Green Beans

If you want to keep your green beans for longer, you can freeze them. First, trim the ends of the beans and cut them into 1- to 2-inch pieces. Then, blanch the beans by boiling them for 2 to 4 minutes, depending on their size. Finally, cool the beans in an ice bath, dry them, and place them in a freezer bag. Label the bag with the date and amount and lay it flat in your freezer. Frozen green beans will stay fresh for 8 to 10 months.

How to reheat leftover green beans

There are a few ways to reheat leftover green beans. Here are some options to choose from:

• Using an air fryer: Place the leftover green beans in the air fryer basket and reheat at 350°F for about 5 minutes, tossing them once halfway through. This will help bring back some of that crunch, but be careful not to overcook them.
• Microwave: You can also use a microwave to reheat the green beans. This is a quick and convenient option.
• Oven: If you prefer, you can reheat the green beans in the oven. Place them in an oven-safe dish and reheat at a low temperature, such as 170°F, until they are warmed through.
• Stovetop: Another option is to reheat the green beans in a skillet or saucepan on the stovetop. Add a small amount of water or broth to the pan and heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the green beans are warmed through.

It is important to note that reheating times may vary depending on the method you choose and the amount of green beans you are reheating. Be sure to keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

Additionally, if you are reheating a large batch of green beans, you may need to do so in smaller portions to ensure even heating. You can also add a small amount of butter or oil to any of the above methods to help enhance the flavor and texture of the green beans as they reheat.

By following these simple instructions, you can enjoy your leftover green beans as a tasty side dish or snack, ensuring they are warmed to your desired temperature while also maintaining their crispness and flavor.

What to serve with air fryer green beans

Air fryer green beans are a quick, easy, and healthy side dish that can be served with a variety of main courses. They are especially good paired with:

• Chicken: Try them with some pickle-brined chicken tenders, or breaded chicken breast.
• Steak: Cast iron skillet steak is a great option to serve with air fryer green beans.
• Burgers: Whether it's a beef, turkey, or veggie burger, air fryer green beans make a tasty and healthy side.
• Sandwiches: Air fryer green beans are a great, healthy alternative to fries or crisps to accompany a sandwich.
• Wraps: Similarly, wraps can be served with a side of air fryer green beans for a healthier option.
• Other roasted vegetables: Air fryer green beans can be served as part of a medley of roasted vegetables.
• Sauces and dips: Air fryer green beans are a great edible utensil for your favourite sauces and dips.

Frequently asked questions