Tillie Doyle
Baked beans are a classic comfort food and a staple at summer barbecues. They are typically cooked in the oven, but an air fryer is a great alternative to avoid heating up your kitchen. You can make baked beans in an air fryer from scratch or by using canned baked beans. If you are using canned baked beans, you only need 5 to 10 minutes to warm them through. If you are making them from scratch, it will take about 15 to 20 minutes to cook them in the air fryer.
Cooking Baked Beans in an Air Fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Canned beans, onion, bacon, seasonings, ketchup, mustard |
| Type of onion | Sweet or white |
| Type of bacon | Ham, turkey bacon, hot dogs, or sausages |
| Type of seasonings | Salt, brown sugar, maple syrup, honey, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika |
| Type of mustard | Honey mustard or Dijon mustard |
| Additional ingredients | Ground beef, ground turkey, ground chicken, bell pepper, tomatoes |
| Preheat temperature | 380°F or 400°F |
| Cooking time | 15-20 minutes |
| Stirring | Stir 2-3 times throughout cooking |
| Storing | Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days |
| Reheating | Air fry for 3-5 minutes |
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What You'll Learn
Using canned vs. dried beans
Air fryer baked beans are a quick, easy, and tasty meal. You can use canned or dried beans for this recipe, but there are some differences to note between the two.
Canned Beans
Canned baked beans are a versatile ingredient that can be transformed using an air fryer. They are a convenient option as they are pre-cooked and ready to use, requiring only a short cooking time of around 8 to 10 minutes in the air fryer. The high heat and air circulation of the air fryer give canned beans a unique texture and flavour, resulting in a crispy exterior while keeping the beans moist and flavourful.
Canned beans are also a good source of protein, fibre, and nutrients, and can be enhanced with additional ingredients such as diced onions, bacon bits, barbecue sauce, or cheese. It is recommended to preheat the air fryer before cooking canned beans to ensure even cooking and a crispy texture.
Dried Beans
Using dried beans for air fryer baked beans requires more preparation time. It is recommended to soak the beans overnight before using them, and they may also need a longer cooking time. Dried beans can be cooked from scratch in a pressure cooker or on a stovetop, although the latter takes significantly longer.
Cooking dried beans in an air fryer gives you more control over the amount of sweetness or spiciness in the dish, and they are likely to taste better than canned beans, which can have a slightly metallic or salty taste and be quite mushy.
Overall, both canned and dried beans can be used successfully in an air fryer, but each has unique advantages and drawbacks to consider before starting your recipe.
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Pre-made vs. from scratch
If you're short on time, using pre-made baked beans is a great option. Simply heat them up in your air fryer for 5-10 minutes at 350°F, and they'll be ready to eat! You can also add extra ingredients to make them more hearty and filling, such as ground beef, ground turkey, or vegetables.
However, if you're looking for a more flavourful and satisfying option, making baked beans from scratch is the way to go. Start by soaking your chosen type of dried beans overnight. Then, either pressure-cook or boil them until they're soft. This process can take up to an hour, but it's worth it for the superior taste and texture compared to canned beans. Once your beans are cooked, simply add your desired ingredients and seasonings, and air fry for 15-20 minutes at 380°F, stirring occasionally, until they're cooked to perfection.
The main advantage of using pre-made baked beans is convenience. They are quick and easy to prepare, especially if you're short on time or don't have access to a fully equipped kitchen. Canned baked beans are already cooked and simply need to be heated through, making them a fast and fuss-free option.
On the other hand, making baked beans from scratch allows you to control the ingredients and customize the flavours to your taste. You can experiment with different types of beans, seasonings, and add-ins like bacon, ground meat, or vegetables. This option may take longer, but it results in a more personalized and potentially healthier dish, as you can control the amount of salt, sugar, and other ingredients used.
Both pre-made and from-scratch baked beans have their advantages, depending on your priorities and circumstances. Pre-made beans offer convenience and speed, while making them from scratch allows for customization and a potentially superior taste. Ultimately, the best option may be whichever method fits your schedule and preferences at the time!
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Reheating baked beans
Baked beans are a great make-ahead dish, perfect for meal prep or as part of a larger feast. They can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days or frozen for up to 6 months.
To reheat baked beans in an air fryer, place them in an oven-safe dish and heat for 5 to 10 minutes at 350°F, stirring halfway through, until fully reheated. You can also add a tablespoon of water or broth if extra liquid is needed to achieve the perfect texture and thickness.
If you are reheating canned baked beans, simply warm them through for 5 to 10 minutes. However, if you are reheating baked beans with meat, such as bacon or ground beef, ensure that the internal temperature reaches 160°F to 165°F to prevent foodborne illness.
For frozen baked beans, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. You can also reheat them directly from frozen, but this will take longer, and you may need to add a small amount of liquid to achieve the desired consistency.
In addition to the air fryer, baked beans can be reheated in the microwave or in a skillet over medium-high heat until warmed through.
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Adding meat
If you're looking to add some meat to your air fryer baked beans, there are several options to choose from. You can include bacon, ham, ground beef, ground turkey, ground chicken, hot dogs, or sausages. If you decide to add bacon, you can either cook it separately first and then add it to the bean mixture, or you can cook it directly in the beans. For other types of meat, it's best to cook them separately before adding them to the beans.
When adding meat to your air fryer baked beans, the cooking time remains relatively the same as the standard recipe. Preheat your air fryer to 380 degrees Fahrenheit and prepare your ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine all your ingredients, including the cooked meat of your choice. Transfer the mixture to a small oven-safe casserole dish or an oven-safe pan that fits in your air fryer's basket.
Place the dish in the air fryer and set the timer for 15 to 20 minutes. Remember to stir the beans a few times during the cooking process to ensure even cooking. The beans are done when they are tender but not overly mushy, and the sauce should be thickened and coating the beans nicely.
You can also add extra vegetables to your meaty baked beans, such as chopped green bell peppers or tomatoes. If you're using canned baked beans as your base, you may only need 5-10 minutes to heat them through, depending on the amount you're preparing. It's always a good idea to taste and check the doneness of your beans to ensure they're cooked to your desired level of tenderness.
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Serving suggestions
Baked beans cooked in an air fryer make a great side dish for a summer BBQ party or potluck. They are a classic comfort food that can be served with a variety of main dishes, sides, and drinks. Here are some specific serving suggestions:
- Classic Combination: Baked beans are commonly paired with cornbread. You can also serve them with corn on the cob as a side.
- Meat Dishes: Baked beans can be served alongside meat dishes such as bacon-wrapped hot dogs, or sausages. You can also add ground beef, ground turkey, or ground chicken to the beans to make them more hearty and filling.
- Vegetarian Options: For a vegetarian option, omit the bacon or ham and serve the beans with vegetarian dishes.
- Spicy Kick: If you like your food spicy, add some chopped jalapenos, hot sauce, chili powder, or cayenne pepper to the beans.
- Sweet Treats: Baked beans have a natural sweetness, but you can enhance this by adding another tablespoon of brown sugar, maple syrup, or honey to the mixture before air frying.
- Leftovers: Leftover baked beans can be used in various dishes such as chili, taco pie, or as a filling for tacos. They can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days and reheated in the air fryer when needed.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes about 15 to 20 minutes to cook baked beans in an air fryer.
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F.
You can use canned beans or dry beans. If you use dry beans, make sure to soak them overnight and then pressure cook them for 45 minutes or boil them on the stove for an hour before air frying.
You can add ground beef, ground turkey, ground chicken, or sliced hot dogs or sausages to make the dish more filling.
Baked beans are a great side dish and can be served with BBQ chicken wings, corn on the cob, or cornbread.
