Cody Casey
French beans are a delicious and healthy treat, and cooking them in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get that perfect crisp-tender texture. With no need for pre-steaming or blanching, you can have a tasty side dish ready in just 10 minutes. All you need is some olive oil, salt, and pepper, and you're ready to go!
How to Cook French Beans in an Air Fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preparation | Wash the beans, trim the stem ends, and dry them with paper towels. |
| Oil | Drizzle or toss with olive oil or oil of choice. |
| Seasoning | Sprinkle with salt and pepper, or season with red-pepper flakes, balsamic vinegar, garlic, thyme, or chili powder. |
| Air Fryer Temperature | Preheat the air fryer to 375°F to 400°F. |
| Cooking Time | Cook for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking. |
| Texture | Crisp-tender with a blistered, roasted flavor. |
| Serving | Serve immediately, garnished with lemon wedges. |
| Storage | Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. |
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What You'll Learn
Trimming and washing French beans
Once the beans have been trimmed and washed, it is important to dry them thoroughly before cooking. Use paper towels or a kitchen towel to pat the beans dry. This step is crucial, as it helps to ensure that the beans cook evenly and prevents them from becoming soggy.
After trimming, washing, and drying the beans, you can proceed with the next steps of your chosen recipe, such as seasoning the beans and cooking them in the air fryer.
Some recipes suggest cutting larger beans in half to ensure they are all relatively equal in size, which promotes even cooking. You can also cut the beans to your desired length, depending on your preference for presentation and texture.
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Seasoning and coating the beans
Seasoning and coating French beans for cooking in an air fryer is a simple process. Start by washing the beans and drying them with paper towels or a kitchen towel. You can trim the stem end of the beans, but the tail ends can be left on.
Next, place the beans in a large bowl and toss them with olive oil. You can also use avocado oil, or any other oil of your choice. Use just enough oil to lightly coat the beans.
Now it's time to season the beans. The most basic seasoning is salt and pepper, but you can also add red-pepper flakes, grated garlic, or dried thyme for extra flavour. If you like your food spicy, a bit of chili powder or chili oil will give the beans a kick. For a sweet and sour twist, try tossing the beans in honey before placing them in the air fryer.
Tossing the beans in the air fryer basket periodically during cooking will help to redistribute them and ensure even cooking.
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Air frying temperature and time
The temperature and time for cooking French beans in an air fryer depend on the texture you want to achieve. If you want softer beans, set the air fryer to 375°F and cook them for 8–10 minutes. For a crispier texture, increase the temperature to 380°F–400°F and cook for 8–12 minutes.
For softer beans, you can cook them in a single layer in the air fryer basket for an even texture. Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking. If you prefer your beans to be a little more tender, toss the basket to redistribute the beans and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
For crispier beans, preheat the air fryer to 380°F–400°F. Place the beans in the basket and spread them out into a single layer. Cook for 6–8 minutes for soft beans with a browned and slightly crisp exterior, or 8–10 minutes for a crispier texture. Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking and a nice roasted flavor.
The cooking time may vary depending on the size of your beans and your preferred texture, so adjust the time accordingly. Thinner beans will cook quicker than fatter beans. You can also cook the beans in batches to ensure even cooking, especially if your air fryer is small.
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Storing and reheating leftovers
Storing and reheating French beans cooked in an air fryer is a simple process. To store your leftover French beans, let them cool completely and then transfer them to an airtight container. Place the container in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking. Properly stored leftovers will keep for up to 3–5 days.
To reheat your French beans in an air fryer, preheat your air fryer to between 350°F and 400°F (175°C-200°C). The ideal temperature range for reheating is 375°F-400°F (190°C-200°C). Rinse the beans and pat them dry with a paper towel. You can also thaw them if they are frozen. Lightly coat the beans with oil—this step is optional but recommended for added flavour and crispiness. Sprinkle salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings over the beans. Place the beans in the air fryer basket, shaking it halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking. Reheat for 3–5 minutes, or until the beans are tender, checking with a fork or knife. If they are not tender, continue cooking in 2-minute increments.
You can also reheat French beans in the microwave for about a minute. However, reheating in the air fryer will better preserve the texture and taste of the beans. It is generally safe to reheat green beans once, but it is not recommended to do so multiple times due to the increased risk of bacterial growth. Always practice proper food safety measures, such as reheating to the correct temperature and refrigerating leftovers promptly, to minimise the risk of foodborne illness.
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Serving suggestions
French beans cooked in an air fryer make a great side dish for almost any meal. They can be served hot or at room temperature.
For a simple serving suggestion, sprinkle the cooked beans with salt and pepper and serve with lemon wedges. You could also squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the top for a punch of added flavour.
For a sweet and sour twist, toss the cooked beans in a mixture of olive oil, honey, kosher salt, and dried thyme.
If you like your beans spicy, you can add some chili oil or chili powder.
For a more complex flavour, toss the beans in balsamic vinegar, olive oil, red-pepper flakes, and grated garlic.
If you're serving the beans as part of a larger meal, they go particularly well with hearty meats like Thanksgiving turkey, beef tenderloin, or pot roast.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes 8-10 minutes to cook French beans in an air fryer.
Set your air fryer to 375°F-400°F to cook French beans.
Wash the French beans and trim off the tips and stem ends. You can then drizzle them with olive oil and sprinkle them with salt and pepper.
