Air-Fried Green Beans: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

Air fryer green beans are a simple side dish that can be cooked in as little as 10 minutes. To make them, you'll need to preheat your air fryer to a temperature of around 375-400°F. Prepare the green beans by trimming their stems and cutting larger ones in half so they are relatively equal in size. Place the green beans in a large bowl and toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings. Transfer the green beans to the air fryer basket in a single layer, and cook for 5-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until they reach your desired level of tenderness.

Trimming and cutting green beans

After trimming, cut any larger beans in half lengthwise to ensure they cook through evenly. It is important to note that the size of the green beans may vary depending on their variety and freshness. Freshly harvested green beans tend to be thinner and more delicate, while older or larger varieties may have thicker, tougher stems. Adjust your cutting technique accordingly to ensure uniform size.

For convenience, you can also purchase pre-cut and washed green beans from the market. However, it is still important to inspect and trim them as needed to ensure optimal cooking results. Once the green beans are trimmed and cut to the desired size, they are ready for the next step in the cooking process.

Seasoning green beans

When seasoning your green beans, it's important to use enough oil and spices to coat the beans evenly. You can adjust the amount of seasoning to your taste preferences. If you want a more subtle flavour, you can use less oil and spices. On the other hand, if you prefer a stronger flavour, you can increase the amount of seasoning.

It's also important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer and how tender you like your green beans. For crisp-tender green beans, cook for 5-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. If you prefer your green beans to be more well-done, you can cook them for a longer period of time, up to 10-12 minutes.

Additionally, you can top your cooked green beans with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and freshly shredded Parmesan cheese. This adds a tangy and savoury flavour to the dish. You can also garnish with freshly cracked black pepper for an extra kick of spice.

Arranging green beans in the air fryer

After you have washed and trimmed your green beans, place them in a large bowl and toss them with olive oil, salt, pepper, and any other spices you like. You can use smoked paprika and garlic powder, for example. Once the green beans are coated, place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in two batches. Shake the basket halfway through to ensure they cook evenly.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for green beans in an air fryer will depend on the size of your air fryer, how tender you like your green beans, and how browned you want them to be.

First, preheat your air fryer to 375°F-400°F. Then, prepare your green beans by trimming their stems and cutting larger ones in half so they are relatively equal in size. Place the green beans in a large bowl and toss them with olive oil, salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings such as smoked paprika and garlic powder. Once the green beans are coated, spread them evenly in the air fryer basket in a thin layer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the green beans in two batches.

Air fry the green beans for 5-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until they reach your desired level of doneness. Thinner beans will cook quicker than fatter beans, and you may want to take them out when they start turning golden and browned in spots. The green beans are ready when they are crisp-tender, blistered, and fragrant.

Serving suggestions

• Top with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and freshly shredded Parmesan cheese.
• Garnish with freshly cracked black pepper.
• Serve as a simple side dish.
• Enjoy as a healthy snack.
• Pair with a protein source such as chicken or fish for a more substantial meal.
• Toss with additional seasonings, such as smoked paprika or garlic powder, to add extra flavour.

Frequently asked questions