Tillie Doyle
Runner beans are a delicious seasonal treat, but they can be tricky to get hold of out of season. Luckily, there are several ways to prepare them, including boiling, steaming, stir-frying, and air frying. Air frying is a quick and easy way to cook runner beans, and it gives them a delicious crispy texture. In this article, we will explore the best ways to cook runner beans, including how to air fry them to perfection. We will also provide tips on how to store runner beans to keep them fresh for as long as possible.
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What You'll Learn
Pre-cooking runner beans
Preparing runner beans for cooking is important to ensure they are not stringy and gritty in texture. When buying runner beans, opt for young, small pods that are still firm. Fresh beans will have a snap when broken.
To prepare runner beans for air frying, start by rinsing them thoroughly. Snap off the tiny stems of the beans, and cut the beans in half if they are large so that they are relatively equal in size. You can also buy pre-cut and washed runner beans to save time.
To par-cook the runner beans, bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the prepared beans and cook for about 4-6 minutes. They should still be a vibrant green colour. Drain the beans and immediately add them to a pan of iced water to stop the cooking process. Drain again when you are ready to air fry them.
Par-cooking the runner beans first softens them, so you don't need to cook them for as long in the air fryer. It also helps to retain the vibrant green colour of the beans.
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Air fryer temperature and time
The temperature and time for cooking runner beans in an air fryer depend on the level of crispiness and tenderness you want to achieve. If you want your runner beans to be extra crispy, you can set your air fryer to a higher temperature of 400ºF. However, this may result in the beans being too browned and tough around the edges. For a less vibrant colour and softer texture, you can cook the beans at 350ºF for a longer period.
For a single layer of runner beans in the air fryer basket, cook them for 5-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. If you want to achieve a crispier texture, you can cook them for up to 10 minutes. The cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer and the desired level of tenderness.
If you are cooking frozen runner beans, it is recommended to double the cooking time, although they may not become as crispy due to the moisture content. For a simple side dish, cook the runner beans at 190°C for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket twice during cooking.
To reheat leftover runner beans, you can place them back in the air fryer at 220 °C for 2 minutes to warm them up.
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Oil and seasoning
Firstly, select an oil with a high smoke point, such as olive oil, avocado oil, or peanut oil, which are all suitable for the high temperatures of air frying. The amount of oil required will depend on the quantity of runner beans being cooked, but generally, a light drizzle or a few tablespoons should be sufficient.
Next, choose your seasonings. Salt and pepper are classic choices and will enhance the natural flavour of the runner beans. You can also experiment with other seasonings such as garlic powder, Cajun seasoning, or Italian herbs to add more depth of flavour. A pinch of red pepper flakes or chilli powder will give the beans a spicy kick. If you want a more crisp texture, you can also add pine nuts before serving.
After washing and drying your runner beans, place them in a large bowl. Drizzle the oil over the beans and add your chosen seasonings. Toss the beans well to ensure they are evenly coated. You can also add chopped bacon to the bowl for a heartier dish, but omit the extra salt if you do so.
Once the runner beans are coated in oil and seasoning, they are ready to be placed in the air fryer basket and cooked according to your preferred level of crispness.
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Serving suggestions
Air-fried runner beans can be served as a side dish or a snack. They can be served plain, or with a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese, or with a squeeze of lemon juice to freshen them up. You can also add pine nuts before serving to add a nice crunch.
Leftover air-fried runner beans are delicious in salads, such as beetroot and goat's cheese salad, or five-bean salad. They can also be eaten as a snack with roasted red pepper hummus or sour cream and chive dip.
If you're looking for a more substantial meal, try pairing your air-fried runner beans with lamb chops, or buttered fish. They also go well with slow cooker roast beef and chicken stew.
For an Asian-inspired side dish, try tossing your air-fried runner beans in a dressing made with miso paste to boost the flavours of the greens.
If you're feeling adventurous, you can even add some chopped bacon to the air fryer at the same time as the runner beans for an extra indulgent side dish.
Finally, if you're bored of plain runner beans, you can always try boiling, steaming, or stir-frying them instead.
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Storing and reheating
Storing your runner beans properly is essential to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and ensure their safety when reheating. Allow the beans to cool completely to room temperature before placing them in an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three to four days.
Reheating runner beans in an air fryer is a convenient and efficient way to revive their texture and flavour without using excessive oil or constant monitoring. Preheat your air fryer to between 350°F and 400°F (175°C to 200°C). Rinse the beans and pat them dry with a paper towel. Season the beans with salt, pepper, and any other desired herbs and spices. Place the beans in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are spread out in a single layer to promote even cooking. Reheat for 3 to 5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
It is important to note that while it is generally safe to reheat runner beans once, 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.
Additionally, if you are reheating raw runner beans, it is advisable to pre-cook them in the microwave or on the stovetop before placing them in the air fryer.
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Frequently asked questions
Air fryer runner beans take between 5 and 12 minutes, depending on your air fryer and how tender you like your beans.
Wash the beans and trim their stems. Cut larger beans in half so they are relatively equal in size. Dry the beans well after washing them.
Preheat your air fryer to 350ºF (175ºC) or 380ºF.
The beans are done when they are crisp on the outside and tender inside. You can also check if the skins of the beans are slightly wrinkled.
Runner beans cooked in an air fryer can be served as a side dish or eaten as a snack. They go well with lemon wedges, grated Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, lamb chops, fish, and more.
