Air Fryer Magic: Crispy Green Beans Perfection

Air fryers are a great way to make crispy green beans, and they're healthier than deep-fried beans. They're a tasty, low-carb snack or side dish, and are super easy to make. You'll need fresh green beans, olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste. You can also add flour, eggs and breadcrumbs for a crispier texture, as well as spices like smoked paprika, garlic powder, or parmesan cheese. Simply coat the beans in oil and chosen seasonings, place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, and cook for around 10 minutes.

How to prepare the green beans for the air fryer

Preparing green beans for the air fryer is simple and only takes a few minutes. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Firstly, select fresh, firm, bright green beans for the tastiest dish. Give them a good wash in water, and then dry them with a kitchen towel.

Next, cut off the tips of the green beans. You can do this by lining them up and chopping the tips off with a knife, or snapping them off by hand. If you are using thicker beans, you may also want to cut them in half so they are all a similar size.

Now, it's time to season the beans. Place them in a large mixing bowl and toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, smoked paprika, or lemon pepper to add extra flavour. Make sure the beans are well coated.

Finally, spread the beans in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches to ensure they cook evenly.

The best oil to use for crispy green beans

When making crispy green beans in an air fryer, the best oils to use are those with a high smoke point. This is because air fryers cook food at a high temperature, so you need an oil with a smoke point above 400°F.

Oils that fit the bill include:

• Avocado oil
• Refined coconut oil
• Vegetable oil
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Grapeseed oil
• Neutral oil

Some recipes also call for cooking spray, such as avocado oil, vegetable oil, or canola oil.

The best seasonings for crispy green beans

Spicy

• Smoked paprika
• Chili powder
• Red pepper flakes
• Black pepper

Savoury

• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Parmesan cheese

Herby

• Oregano
• Basil
• Thyme

You can also experiment with different spice blends such as Everything But the Elote, Everything But the Bagel, Greek, Herbs de Provence, Berbere, Za'atar, or Jamaican Jerk.

When seasoning your crispy green beans, don't be afraid to get creative and experiment with different combinations of spices and herbs. You can also try adding a squeeze of lemon or lime juice to brighten the flavour of the beans.

How long to cook the green beans in the air fryer

The cooking time for your crispy green beans in the air fryer will depend on the texture you want to achieve. For a crispier bite, air fry for 8-12 minutes. For softer beans, 6-8 minutes should be enough. You can also add 2 more minutes at the end if you want them softer.

If you are using frozen green beans, make sure to thaw them in a bowl of water for a few minutes and pat them dry before adding oil and seasonings. You can also experiment with adding other seasonings like seasoning salt, onion, or garlic.

Always dry the green beans completely before placing them in the air fryer, as water will prevent them from getting crispy. Also, make sure to spread the green beans in a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the green beans in batches.

How to store and reheat crispy green beans

Storing crispy green beans is simple. First, let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container and store them in the fridge. They should last 3-4 days stored this way.

If you want to freeze your crispy green beans, let them reach room temperature first, then place them in an airtight freezer container or freezer bag. They will last for up to 2 months frozen.

To reheat your crispy green beans, you can use an air fryer, oven, microwave, skillet, slow cooker, or toaster oven. Reheating in the air fryer is a great way to preserve the texture of your crispy green beans. Simply reheat at 350°F for 2-3 minutes. If you don't have an air fryer, you can also use the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F, cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, and reheat for 20 minutes.

If you're short on time, you can also use the microwave, but this may affect the texture of your green beans. Reheat on high power for 1-2 minutes or until heated through.

For larger portions, you can use a skillet, slow cooker, or toaster oven. Heat your desired amount in a skillet or saucepan over medium heat for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, place your casserole in a slow cooker on low heat for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally. If using a toaster oven, preheat to 350°F and cook for 4-7 minutes, stirring for more even cooking.

Frequently asked questions