Air-Fryer Green Beans: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious!

Air fryers are a great way to cook green beans, offering speed, convenience, and a tasty, crispy texture. This guide will take you through the simple steps to make delicious fried green beans in an air fryer.

Trimming the green beans

Firstly, you'll want to wash your green beans to remove any dirt or dust. Then, you can begin trimming. Using a sharp knife or a pair of clean scissors, cut off the tips of the beans and remove any stems. You can line up a handful of beans on a cutting board and chop off the tips in one go, or you can trim them individually. If they are fresh from the garden, you may be able to simply snap off the ends with your hands.

Some recipes suggest cutting larger beans in half so that they are roughly equal in size, which can help ensure even cooking. However, this is not necessary for all recipes, and you can also cut them into bite-sized pieces if you prefer.

Once you have trimmed your beans, give them a final rinse and pat them VERY dry before moving on to the next step of your recipe.

Trimming green beans doesn't have to be a chore, and it's a great way to ensure your beans are ready for a delicious air-fried dish.

Seasoning the green beans

Choosing the Right Seasonings:

• Salt and Pepper: These are the basic seasonings you will need. Add them according to your preference; you can always taste and adjust the amount as needed.
• Other Options: Feel free to experiment with other seasonings like garlic powder, lemon pepper, chilli flakes, onion powder, or chilli powder. You can also try smoked paprika for a subtle smoky flavour.

Preparing the Green Beans:

• Wash the green beans thoroughly in water to remove any dirt or residue.
• Dry the green beans with a kitchen towel or paper towels. Removing the moisture will help the seasonings stick to the beans better.
• Trim the ends of the green beans. You can use a paring knife or clean scissors for this step. You can also cut the beans into bite-sized pieces if desired.

Coating the Green Beans:

• Place the cleaned and trimmed green beans in a large mixing bowl.
• Add olive oil to the bowl. You only need a small amount, just enough to coat the beans lightly.
• Add your chosen seasonings to the bowl. Start with a small amount and adjust to your taste preferences.
• Toss the green beans in the bowl until they are evenly coated with the oil and seasonings. Use tongs or clean hands to mix everything together thoroughly.

Cooking the Seasoned Green Beans:

• Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, typically between 375-400°F.
• Place the seasoned green beans in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure even cooking. You may need to cook the beans in multiple batches.
• Cook the green beans according to your preferred level of doneness. For softer beans, cook for a longer period, and for crispier beans, cook for a shorter time.
• Feel free to give the air fryer basket a shake or toss the beans with tongs halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.

Remember, the key to successful seasoning is to taste as you go and adjust the amounts according to your preference. You can always add more seasonings, so start with a smaller amount and gradually increase until you achieve the desired flavour profile. Enjoy experimenting with different seasoning combinations to find your favourite way to make air fryer green beans!

Air frying the green beans

First, rinse the green beans and dry them with a kitchen towel. Then, trim the ends of the beans and cut any larger ones in half so that they are roughly equal in size. Place the beans in a bowl and add olive oil, salt, and pepper. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, smoked paprika, or lemon pepper. Toss the beans to ensure they are evenly coated.

Next, preheat your air fryer to between 375°F and 400°F. Place the green beans in the air fryer basket in a single layer, spreading them out evenly. It is important not to overcrowd the basket to ensure the beans get crispy. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the beans in two batches.

Cook the green beans for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. For softer beans, cook for an additional 2 minutes. The beans are done when they are crisp on the outside and tender on the inside.

Finally, serve the green beans immediately. They are best enjoyed hot and crispy. You can also squeeze some fresh lemon juice on top for added flavor.

Storing and reheating the green beans

When you're ready to reheat the green beans, you can either use your air fryer or a microwave. Reheating them in the air fryer will help bring back some of the crunch, but be careful not to overcook them.

Dipping sauces

Spicy Mayo

If you like a bit of spice, sriracha mayo is a great option. You can make it yourself by mixing sriracha sauce, mayonnaise, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Honey Mustard

For those who prefer a sweeter option, honey mustard is a classic choice. You can easily make it by mixing honey and mustard together.

Ranch Dressing

A creamy ranch dressing is always a good choice for dipping vegetables. You can either make it from scratch or buy a ready-made bottle from the store.

Zesty Dipping Sauce

For a zesty kick, mix Japanese mayonnaise, hot sauce, green onion whites, minced garlic, and horseradish. This sauce pairs especially well with tempura-battered green beans.

Green Goddess Dressing

If you're looking for something herby and refreshing, green goddess dressing is a great option. It's typically made with a combination of herbs, anchovies or fish sauce, garlic, and lemon juice.

Frequently asked questions