Air Fryer Frozen Green Beans: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Air fryers are a convenient way to cook frozen green beans, with no thawing required. The dry heat of the air fryer crisps up frozen veggies nicely, and the whole process can be done in under 15 minutes. This makes air-fried green beans an ideal quick and easy veggie side dish for a weeknight dinner.

Choosing the right oil

Types of Oil

You have several options when it comes to choosing the right oil for air-frying frozen green beans. Here are some of the most commonly used oils:

• Olive Oil: This is a popular choice for air frying due to its ability to withstand high temperatures without smoking. It has a relatively neutral flavour that lets the taste of the seasonings and green beans shine through.
• Avocado Oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point, making it suitable for air frying. It is known for its mild flavour and health benefits, as it is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids.
• Vegetable Oil: Vegetable oil is a versatile option that works well in an air fryer. It has a neutral flavour and a high smoke point, making it ideal for cooking at high temperatures.
• Cooking Spray: If you want to use less oil, you can opt for an oil spray. This allows you to coat the green beans lightly and evenly, helping them crisp up without using too much oil.

Factors to Consider when Choosing an Oil

When selecting an oil for air-frying frozen green beans, consider the following factors:

• Smoke Point: Choose an oil with a high smoke point, as air frying involves cooking at high temperatures. Oils with lower smoke points may smoke and burn, affecting the taste and texture of your green beans.
• Flavour: Some oils have stronger flavours than others. If you want the taste of your seasonings and green beans to stand out, opt for oils with neutral flavours, such as avocado or vegetable oil. If you enjoy the flavour of olive oil, choose extra virgin olive oil for a more robust taste.
• Health Benefits: Consider the health benefits associated with different oils. For example, avocado oil is known for its high monounsaturated fat content, while olive oil is rich in antioxidants.
• Availability and Cost: Opt for an oil that is easily accessible and fits your budget. Some specialty oils may be more expensive, so choose one that aligns with your preferences and financial constraints.

Oil Quantity

When air-frying frozen green beans, it's essential to use the right amount of oil. Here are some guidelines:

• Coating: You don't need to drench the green beans in oil. A light coating is sufficient to help them crisp up. About 1-2 tablespoons of oil per pound of frozen green beans is usually enough.
• Single Layer: Ensure the green beans are spread out in a single layer in the air fryer basket. This allows the hot air to circulate evenly and promotes uniform cooking and crisping.
• Tossing: When tossing the green beans with oil, use tongs or a spatula to ensure an even coating. Mix gently but thoroughly to ensure each bean is lightly coated.

In conclusion, choosing the right oil for air-frying frozen green beans depends on your personal preferences, availability, and desired flavour profile. Opt for oils with high smoke points, such as olive oil, avocado oil, or vegetable oil, and use a light coating to achieve the perfect crispiness without making the beans greasy.

How long to cook for

The cooking time for frozen green beans in an air fryer depends on the desired texture and the specific model of the air fryer. On average, it takes 6-12 minutes to cook frozen green beans in an air fryer, but the cooking time can be longer or shorter depending on various factors.

For example, thinner green beans will be super crunchy, whereas larger or full-sized beans will take longer to cook and may need an extra 2-3 minutes for extra crispness. Additionally, the cooking time may vary depending on the brand of air fryer and whether it has a single or multiple air frying baskets. It is recommended to cook frozen green beans in an air fryer preheated to between 380°F and 400°F.

It is important to note that frozen green beans should not be thawed before air frying, as the moisture from the frozen beans helps to achieve a crispy texture. However, if there is ice or water stuck to the beans, it is recommended to air fry them for 1-2 minutes on their own to remove the excess moisture before adding the seasoning and continuing with the recipe.

To ensure even cooking, it is best to toss or shake the air fryer basket halfway through the cooking process. This helps to redistribute the beans and ensure that they crisp up on all sides. Additionally, it is recommended to work in batches to prevent overcrowding the air fryer basket, which can result in soggy green beans.

The cooking time for frozen green beans in an air fryer can be adjusted based on personal preference for texture. For a crunchy texture, cook the beans for a shorter amount of time, and for a softer texture, cook them for a longer period. It is worth noting that the cooking time may vary slightly between different brands of air fryers, so it is always a good idea to keep an eye on the beans during the cooking process to ensure they are cooked to the desired level of doneness.

Seasoning options

Seasoning your green beans is a great way to add flavour and make them even more delicious. Here are some ideas for seasoning options to elevate your air-fried frozen green beans:

• Everything but the Bagel Seasoning: This seasoning blend is a popular choice for green beans, adding a variety of flavours to the dish.
• Salt and Pepper: A classic combination that can be used to enhance the natural flavour of the green beans.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a savoury, garlicky note to the beans.
• Red Pepper Flakes: For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mix.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grated parmesan sprinkled over the green beans adds a salty, umami flavour.
• Lemon Juice: A squeeze of lemon juice adds a bright, acidic note to the dish. You can also add lemon zest for extra citrusy flavour.
• Chilli Powder: If you prefer a spicy flavour profile, chilli powder can be used instead of the Everything Bagel Seasoning.
• Shaved Almonds: For a crunchy texture and nutty flavour, top the green beans with shaved almonds.
• Bacon: Adding cooked, chopped bacon to the green beans provides a savoury, smoky flavour.
• Butter and Sugar: For a sweet and savoury combination, coat the green beans in melted butter and a pinch of sugar before serving with ketchup.
• Other Cheeses: Try using shredded cheddar or feta cheese instead of parmesan for a different flavour profile.
• Fresh Herbs: Dried herbs like oregano, basil, and parsley can be used, or you could try fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary.
• Other Seasonings: Ground black pepper, onion powder, paprika, and red pepper flakes are all great options to mix and match.

How to store leftovers

It's important to know how to store your leftovers to ensure they stay fresh and edible for as long as possible. Here are some detailed instructions on how to store your leftover air-fried green beans:

Firstly, it is recommended to use any leftovers within 3-5 days. If you plan to eat the leftovers within this timeframe, you can simply store them in a sealed or airtight container in the refrigerator.

If you want to keep the leftovers for longer, freezing is a good option. Here's a step-by-step guide to freezing your leftover air-fried green beans:

• Allow the green beans to cool to room temperature.
• Place the green beans in a single layer on a baking sheet or tray, making sure they are not overcrowded.
• Put the tray of green beans in the freezer and leave until they are completely frozen solid.
• Once frozen, transfer the green beans to a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible before sealing.
• Label the container with the date and return it to the freezer.

Your frozen leftover green beans should now stay fresh for 8-10 months. When you are ready to eat them, you can reheat them in the air fryer! Preheat your air fryer to 350-360°F and heat the green beans for 1-3 minutes, or until warmed through.

Some additional tips for storing leftovers:

• Do not overcrowd the container or bag, as this can cause the green beans to become soggy.
• Try to use an airtight container if possible, to prevent moisture loss and maintain freshness.
• If you notice any mould or an unpleasant odour, discard the leftovers immediately.

By following these instructions, you can enjoy your delicious air-fried green beans for longer!

What to serve with the green beans

Now that you've cooked your frozen green beans in the air fryer, you might be wondering what to serve them with. Here are some ideas for main dishes that would go well with your green beans:

• Chicken: Try serving your green beans with a dish like Stuffed Chicken Breast, Grilled Chicken Thighs, Chicken Leg Quarters, or Chicken Tenders.
• Beef: Ground Beef Stroganoff or a Sirloin Tip Roast would pair nicely with green beans.
• Pork: Crock Pot Pork Chops, Baked Pork Tenderloin, or Instant Pot Ribs could be a good choice.
• Seafood: Consider Honey Garlic Salmon, Garlic Butter Shrimp, or Grilled Swordfish as a main dish.
• Vegetarian options: Quinoa Burgers, Vegetarian Pot Pie, or Mushroom Pasta are some meat-free ideas.

You could also serve your green beans as a snack or side dish alongside Air Fryer Frozen Hamburgers, Air Fryer Frozen Nuggets, or Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Tenders. Enjoy experimenting with different combinations!

Frequently asked questions