Air-Fryer Green Bean Casserole: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Green bean casserole is a popular holiday side dish that can be made in an air fryer. The dish typically includes green beans, cream of mushroom soup, milk, and fried onions. It is creamy and savory with a crunchy topping. The air fryer version is faster and easier than the traditional oven-baked method, making it a convenient option for any night of the week.

Choosing the right green beans

Freshness

Using fresh green beans will give your casserole a better texture and flavour. Look for beans that are bright green in colour, firm to the touch, and free of any wrinkles or blemishes. You can also use frozen green beans, but make sure to cook them from frozen without thawing for the best results.

Type of Green Beans

There are several types of green beans available, such as French-style, string beans, or snap beans. French-style green beans are thinner and more delicate, while string beans and snap beans are thicker and meatier. Choose the type that best suits your preference for texture and taste.

Amount

Most recipes call for 4 cups of cut green beans, which is equivalent to two 14-ounce cans or one 16-ounce package of frozen beans. You can also use fresh green beans, but you will need to clean, cut, and blanch them before adding them to your casserole.

Preparation

If you opt for fresh green beans, you will need to prepare them before adding them to your casserole. Wash the beans thoroughly and cut off the stem ends. Then, blanch the beans by cooking them in boiling water for about 2 minutes. This process helps to preserve their bright green colour, texture, and flavour. Drain the beans and set them aside until you are ready to assemble your casserole.

Don't Overcook

Whether you are using fresh, frozen, or canned green beans, be careful not to overcook them. Overcooked green beans can become mushy and lose their appealing texture. If using fresh or frozen beans, slightly undercook them as they will continue to cook in the air fryer when you assemble your casserole.

Seasoning

Don't skimp on seasoning your green beans. Add salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings to enhance their flavour. Taste the beans before adding them to your casserole to ensure they are seasoned just right.

Preparing the green beans

Selecting the Green Beans

Start by deciding whether you want to use fresh, frozen, or canned green beans. Fresh green beans will give you a more crisp texture and a fresher taste. If you opt for frozen green beans, there is no need to thaw them beforehand. Canned green beans are also an option, but be sure to drain the liquid before adding them to your recipe.

Cleaning and Cutting the Green Beans

If you choose fresh green beans, make sure to wash them thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or residue. Trim the stem ends of the beans, and cut them into bite-sized pieces. This step ensures that your green beans are uniform in size and cook evenly in the air fryer.

Blanching the Green Beans

Blanching is an important step if you are using fresh green beans. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil, and add the cleaned and cut green beans. Blanch them for about 2 minutes, which will help preserve their vibrant green colour and tender-crisp texture. After blanching, drain the beans and immediately plunge them into ice-cold water to stop the cooking process.

Seasoning the Green Beans

Place the prepared green beans in a large bowl. Drizzle with a small amount of oil, and season with salt and pepper, or your favourite herb and spice blends. Toss the green beans until they are evenly coated with oil and seasoning. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or dried herbs to enhance the flavour.

Air Frying the Green Beans

Preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature, typically around 340-350°F (170-177°C). Place the seasoned green beans in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they have enough space to cook evenly. Air fry the green beans for 10-12 minutes, stirring them halfway through the cooking process. Depending on your preference, you can adjust the cooking time for a softer or crispier texture.

By following these steps, you will have perfectly prepared green beans that are ready to be incorporated into your casserole. Remember to refer to your chosen green bean casserole recipe for specific instructions on combining the green beans with the other ingredients and completing the final cooking steps in your air fryer.

Mixing the ingredients

To make a green bean casserole in an air fryer, you will need the following ingredients:

• Cream of mushroom soup
• Milk
• Green beans
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Fried onions
• Cheese (optional)
• Soy sauce (optional)
• Worcestershire sauce (optional)

You may also add in a splash of soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, or onion powder to enhance the flavor. If you want to add some extra texture, sprinkle some breadcrumbs on top of the onions before air frying.

Begin by combining the soup, milk, salt, and pepper in a medium mixing bowl, or use the baking dish you are going to cook it in. Stir everything together until well combined and smooth. Then, add in the drained beans and half of the crispy onions. If you are using cheese, you can add it at this stage. Gently stir everything together until all the ingredients are well combined.

Transfer the green bean mixture to a baking dish that fits in your air fryer. Place the dish in the air fryer basket and cook at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-12 minutes, stirring halfway through the cooking process.

Once the cooking time is complete, remove the dish from the air fryer and sprinkle the remaining crispy onions on top. Place the dish back in the air fryer and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown.

Cooking the casserole

Now that you have gathered all your ingredients and your air fryer is preheated, it's time to cook your green bean casserole. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare the Green Beans

If you are using fresh green beans, wash and cut them into bite-sized pieces. If you prefer a softer texture, you can blanch them by cooking them in boiling water for about 2 minutes. For canned green beans, simply drain the liquid. If using frozen green beans, there is no need to thaw them; however, ensure they are warmed up or slightly cooked before adding them to the casserole.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup) with milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. You can also add some shredded cheese and soy sauce to enhance the flavour. Stir the ingredients together until you have a smooth and well-combined mixture.

Step 3: Add Green Beans and Fried Onions

Add the drained green beans to the mixing bowl, along with half of the fried onions. Gently stir everything together until the green beans are coated with the creamy mixture. You can also add some cooked and crumbled bacon pieces at this stage for an extra savoury touch.

Step 4: Transfer to Baking Dish

Pour the green bean mixture into an air fryer-safe baking dish that fits comfortably in your air fryer basket. Make sure the dish is oven-safe as well. Spray the dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal later.

Step 5: Initial Baking

Place the baking dish in the air fryer basket and set the temperature to 325°F to 350°F. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring the mixture halfway through the cooking process. This initial baking time ensures that the green beans are tender and the sauce is heated through.

Step 6: Add Remaining Fried Onions

Once the casserole is baked, remove the baking dish from the air fryer and sprinkle the remaining fried onions on top. This step adds that signature crunchy topping to your casserole.

Step 7: Final Baking

Return the baking dish to the air fryer and bake for an additional 2 to 3 minutes at the same temperature. Keep an eye on the casserole during this final step to ensure the fried onions turn golden brown and don't burn.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Carefully remove the baking dish from the air fryer, and your green bean casserole is ready to be served! This dish pairs well with roasted meats, making it an excellent side for holiday dinners or weeknight meals. Enjoy the creamy, savoury, and crunchy goodness!

Adding the toppings

To add the toppings, first, remove the basket from the air fryer, leaving the casserole dish inside. Sprinkle the remaining fried onions on top of the casserole. Place the basket back into the air fryer and cook at 325°F for 2-3 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown.

You can also add some bread crumbs along with the onions for an even crispier topping. Another option is to sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the fried onions for a deeper savoury flavour.

Once the onions are golden brown, carefully remove the casserole dish from the basket and serve.

Frequently asked questions