Air Fryer Green Bean Fries: Quick, Crispy, Delicious

Green bean fries are a tasty, low-carb snack that can be made in minutes. They are a healthier alternative to regular fries and can be served as an appetizer, side dish, or snack. To make green bean fries in an air fryer, you will need fresh green beans, flour, eggs, breadcrumbs, and seasonings. The green beans are coated in a light layer of flour, dipped in beaten eggs, and then rolled in a mixture of breadcrumbs and seasonings. The coated green beans are then placed in the air fryer basket and cooked for a few minutes until golden and crispy.

How to prepare the green beans

Preparing the green beans is a simple process but there are a few key steps to follow to ensure the best results. Firstly, you'll want to wash your green beans and trim off the stem ends. It's important to make sure they are completely dry before moving on to the next step, so give them a good pat with some paper towels.

Now it's time to dredge the beans. Set up three bowls with the different coatings: flour, whisked eggs, and breadcrumbs. You can add parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the breadcrumbs for some extra flavour. Take a handful of green beans and drop them into the flour, tossing them around until they are coated. Then, using tongs, lift a few beans out, let them drip a bit, and then place them into the egg mixture. Finally, drop the beans into the breadcrumb mixture and shake until they are fully coated.

Repeat this process until all your green beans are coated, then they are ready to go into the air fryer!

How to make the breading stick

The breading on your green bean fries will stick better if you follow these steps:

Dry the Green Beans

Use fresh green beans and dry them thoroughly with a paper towel after rinsing. Removing excess moisture will help the flour coating stick to the beans.

Use Flour

Lightly coat each individual bean with plain flour and shake off any excess. The flour will give the egg something to stick to.

Use Egg

Beat the eggs well so they can coat the green beans and help the breadcrumbs adhere to the beans. You can also use an egg and milk mixture.

Use Panko Breadcrumbs

Panko breadcrumbs are lighter than regular breadcrumbs, creating a better texture for the coating.

Use Oil

Coat the beans with a light layer of oil. This will help the breadcrumbs stick to the beans and ensure an even, golden, crispy coating.

Don't Overcrowd the Air Fryer

Place the coated green beans in a single layer in the air fryer basket. This will help ensure even cooking and prevent the beans from clumping together.

Follow the Correct Order

It is important to follow the correct order when coating the green beans: first flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs.

Don't Crowd the Breading Station

Set up your breading station with enough room to adequately coat each bean. Use containers that are big enough for the job, such as 9x9 breading trays.

Let the Coating Set

Before placing the coated beans in the air fryer, let the coating set for 10-15 minutes. This will help the breading stick and create a crispier texture.

How long to air fry them for

The cooking time for air fryer green bean fries varies depending on the recipe and the desired crispiness. Most recipes instruct cooking the beans for 5 minutes at 390°F to 400°F , then tossing them and cooking for an additional 2 minutes. However, some recipes suggest cooking the beans for up to 10 minutes, or even an additional 1 to 2 minutes at a higher temperature for a darker coating. It's important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the brand and size of the air fryer, so adjustments may be necessary.

To ensure even cooking, it is recommended to spread the green beans in a single layer in the air fryer basket and to toss or flip them halfway through the cooking process. Additionally, drying the green beans thoroughly before coating and cooking them can help achieve a crispier texture.

What to serve them with

Now that you've made your green bean fries in the air fryer, it's time to think about what to serve them with. Here are some ideas:

Dips

A good dip can take your green bean fries to the next level. Try serving them with a side of ranch dressing, which is a popular choice for fry dipping. You could also offer other creamy dips like mayonnaise, blue cheese dressing, or aioli. If you're feeling adventurous, spice things up with sriracha mayo, or copycat sauces like Red Robin Campfire Sauce or Outback Bloomin' Onion Sauce. For a healthier option, serve the fries with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

Main Course

Green bean fries make a great side dish for a variety of mains. For a classic combination, serve them with a burger or sandwich. They also go well with grilled chicken or chicken wings. If you're looking for something more substantial, try pairing the fries with air fryer chicken drumsticks, meatloaf, or tilapia.

Other Sides

If you want to round out your meal with some additional sides, here are some options that would complement your green bean fries:

• Cabbage rolls
• Grilled vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or brussels sprouts
• Salad, such as a Nicoise salad

Drinks

And finally, what about drinks? Green bean fries would pair well with a variety of beverages depending on the occasion. For a casual get-together, serve them with ice-cold beers or soft drinks. If you're looking for something more sophisticated, try pairing the fries with a crisp white wine or a refreshing summer cocktail.

With these suggestions, you're now equipped to create a delicious and well-rounded meal featuring air fryer green bean fries!

How to store leftovers

To store leftovers of your air-fried green beans, you can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, spread the beans in a single layer on a sheet pan and place them in the oven for 5-10 minutes.

If you want to freeze your green beans, it is recommended to flash-freeze them first. Spread the coated, uncooked beans in a single layer and place them in the freezer for about an hour. Then, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to a month. Cook the beans directly from frozen in the air fryer. If they thaw, they may become soggy.

Frequently asked questions