Air-Fryer String Beans: Quick, Crispy, And Healthy

Air fryers are a convenient way to cook vegetables, and green beans are no exception. They can be cooked in an air fryer in under 15 minutes, and the process is simple. First, trim the ends of the green beans and toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, lemon pepper, or chili flakes. Then, place the green beans in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook at 375-400°F for 7-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. You may need to cook the green beans in batches to ensure even cooking. Enjoy your crispy, tender, and tasty air-fried green beans!

Trimming and seasoning the string beans

Trimming the String Beans:

Start by rinsing your fresh string beans (also known as green beans) under cool water to remove any dirt or dust. You can snap off the tiny stem ends of the beans by hand or use a pair of clean scissors to trim them. If there are any longer beans, cut them in half so that they are roughly equal in size. You can also trim and dry the beans beforehand and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a day before seasoning and cooking.

Seasoning the String Beans:

Place the cleaned and trimmed string beans in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle or toss the beans with olive oil, or oil of your choice, to lightly coat them. You can also add a small amount of chili oil or garlic-infused oil for some extra flavour.

Next, it's time to season the beans! Sprinkle salt and pepper generously over the beans, or add any other desired seasonings. You can keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or spice things up with red pepper flakes, garlic powder, lemon pepper, or even some chili flakes. For an Asian-inspired twist, add some low-sodium soy sauce and sesame seeds. If you're feeling fancy, you can finish the dish with some freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Don't be afraid to experiment and find the combination that suits your taste buds!

Air frying the string beans

Preparation

First, wash your green beans and trim the ends off, removing any stems. You can use scissors or simply snap them by hand. If you are using fresh green beans from the garden, you can also snap them in half. Rinse the beans thoroughly.

Seasoning

Place the green beans in a bowl and add your chosen oil – olive oil is a popular choice, but avocado oil and grapeseed oil also work well. You only need a light coating of oil. Toss the beans in the oil, ensuring they are evenly coated.

Now it's time to season the beans. Salt and pepper are the most common seasonings, but you can also add garlic powder, lemon pepper, chilli flakes, or sesame seeds. Toss the beans again to ensure they are coated in the seasoning.

Air Frying

Preheat your air fryer to between 375°F and 400°F. Place the green beans in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer. You may need to cook the beans in batches to achieve this.

Cook the beans for around 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. The beans are ready when they are crisp but still tender, with a soft inside. If you prefer your beans more tender, cook for an additional 2 minutes.

Serving

Air fryer green beans are best served fresh, but any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-4 days. To reheat, simply place the beans back in the air fryer for a few minutes, or use the microwave.

Air fryer temperature and timing

The temperature and timing for air-frying green beans depend on the type of air fryer you have, the thickness of the beans, and the texture you want to achieve.

Most recipes recommend air-frying green beans at temperatures between 375°F and 400°F. For a crisp-tender texture, air fry at 375°F for 8 to 10 minutes. If you prefer your green beans with a little more bite, cook for 8 minutes. For a slightly softer bean, cook for the full 10 minutes. If you are using an air fryer that doesn't require preheating, you can shorten the cooking time by 2 to 3 minutes.

If you want your green beans to have a soft texture with a lightly wrinkled skin, you can try air frying at 350°F for 5 minutes. However, this may result in greener-looking beans that aren't as soft as desired. Alternatively, you can try cooking the beans at a higher heat of 400°F, but this may result in overly browned beans with crisp and tough edges.

For frozen green beans, you can cook them directly from frozen without thawing. Air fry in 5-minute increments, tossing the basket each time to distribute the beans. You may need to cook for a total of 10-15 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness.

It's important to note that air fryer models vary, so you may need to adjust the temperature and timing slightly based on your specific air fryer. Additionally, some recipes recommend par-cooking the green beans by boiling them for 90 seconds before air frying, which helps achieve a softer texture.

Storing and reheating the string beans

Storing and reheating string beans is a simple process. If you have any leftover string beans, allow them to cool down completely before storing them in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for 3-4 days.

When you're ready to reheat them, you can either use the air fryer or the microwave. If you want to retain the crunch of the beans, the air fryer is the better option. Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and place the beans inside for 2-3 minutes. If you want to add some extra crispness, you can coat the beans in a light layer of flour, egg wash, and breadcrumbs before placing them in the air fryer.

You can also reheat the beans in the microwave if you're short on time, but this may affect their texture.

Serving suggestions

Air fryer green beans are a versatile side dish that can be served with a variety of main courses. Here are some ideas for what to serve with them:

• Rice or noodle dishes: Pair the green beans with jasmine rice, brown rice, basmati rice, pineapple fried rice, spicy peanut noodles, or simple red lentil curry.
• Meat and seafood: Serve with dishes such as Cha Siu (Chinese BBQ pork), sweet and sour pork, breaded chicken breast, grilled chicken, ground beef stroganoff, or garlic butter shrimp.
• Vegetarian options: Try air fryer green beans with quinoa burgers, vegetarian pot pie, mushroom pasta, or tofu dishes like mapo tofu or teriyaki tofu.

For an elegant touch, sprinkle the green beans with Parmesan cheese and serve with lemon wedges. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes or garlic powder for a spicy kick.

If you're looking for a complete meal, air fryer green beans go well with a variety of proteins and grains. For a simple and healthy option, serve them with rice or quinoa and a source of protein like grilled chicken, baked tofu, or seared shrimp. You can also add a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.

For a heartier meal, air fryer green beans are a great side dish for comfort food favourites. Serve them alongside dishes like chicken pot pie, beef stew, or pulled pork sandwiches. They can also be a tasty addition to a holiday feast, complementing dishes like roasted turkey, glazed ham, or vegetarian nut roast.

If you're serving air fryer green beans as part of a larger spread, they can be a tasty addition to a buffet table. Arrange them on a platter with other roasted or grilled vegetables, such as asparagus, broccoli, or bell peppers. Provide a variety of dips or sauces on the side, such as hummus, tzatziki, or a tangy vinaigrette.

For a fun and casual presentation, serve the air fryer green beans in individual portions. Place a small bunch of the beans in a paper cone or wrap them in parchment paper, and provide a variety of dips or sauces for guests to choose from. This can be a unique and interactive way to enjoy these crispy, tasty beans.

Frequently asked questions