Name: Air Fryer Green Beans Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 12 ounces fresh green beans (haricot verts or standard green beans); 1 tablespoon olive oil; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); Kosher salt (to taste); Freshly ground black pepper (to taste); Lemon wedges (for serving (optional))

JUMP TO RECIPE

Air-fried green beans are a quick, convenient way to enjoy a healthy, crispy side dish without compromising on flavor. In just a matter of minutes, you can transform fresh green beans into a golden, slightly charred, and flavorful delight. The air fryer allows for a beautifully crisp texture, offering a healthier alternative to deep frying, while retaining all the natural flavors of the beans. Whether you’re looking for a simple weekday side dish or something easy yet impressive to serve at gatherings, this air fryer green beans recipe checks all the boxes.

Remember it later

Like this recipe? Pin it to your favorite board NOW!

Ingredients Overview

The ingredients in this recipe are minimal yet pack a punch when it comes to flavor. Fresh green beans, also known as haricot verts, are the star of the dish. Haricot verts are thinner and more tender than regular green beans, making them ideal for quick cooking methods like air frying. However, if you only have regular green beans on hand, they work perfectly too.

Olive oil serves as the base to coat the beans, ensuring they crisp up nicely in the air fryer while keeping them moist. Garlic powder lends a subtle earthiness, while red pepper flakes (optional) provide a gentle heat that complements the beans’ natural sweetness. Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper are essential seasonings that heighten the overall flavor, and lemon wedges add a bright, zesty finish to balance the dish’s rich flavors. If desired, you could swap olive oil with avocado oil for a slightly richer taste or add a dash of smoked paprika to elevate the smokiness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepping the Green Beans:
The first step to achieving the perfect air-fried green beans is thorough preparation. Begin by rinsing the beans under cold water to remove any dirt or grit. Drying them completely with a paper towel is key to preventing sogginess during air frying. If the ends of the beans are still intact, take a moment to trim them, ensuring uniformity for even cooking.

Seasoning the Beans:
In a large bowl, drizzle olive oil over the cleaned beans and sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Tossing them by hand ensures an even distribution of oil and seasonings, which is critical for flavor and texture. Each bean should glisten, signaling that it’s ready for the air fryer.

Air Frying Tips:
Set your air fryer to 370°F and preheat it for a few minutes before adding the beans. Pour the seasoned beans into the basket, making sure they are spread out in a single layer for optimal air circulation. Shake the basket halfway through the 10-minute cooking process to ensure even crisping. If you prefer a more charred and crispy texture, extend the cooking time by an additional minute or two, checking frequently to avoid burning.

Serving the Green Beans:
Once the beans are beautifully crisp and golden, transfer them to a serving dish. Squeeze fresh lemon wedges over the top to add brightness and freshness that complements the slightly smoky flavor of the beans. Serve immediately while still warm for the best texture and flavor.

Recipe Tips & Frequently Asked Questions

Dry the beans thoroughly before air frying. This prevents steaming and ensures a crispy result.

Adjust cook time based on texture preference. If you prefer softer green beans, reduce the air frying time by a minute. For an extra crispy finish, let them cook a little longer, but keep a close eye on them to avoid burning.

Experiment with seasonings. Try adding a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese after frying or toss the beans in balsamic vinegar before serving for a tangy twist.

Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?
Yes, but you may need to add a couple of extra minutes to the cook time, and make sure to shake the basket frequently to ensure even cooking.

How can I prevent the beans from becoming too soft?
Dry the beans thoroughly before seasoning them, and avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to maintain a crisp texture.

What is the best way to reheat leftover air-fried green beans?
To retain crispiness, reheat the beans in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 350°F. Avoid microwaving as this will make them soggy.

Can I make these beans without an air fryer?
Yes, you can roast them in the oven at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking.

What to Serve With This Recipe

Air fryer green beans are incredibly versatile and can be paired with a variety of main dishes. They make an excellent side for roasted meats, such as chicken, beef, or pork, and also complement seafood dishes like grilled salmon or shrimp. For a vegetarian option, serve these beans alongside roasted potatoes, a grain bowl, or a hearty pasta dish.

If you’re entertaining, consider serving the beans with a dipping sauce like garlic aioli or a tangy yogurt dip to add an extra layer of flavor. The simplicity of the green beans allows them to pair seamlessly with more complex main courses or to shine on their own as a snack.

Storing and Reheating

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To maintain their crispiness, reheat the beans in the air fryer at 350°F for a couple of minutes. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as this will make them lose their signature crisp texture.

Freezing is not recommended for air-fried green beans, as the freezing process tends to make them mushy upon thawing. However, if necessary, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to eat, reheat them directly from frozen in the air fryer.

Air fryer green beans are the perfect side dish for any occasion, offering a crispy, flavorful alternative to traditional steamed or sautéed beans. With minimal prep and cook time, they are ideal for busy weeknights or as a quick and easy addition to a more elaborate meal. Their versatility and simplicity make them a go-to recipe that you’ll find yourself making time and time again.

Ingredients

12 ounces fresh green beans (haricot verts or standard green beans)
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Kosher salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the green beans

Begin by rinsing the green beans thoroughly in a colander. Pat them dry using a clean paper towel. If the ends haven’t been trimmed, take a moment to do so now.

Preheat the air fryer

Set the air fryer to 370°F to get it ready for cooking.

Coat the green beans

In a spacious bowl, combine the green beans, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if you’re using them). Use your hands or gloves to toss everything together, ensuring each bean is well coated with the mixture.

Air fry the green beans

Pour the green beans into the air fryer basket, spreading them out evenly in a single layer for optimal crispness. Air fry for 10 minutes, shaking or tossing the basket halfway through. For a more charred texture, cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.

Serve

Once done, transfer the crispy green beans to a serving dish. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over them for a zesty finish, and enjoy while hot!