Air Fryer Green Beans

Say goodbye to bland veggie sides and hello to these irresistible air fryer green beans! With a crispy exterior and perfectly tender interior, this quick and easy recipe turns fresh green beans into a flavorful snack or side dish. Packed with vitamins and fiber, these green beans are the ideal low-carb option for any meal.

Simply roasted with some olive oil, salt, and pepper, these air fryer green beans are incredibly easy to make for a healthy snack. This recipe is also fantastic as a side dish paired with a lean piece of protein for a delicious dinner meal!

Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Green Beans

• Healthy and Nutritious: These green beans are loaded with vitamins C and K, plus a healthy dose of fiber. They’re a guilt-free option for snacking or serving with meals.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 15 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a fast, nutritious side dish.
• Crispy and Flavorful: The air fryer gives the green beans a beautiful roasted flavor with a crispy texture that’s simply irresistible.
• Versatile: You can enjoy them as a side dish with your favorite protein, or snack on them when you crave something crunchy.
• Customizable: From basic salt and pepper to bold flavors like garlic powder or cayenne pepper, this recipe adapts to suit your taste preferences.

Healthy Air Fryer Green Beans

I don’t know about you, but lately, I have been really into making veggie side dishes in the air fryer. I can’t get over the crispiness and the delicious flavor of an air fried vegetable.

It’s as easy as it gets- with even less cleanup time!

One of my recent favorite sides to make is air fryer green beans. Not only does this have a delicious flavor, but green beans are incredibly nutritious. They are full of vitamin C and K, as well as a healthy dose of fiber.

Ingredients For Air Fryer Green Beans

• Fresh Green Beans – The star of the recipe, providing a crisp and fresh base.
• Olive Oil – Adds a light coating that helps the beans crisp up while roasting.
• Salt – Enhances the natural flavor of the green beans.
• Pepper – Adds a subtle kick of spice to balance the flavors.

For the exact measurements of the ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Air Fryer Green Beans

• Air Fryer – The key tool for achieving perfectly crispy green beans with minimal oil.
• Bowl – Used for tossing the green beans with olive oil and seasonings.
• Tongs or Spatula – Useful for shaking the air fryer basket and serving the green beans.

So, air fryer green beans are good for you and yummy. What’s not to love?

Plus, green beans are an amazing low-carb option when it comes to picking out a side dish for your meals.

If you are worried you can’t make these roasted green beans because you don’t have an air fryer, don’t be!

You can easily take this recipe and follow the instructions to make these green beans in your instant pot. You can also prep this vegetable in your microwave to save some time on a busy night!

If you want to take a roasted green bean recipe to the next level, you should consider taking a look at this recipe for garlic green beans. The added garlic enhances the flavor profile and gives it the kick it needs!

The best part about this vegetable is how versatile it is. You can make it so many different ways. Green beans taste great with everything from lemon pepper to a fun Asian twist! In this recipe, however, we are going to keep it fairly basic. Don’t worry- it’s fantastic.

How To Make Air Fryer Green Beans

Before you start cooking your green beans, take a moment to properly clean them to get rid of any dirt or pesticide residue left over. Then place the green beans in a bowl with cool water to fully rinse them.

Once they are fully clean, pat the green beans dry and trim the end off of each bean strand.

Toss them with a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper. If you want to season them up a little more, add a dash of cayenne pepper and garlic powder. 

Place prepped green beans into the air fryer basket and cook at 400F for 10 minutes. Make sure to shake the basket halfway through so that the green beans cook evenly throughout. 

What To Make With Green Beans

Now that you know how to make a quick side of air fryer green beans, here are a few ideas of what you could serve along with it!

• Spicy Chili Lime Baked Chicken Legs
• Instant Pot Chicken Teriyaki
• Instant Pot Beef Brisket
• Baked Sausage and Potatoes

You can also keep it super simple and serve them as a healthy snack when you are in the mood for something deliciously crunchy.

Tips For Success

• Choose Fresh Green Beans: Look for green beans that are bright green, firm, and free from blemishes. Fresher beans will result in a better flavor and texture.
• Dry Thoroughly: After washing, make sure to pat the green beans completely dry. Excess moisture can prevent them from crisping up in the air fryer.
• Even Coating: Toss the beans thoroughly with olive oil and seasonings to ensure an even coating. This helps them cook uniformly and enhances the flavor.
• Single Layer Cooking: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Spread the green beans in a single layer so the hot air can circulate properly, ensuring crispy results.
• Shake the Basket: Halfway through cooking, give the basket a good shake. This helps all the beans cook evenly and prevents sticking.
• Experiment with Seasonings: While this recipe uses salt and pepper, you can get creative with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, or even a pinch of cayenne for a spicy kick.
• Keep an Eye on Cook Time: Air fryers can vary in temperature, so check your beans a minute or two early to avoid overcooking.

Variations and Substitutions

• Garlic Lovers: Add minced garlic or garlic powder to the olive oil before tossing the green beans for an extra burst of flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Sprinkle a bit of cayenne pepper or chili flakes onto the beans for a spicy twist.
• Cheesy Delight: After cooking, sprinkle the green beans with grated Parmesan cheese for a savory upgrade.
• Lemon Pepper: Toss the beans with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and lemon pepper seasoning for a bright and tangy flavor.
• Herb-Infused: Use dried or fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or dill to complement the roasted flavor of the beans.
• Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle a balsamic reduction over the cooked beans for a slightly sweet and tangy variation.
• Asian-Inspired: Toss the green beans with soy sauce, sesame oil, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a fun twist.
• Oil-Free Option: If you’re watching your oil intake, use a light spray of cooking oil instead of olive oil, or skip it entirely.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Place any leftover air fryer green beans in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, simply place the green beans back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes. This will restore their crispiness without overcooking.
• Freezing: While fresh green beans freeze well, cooked air fryer green beans are best enjoyed fresh. Freezing them may result in a loss of their crispy texture.
• Make-Ahead Tip: You can wash, trim, and season the green beans ahead of time. Store them in a sealed container in the fridge and cook when ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen green beans for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen green beans. Make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry to remove excess moisture before cooking. This will help them crisp up in the air fryer.

What other seasonings can I use?

You can experiment with a variety of seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, lemon pepper, or even a sprinkle of chili flakes for some heat. Get creative and adjust to your taste!

Do I need to preheat the air fryer?

No, there’s no need to preheat the air fryer for this recipe. The beans will cook perfectly starting from a cold air fryer.

How do I prevent the green beans from sticking?

Tossing the green beans with a small amount of oil ensures they won’t stick to the basket. Additionally, shaking the basket halfway through cooking helps.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but it’s best to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and less crispy results.

How do I make these beans softer instead of crispy?

If you prefer softer green beans, reduce the cooking temperature to 375°F and cook for a shorter time. Check for doneness at around 8 minutes.

Are air fryer green beans healthy?

Absolutely! Green beans are a low-calorie, nutrient-rich vegetable packed with vitamins and fiber. Using an air fryer requires less oil than traditional roasting, making this a healthy option.

Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?

Yes, you can mix in other quick-cooking vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, or snap peas. Just ensure they’re cut to a similar size for even cooking.

More Healthy Air Fryer Recipes

If you loved these ‘fried’ green beans, check out some of my other air fryer recipes!

These are some of my other current veggie favorites:

• Roasted Mushrooms In The Air Fryer
• Air Fryer Keto Zucchini Fries With No Breading
• Crispy Roasted Sweet Potatoes

See also:

• Air Fryer Asparagus
• Air Fryer Green Peppers
• Air Fryer Butternut Squash