Air Fryer Green Beans (Quick And Easy) Recipe

I’m sharing a small timing trick for cooking fresh green beans in the air fryer that makes the whole process faster and far less fussy.

I love simple recipes that surprise you, and my Air Fryer Green Beans are exactly that. Using fresh green beans and a drizzle of olive oil I get blistered edges and a pop of fresh flavor every time.

It’s fast, almost foolproof, and even picky eaters tend to wonder what I did different. Think Air Fried Green Beans that taste like you spent way longer prepping, yet hardly any mess.

I’ll never say it replaces a long roast, but when time’s short this trick is my go to, and I still get compliments like it took hours.

Ingredients

• Crunchy low calorie veg high in fiber and vitamin K it keeps you full.
• Adds healthy fats and richness helps crisping heart friendly.
• Gives savory punch no fresh garlic hassle and has antioxidants.
• Boosts flavor enhances texture use sparingly or you over salt.
• Warm slightly spicy note low calorie wakes up bland veggies.
• Adds heat and color small pinch goes a long way.
• Creamy salty finish adds umami and protein not vegan friendly.
• Brightens flavor with citrus tang cuts through oil and refreshes.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed (about 450 g)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, optional
• 1 tbsp grated Parmesan, optional
• 1 tsp lemon juice or 1/2 tsp lemon zest, optional

How to Make this

1. Rinse 1 lb fresh green beans and trim the stem ends, then pat them very dry with paper towels so they crisp up in the air fryer.

2. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.

3. In a mixing bowl toss the beans with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp kosher salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes if you want heat. Make sure each bean is lightly coated, not drowning in oil.

4. Spread the beans in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Dont overcrowd — work in two batches if needed so they roast not steam.

5. Cook at 400°F for 8 minutes. At about the 4 minute mark shake the basket or flip the beans with tongs to promote even browning.

6. For firmer crisp-tender beans stop around 8 minutes, for more char and deeper roasting cook 10 to 12 minutes and give the basket another shake halfway. Adjust time a minute or two depending on your air fryer and how you like them.

7. Transfer hot beans to a bowl and immediately toss with 1 tbsp grated Parmesan (optional) and 1 tsp lemon juice or 1/2 tsp lemon zest (optional). The heat will help the cheese melt a little and the lemon wakes up the flavor.

8. Taste and adjust salt or pepper, let rest 1 minute then serve. Garnish with extra Parmesan or red pepper flakes if you like.

Equipment Needed

1. Air fryer with basket, roomy enough for a single layer
2. Medium mixing bowl
3. Measuring spoons (tbsp and tsp)
4. Kitchen tongs, heatproof for flipping and shaking
5. Colander or sieve for rinsing beans
6. Chef knife and cutting board to trim stem ends
7. Paper towels for drying so they crisp up
8. Microplane or small grater for Parmesan and lemon zest, optional

FAQ

Air Fryer Green Beans (Quick And Easy) Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Olive oil -> avocado oil or melted unsalted butter. Use the same amount, 1 tbsp. Butter gives richer flavor but can brown faster so keep an eye on cook time and lower the temp a tad if it starts to smoke.
• Garlic powder -> fresh garlic, minced. For 1/2 tsp garlic powder use about one to two cloves, taste and adjust. Fresh garlic gives a brighter pop and little bits will caramelize in the air fryer.
• Kosher salt -> fine table salt or fine sea salt. Use about half the volume so substitute 1/4 tsp table salt for 1/2 tsp kosher salt, because table salt measures saltier by volume.
• Grated Parmesan -> Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a dairy free option. Pecorino is saltier and sharper so use a bit less, nutritional yeast gives that cheesy umami without dairy.

Pro Tips

1. Dry the beans like crazy before cooking. Even a little moisture makes them steam instead of crisp, so spin them in a salad spinner or wrap in a clean towel and press, then pat again, and if theyre still damp wait a minute. Dry beans = crispier results.

2. Dont crowd the basket, do smaller batches. If theyre piled up they steam, not roast, so give each bean some air. Shake or flip about halfway so everything browns evenly, youll notice a big difference.

3. Use just enough oil to lightly coat, not soak. A mister or a brush works better than pouring, and garlic powder sticks well before cooking, while fresh garlic should be added after so it doesnt burn. Finish hot with lemon zest and grated cheese so the flavors pop.

4. For extra color and a tender inside, try a quick blanch then shock: plunge beans into boiling water for about 30 to 60 seconds, cool in ice water, dry thoroughly, then air fry. It adds a nice contrast of sear and bite youre gonna love it.