Having an air fryer has been a luxury we do not take for granted in my house. We use it almost every night, especially in our favorite vegetable recipes, like air fryer baked potatoes, air fryer Brussels sprouts, air fryer asparagus, and now, frozen green beans. Yes, that’s right, this recipe uses frozen green beans, yet it still comes together just as quickly as using fresh green beans. The simple balance of seasonings makes for a subtle, endlessly versatile side dish fit for every main course.
Recipe highlights
Healthier. Just 2 tablespoons of olive oil gets split between one pound of green beans, making it a nutrition-packed side that’s low in calories and carbohydrates. Plus, they’re naturally gluten-free. No thawing needed. I’ve found that cooking frozen green beans in the air fryer actually gives them a better texture than fresh beans. Plus, it’s way more convenient. Easy cleanup. I’m not going to lie; this is my favorite part about cooking with an air fryer. There’s hardly any cleanup, so I can actually relax after dinner!
Ingredients needed
Just a few straightforward ingredients are all that’s needed to make air fryer green beans, and you should have most of them on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:
Frozen green beans. I used Bird’s Eye whole green beans because I find they keep their texture firmer once cooked, but you can use chopped green beans, too. Remember that the smaller the beans, the shorter the cooking time. Olive oil. Just a drizzle to help the beans get color and a crispy texture. You can use other types of cooking oil, like avocado oil if you prefer. Salt and black pepper. To taste. Lemon and parmesan cheese. To garnish.
How to air fry frozen green beans
I’ve included step-by-step photos below to make this recipe easy to follow at home. For the full printable recipe instructions and ingredient quantities, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post. Step 1- Prep. Preheat the air fryer to 375F/190C and lightly grease the air fryer basket. Step 2- Season. In a large mixing bowl, toss the green beans with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Step 3- Air fry. Add a single layer of beans to the air fryer basket and air fry for 8 minutes, stopping halfway through to shake the basket. Repeat the process until all of the beans are cooked. Step 4- Garnish and serve. Remove the air-fried green beans from the basket and serve with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
Recipe tips and variations
Make them crispier. If you like extra crispy green beans, add 1-2 minutes in the air fryer. Preheat the air fryer. Not many people think of this step, but an air fryer is basically a small oven, so it should be preheated before adding the green beans. Cook them in batches. Let’s face it: No one wants mushy, limp green beans. To avoid this, fry in batches so each bean gets equal heat access and a crispy exterior. Add some spices. Try garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, lemon pepper, or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. Use other types of green beans. If I don’t have frozen beans, I’ll use freshly blanched beans or canned green beans. Just remember the cooking time will vary, so check often to avoid burning. Change the garnish. Swap the parm and lemon for pats of butter and slivered almonds.
How to store leftovers
To store: Leftover air-fried green beans can be stored in an airtight container and kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. These green beans honestly make a perfect nutritious snack as is, but they also work well with all sorts of proteins. For heartier proteins, try my cast iron chicken breast, New York steak, or stuffed pork chops. It also works wonders in stir-fries, in green bean casserole, or chopped up into salmon bowls. To freeze: Store leftover beans in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Let them thaw overnight in the fridge, or add more reheating time. To reheat: Reheat leftover green beans in the oven set to 350F for 6-7 minutes or in the air fryer at 375F for 2-3 minutes or until warm.
Frequently asked questions
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