Air Fryer Green Beans
Tender-crisp green beans with caramelized edges, seasoned simply to enhance their natural flavor. These air-fried green beans deliver restaurant-quality results in minutes, using minimal oil for a healthier, delicious side dish that complements any meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh green beans trimmed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic minced (optional but recommended)
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional for heat
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice for serving (optional)
- 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prep the green beans by washing them thoroughly under cold water. Trim the stem ends and pat the beans completely dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel—this is crucial for achieving crispiness.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes. Proper preheating ensures even cooking and better texture.
- Season the green beans by placing them in a medium bowl and drizzling with olive oil. Add salt, pepper, and minced garlic (if using), then toss until all beans are evenly coated.
- Arrange the beans in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding—work in batches if necessary, as overcrowding will steam rather than air fry the beans.
- Cook for 5 minutes, then shake the basket or use tongs to flip the beans. This ensures even cooking on all sides.
- Continue cooking for 4-5 more minutes until the beans are bright green with some golden-brown spots. They should be tender-crisp, not soft or mushy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. If using, sprinkle with red pepper flakes, fresh lemon juice, or Parmesan cheese while still hot.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor experience.
Notes
- For the freshest flavor, choose beans that are bright green with no brown spots and snap crisply when bent.
- Completely drying the beans before air frying is non-negotiable for achieving crispy results.
- If you prefer softer green beans, simply add 2-3 minutes to the cooking time.
- These beans can be prepped ahead of time (trimmed and stored in the refrigerator) but are best cooked just before serving.
- For an Asian-inspired variation, toss the finished beans with a teaspoon of sesame oil and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds.
- The larger your air fryer, the more beans you can cook at once while maintaining that crucial single layer.