Air Fryer Green Beans
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My air fryer green beans are crispy, flavorful, and cook in under ten minutes. Topped with lemon and parmesan, it’s an easy side dish fit for every meal!
I like to keep dinner sides simple, and air fryer green beans are one of those recipes I make at least once a week, especially when in season. It was actually my oven-roasted green beans that inspired me to try using the air fryer instead, and I’ve been hooked ever since. It gives the beans those perfectly crispy edges in a fraction of the time.
I usually toss them with a bit of olive oil and finish with lemon and fresh parmesan, but they’re so easy to customize: my partner loves them with just a touch of salt. He swears they’re like green bean fries! An added bonus- they work just as well with frozen green beans, too.
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Recipe highlights
- Healthy. I use just a touch of oil to help crisp things up.
- Quick and easy. Green beans in the air fryer cook in just 8 minutes.
What readers are saying
★★★★★ – “I turn to this recipe anytime I need to use up green beans. They are so crispy and I love to add different mix-ins- breadcrumbs, shredded cheese, or even bacon.” – Jessica
Key Ingredients
Here are some notes on the main ingredients in air-fried green beans. The full list with measurements is in the recipe card below.
- Green beans. 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.
- Lemon and Parmesan cheese. To garnish.
How to make air fryer green beans
Step 1– Toss the green beans with olive oil, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl.
Step 2- Add a single layer of beans to the air fryer basket and air fry for 8 minutes. Shake halfway through.
Step 3- Remove the air-fried green beans from the basket and serve with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
Arman’s recipe tips
- To make them crispier, add 1-2 minutes of cooking time if you like extra crispy green beans. This is how my partner loves them (again, the green bean fries!).
- 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.
Frequently asked questions
The only way your green beans will turn out mushy is if you overcrowd the air fryer basket and don’t give them enough time to crisp. Green beans are easy to tell when fully cooked: the edges are crisp and golden and they are somewhat shriveled in the middle (sorry- no other way to describe it).
Yes- I’ve tested this recipe using frozen green beans. You can cook them directly from the freezer, but increase the air frying time by about 3 to 4 minutes. Don’t forget to shake the basket several times throughout.
✅ Nutrition reviewed
Nutrition information has been reviewed by registered dietitian Felicia Newell, MScAHN, RD, CPT.
Air Fryer Green Beans
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Ingredients
- 1 pound green beans
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 lemon sliced
- 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 190C/375F.
- In a mixing bowl, add the trimmed beans then toss through the olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Add a single layer of the beans to the air fryer basket and air fry for 8 minutes, shaking halfway through. Repeat the process until all the beans are cooked.
- Sprinkle with parmesan cheese and add a squeeze of lemon juice.
What if I put fresh green beans? Would there be any differencs?