Air Fryer Green Beans

If green beans usually play second fiddle on your table, this air fryer green bean recipe will push them straight into the spotlight. Toss them in a bowl with a bit of olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt and pepper, then into the air fryer basket for a fast roast.

It’s that simple! In under 15 minutes, you’ll have crisp-tender beans with a slightly charred, caramelized edge. Finish with some grated parmesan and you’ve got a side that steals the show!

Here’s What You’ll Need

If you are used to limp boiled green beans or casseroles, these air fried green beans will be a revelation! The air fryer concentrates heat so the beans cook quickly and keep their bite – adjust the cooking time and temperature until you find the Goldilocks just right zone!

• Fresh green beans: I like using fine green beans, also known as “French green beans” or haricots verts, are thinner and more tender standard green beans.
• Olive oil: Helps blister the skins and adds flavor.
• Lemon juice and zest: To lift and brighten.
• Minced garlic: Toss well so it doesn’t clump and burn.
• Salt and pepper: Don’t be stingy, beans can take it!
• Grated parmesan: For a salty, nutty finish that turns these air fryer green beans into a crave-worthy snack! Replace with a plant-based hard cheese for a vegan option.

How to Make Air Fryer Green Beans

1. Wash the green beans and trim the stems. Pat them dry so they roast, not steam — help encourage the crispiness!
2. Combine the olive oil, lemon juice, zest and minced garlic, salt and pepper in a bowl, add the trimmed green beans and mix well so the beans are completely covered.
3. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Add the green beans in a single layer to the air fryer. If you prefer them to be even more tender, add more beans to the basket to hold in the moisture.
4. Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket a couple of times, until the beans are crisp yet tender and a little bit charred. The cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer – cook in batches if needed.
5. Transfer the green beans to a serving dish, sprinkle with grated parmesan and serve immediately.

Serving Suggestions

I love these crispy green beans so much, I am known for snacking on them and almost demolishing the lot! They literally work with almost every main dish you can think of, but they are especially wonderful with roast dinners, grilled meat and fish. Here are some suggestions from the recipe archives:

• Chicken dishes: Air Fryer Rotisserie Chicken, Greek Roast Chicken and Lemon Potatoes, Air Fryer Chicken Breast.
• Meat: Air Fryer Ribeye Steak, Herb Marinated Lamb Chops, Perfect Bone-in Ribeye Steak, Air Fryer Roast Lamb.
• Seafood: Oven-baked Tilapia, Air Fryer Salmon Bites, Best-Ever Fish Pie, Salmon Lasagna, Salmon Wellington (Salmon En Croute).
• Thanksgiving and Christmas: Easy Roasted Turkey Legs, Spatchcock Turkey, Slow Cooker Prime Rib, Easy Leftover Turkey Pie, Cozy Leftover Turkey Stew, Mashed Potato Gratin with Caramelized Onions.

Recipe Notes and Tips

• Crisp or tender? If you prefer your green beans on the crispy side, spread them in a single layer in your air fryer basket and cook at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket once or twice. You may need to cook them in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer. If you like a more tender green bean, add more to the basket to up the steam factor.
• Leftovers and storage: Let the green beans cool before storing them in an airtight container – keep well in the fridge for 3-4 days.
• Reheating instructions: Air fry at 350°F (180°C) for 2–3 minutes to re-crisp. Adjust your cooking time depending on your crispy/tender preference. You can also re-heat them in your microwave, but they will definitely lose their crunch.
• Variations: You can use different marinades to change up the flavor, top with toasted almonds or herby breadcrumbs, or toss the cooked beans into a salad with smashed potatoes or cherry tomatoes and a drizzle more olive oil and lemon. For a nice holiday twist, add some crispy pancetta or bacon crumbs before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not at all, the air fryer does all the work. Blanching them beforehand would just make them soggy and you would lose the smoky charred flavor.

You can, you just need to up the temperature to 400°F (200°C) and you may need to cook them for an extra 2-3 minutes.

Preheating the air fryer for quick recipes helps give the green beans a head start, ensuring the cook faster and crisp up rather than steam.