If you’re craving a tasty and healthier alternative to potato chips, these Air-Fryer Green Beans are the perfect choice.
Potato chips—or really any other greasy, salty, and crispy snack—are go-to indulgences for most of us. No shame there. But with the introduction of certain kitchen appliances, like the air fryer, it’s become easier than ever to make healthier alternatives. One of my new favorites is air-fried green beans. Like most air fryer recipes, these are quick to make and even quicker to eat.
Air-fryer green beans satisfy my craving for something crunchy, the kind that would typically lead me to potato chips. If air-fried correctly, the green beans should be perfectly crispy on the outside while still slightly tender on the inside. Add a squeeze of lemon, and you’ll have a wonderful snack to pass around—or keep them all to yourself. These air-fryer green beans also make a phenomenal side dish. Pair them with your protein of choice, like this succulent teriyaki pork tenderloin, for a perfect meal.
Are Air-Fried Green Beans Healthy?
This recipe is keto-friendly, gluten-free, paleo, and vegan—it ticks all the boxes. Green beans are rich in dietary fiber and a good source of vitamins and minerals. Best of all, using the air fryer to cook the green beans keeps the oil use to a minimum, reducing both calories and fat. And because they’re so delicious, even those who typically avoid greens will be eager to dig in.
Single Layer cooking: the key to crispy green beans
My first air fryer was fairly small. On occasion, I’d get impatient and throw in as many as would fit. That never worked. Things wouldn’t cook evenly, and I’d end up having to redo the recipe completely. When it comes to air frying, spacing matters. If you want your green beans to get really crispy, arrange the beans in a single layer. Air fryers use hot air in lieu of oil to achieve that perfect crunch. This means you might have to fry your green beans in batches, but trust me—it’s well worth it.
How to Make Ahead and Store
Once cooled, store the air-fried green beans in the fridge for up to 5 days. As always, use an airtight container. But honestly, these taste best right out of the fryer, so try to enjoy them right away!
Serving Suggestions
Air-fryer green beans make a great standalone snack, but I also like to use this recipe as a party appetizer. And when I do, I’ll also serve other air-fried favorites such as Air-Fryer Chicken Nuggets, Air-Fryer Onion Rings, and Air-Fryer Potato Wedges. Air-fryer green beans are also nice with hearty meats, such as this Oven-Cooked Top Sirloin Steak or these Parmesan-Crusted Pork Chops. Burger fans should try pairing these green beans with our Cajun Burgers With Sweet Potato Buns. So good!
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh green beans
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper or to taste
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your air fryer to 380 degrees Fahrenheit.
- While the air fryer is preheating, take a moment to prepare your green beans. Trim off the ends and cut any larger beans in half to ensure they cook uniformly.
- In a large bowl, combine the trimmed green beans with the extra-virgin olive oil, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Toss the green beans until they are well coated with the oil and seasoning.
- Carefully transfer the seasoned green beans to the air fryer basket. Arrange them in a single layer to promote even cooking. If necessary, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Cook the green beans in the air fryer for 8 to 10 minutes, giving the basket a gentle shake halfway.
- The green beans are done when they are crispy. Once cooked, remove the green beans from the air fryer and add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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