Air-Fried Green Beans

This air-fried snack is a tasty (and healthy) alternative to potato chips!

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Potato chips, or really any other grease-ridden, salt-laden crispy snack, are go-to indulgences for most of us. But with the invention of the air fryer, it’s become simpler than ever to make healthier alternatives. One of my new faves is air-fried green beans. Like most things air-fried, they’re easy to make and even easier to eat.

Air-fried green beans satisfy that crunchy craving I get for potato chips. They’re crispy without feeling dried out. Actually, if air-fried correctly, the green beans should still be juicy on the inside. Add a squirt of lemon and have a delectable snack to pass around—or just leave it for yourself. Or if you’d prefer a tangier twist, check this Air Fryer Fried Pickles recipe.

Are Air Fried Green Beans Healthy?

You bet they are! This recipe is keto-friendly, gluten-free, paleo, vegan—it checks all the boxes. Green beans are chock full of dietary fiber and have a supplement’s worth of vitamins and minerals. Seriously, this shriveled little veggie contains iron, calcium, folate, and magnesium, along with vitamins A, K, and C. Best of all, making the greens in the air fryer keeps the oil usage to a minimum which significantly cuts the caloric count.

Single Layer cooking: the key to crispy green beans

My first air fryer was fairly small. Sometimes I’d get impatient and just throw in all that I could fit. Well, it didn’t work. Everything cooked unevenly, and I ended up having to redo the recipe. When it comes to air frying, spacing is important, people. If you want your green beans to reach the ideal crispiness, you gotta lay the beans out in a single layer. Air fryers need air in order to get that deep-fry taste we like. And if that means you have to reload your air fryer more than once, then so be it. Trust me—it’s worth it!

INGREDIENTS

1 pound of fresh green beans ends trimmed
1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon of sea salt or to taste
1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper or to taste
Lemon wedges for serving

INSTRUCTIONS

Prep

Ready air fryer. Trim green beans; toss with oil and seasonings.

Crisp

Lay green beans in the air fryer basket. Cook, shake partway through, and continue to cook.

Enhance

Add lemon juice.

Enjoy

Serve right away.

Devour!

FAQs & Tips

How to Make Ahead and Store

Make the air fried green beans as directed, and then once cooled, store them in the fridge for up to 3 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!

Could I use Frozen Green Beans in a pinch?

You could, and you don’t even need to thaw them as long as you increase the cooking time by a few minutes! However, I would pat them dry first before applying the oil and seasoning.

What if I Don’t Own An Air Fryer?

Well, I’m not gonna lie. These taste best with an air fryer. However, you can also roast the green beans in the oven. Spread the green beans out on a baking sheet and roast at high heat, like 425 or even 450 degrees, for 15ish minutes. Also, be sure to stir halfway through so you can get that crispy air fryer-esque flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Air-fried 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 Chicken Nuggets, Onion Rings, and Potato Wedges. Air-fried green beans are also nice with non-air-fried sides like Roasted Veggies and Salads. Burger fans should try pairing these green beans with our Low-Carb Cajun Burger. So good!