Air Fryer Green Beans

by | Nov 14, 2022

Air fryer green beans are the easiest side dish you could ask for! They take just a few minutes to make with only 3 main ingredients. Plus, you get to customize the toppings your way. Perfect to add to your Thanksgiving or holiday table.

Air fryer green beans

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Are green beans healthy?

Absolutely! Green beans are packed with soluble fiber, vitamin A, and vitamin C. Studies show these nutrients can help support our immune system, which is especially important during the colder months. 

Plus, this side dish is going to be much lighter than most calorie-laden green bean casseroles. While all foods fit, simple swaps like this can help you stay healthy during the holidays.

Since we are using oil instead of butter, this recipe is also dairy-free and vegan. 

Ingredients on a white backdrop

How do I trim green beans?

Forget about individually snapping the green bean ends off. Instead, line up the ends on a bundle of washed green beans. Then, use a knife to trim about ½-inch off the ends. Repeat on the other side of the beans. 

Watch this video to see how it’s done! 

Close up of greens beans in air fryer basket

How do you make fresh green beans in the air fryer?

Green beans are most commonly steamed or sautéed. These are definitely still great options, but I find cooking them in the air fryer creates more browning and crispiness. Plus, it’s one less thing taking up stove space. 

This recipe is like a green bean almondine, but air fryer version.

Here’s how to make it:

  1. Combine all your ingredients in a large bowl. (If you’re trying to save on dishes, you can mix all the ingredients together in your air fryer.)
  2. Add green bean mixture to a preheated air fryer.
  3. Cook for 6 minutes, shaking halfway through to promote even browning.
  4. Top with toasted sliced almonds or any other toppings of your choice.
Green beans topped with sliced almonds

Customize it your way

Like all of my other recipes, these air fryer green beans are completely customizable. 

Feel free to add over any toppings of your choice. I typically like to add over toasted sliced almonds, but feel free to mix it up.

Try these other topping ideas:

  • Toasted chopped walnuts
  • Lemon juice
  • Sesame seeds
  • Red pepper flakes
  • Bacon bits
  • Goat cheese or parmesan cheese
  • Caramelized onions
Crispy green beans in a white bowl

Can you make air fryer canned green beans?

I have also tested this recipe with canned green beans and although they definitely have a softer texture, it works too. For canned green beans, toss 1 can of drained and patted dry green beans with 1 teaspoon oil and 1 teaspoon garlic powder. Then, air fry them on a higher temperature of 400ºF for 10 minutes before tossing with 1 tablespoon of grated parmesan cheese. Then, air fry for 3 more minutes until slightly crispy on the ends and golden brown.

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Try these other side dishes too:

Air fryer green beans square

Air Fryer Green Beans

Mackenzie Burgess, RDN
These green beans are the easiest side dish! They only take a few minutes to make with customizable toppings.
5 from 3 votes
Prep Time 4 minutes
Cook Time 6 minutes
Total Time 6 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 70 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 12 ounces fresh green beans, rinsed and ends trimmed
  • 1 tablespoon oil of your choice (avocado oil, olive oil, canola oil)
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional toppings of your choice (I like to use toasted sliced almonds. You could also top with toasted chopped walnuts, lemon juice, sesame seeds, red pepper flakes, bacon bits, goat cheese, parmesan cheese, caramelized onions, etc.)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat air fryer to 370ºF.
  • In a large bowl, toss together green beans, oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until everything is evenly coated.
  • Add to air fryer and cook for 6 minutes, shaking halfway through.
  • Transfer to a serving platter and top with toasted sliced almonds or other toppings of choice, if desired.

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 70kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 2gFat: 3gSodium: 150mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3g
Tried this recipe?Tag us @cheerfulchoices and let us know how it was!

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Easy air fryer green beans

Hi, I'm Mackenzie...

nice to meet you!

I’m a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) and recipe developer. I create simple recipes with customizable ingredients “of your choice.” I also help busy people gain kitchen confidence through my hands-on program.

Need more hands-on help?

In my coaching + cooking program, I help busy people with beginner cooking knowledge become confident in the kitchen. Click here to learn more about this virtual program with a dietitian!

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