These air fryer frozen green beans are crispy, flavorful, and made with fuss-free ingredients. With little to no prep time, it’s an easy side dish fit for every meal!
Having an air fryer has been a luxury we do not take for granted in my house. We use it almost every night, especially in our favorite vegetable recipes, like air fryer baked potatoes, air fryer Brussels sprouts, air fryer asparagus, and now, frozen green beans.
Yes, that’s right, this recipe uses frozen green beans, yet it still comes together just as quickly as using fresh green beans. The simple balance of seasonings makes for a subtle, endlessly versatile side dish fit for every main course.
Table of Contents
Recipe highlights
- Healthier. Just 2 tablespoons of olive oil gets split between one pound of green beans, making it a nutrition-packed side that’s low in calories and carbohydrates. Plus, they’re naturally gluten-free.
- No thawing needed. I’ve found that cooking frozen green beans in the air fryer actually gives them a better texture than fresh beans. Plus, it’s way more convenient.
- Easy cleanup. I’m not going to lie; this is my favorite part about cooking with an air fryer. There’s hardly any cleanup, so I can actually relax after dinner!
Ingredients needed
Just a few straightforward ingredients are all that’s needed to make air fryer green beans, and you should have most of them on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Frozen green beans. I used Bird’s Eye whole green beans because I find they keep their texture firmer once cooked, but you can use chopped green beans, too. 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.
- Salt and black pepper. To taste.
- Lemon and parmesan cheese. To garnish.
Find the printable recipe with measurements below.
How to air fry frozen green beans
Step 1- Prep. Preheat the air fryer to 375F/190C and lightly grease the air fryer basket.
Step 2- Season. In a large mixing bowl, toss the green beans with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Step 3- Air fry. Add a single layer of beans to the air fryer basket and air fry for 8 minutes, stopping halfway through to shake the basket. Repeat the process until all of the beans are cooked.
Step 4- Garnish and serve. Remove the air-fried green beans from the basket and serve with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
Recipe tips and variations
- Make them crispier. If you like extra crispy green beans, add 1-2 minutes in the air fryer.
- Preheat the air fryer. Not many people think of this step, but an air fryer is basically a small oven, so it should be preheated before adding the green beans.
- 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.
- Use other types of green beans. If I don’t have frozen beans, I’ll use freshly blanched beans or canned green beans. Just remember the cooking time will vary, so check often to avoid burning.
- Change the garnish. Swap the parm and lemon for pats of butter and slivered almonds.
Storage instructions
To store: Leftover air-fried green beans can be stored in an airtight container and kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
To freeze: Store leftover beans in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Let them thaw overnight in the fridge, or add more reheating time.
To reheat: Reheat leftover green beans in the oven set to 350F for 6-7 minutes or in the air fryer at 375F for 2-3 minutes or until warm.
Frequently asked questions
The best way to get tender yet crispy green beans is to cook them in an even layer at a higher temperature for a short period of time.
Technically, yes, frozen green beans are quickly blanched before being flash-frozen. This helps them maintain their color, texture, and flavor since freezing raw green beans can make them mushy and flavorless.
Typically yes, air-fried frozen vegetables tend to be healthier because very little oil is required to cook them. This recipe for green beans, particularly, is low in calories, carbs, and sodium while still being full of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
More veggie air fryer recipes you’ll love
- Air fryer eggplant– My favorite method for cooking eggplant because there’s no need for salting beforehand, so it’s quick and easy.
- Air fryer cauliflower– Crispy and golden on the outside yet tender and fluffy in the center.
- Air fryer kale chips– We have to make these weekly in my house. That’s how popular they are!
- Air fryer broccoli– Even the diehard veggie haters in my house love this recipe.
- Air fryer fried pickles– Lightly battered, panko-breaded pickles that are seriously addictive.
Prevent your screen from going dark
Serving: 1servingCalories: 98kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 2gFat: 7gSodium: 298mgPotassium: 243mgFiber: 3gVitamin A: 784IUVitamin C: 14mgCalcium: 43mgIron: 1mgNET CARBS: 5g
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial, and/or link to any products or services from this website.
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