With just 6–7 minutes in the air fryer, these green beans turn out tender yet crisp. Using the air fryer not only saves time but also minimizes cleanup, making this a hassle-free side dish for any meal.
Make it a meal with some chicken tenders or a pork tenderloin, all made in the air fryer.
Why Our Recipe
- Green beans cooked to tender perfection with a slight crisp in just 6–7 minutes.
- Classic combination of lemon, garlic, and Parmesan provides timeless flavor.
Ingredient Notes
- Green Beans: Look for fresh, firm beans with no blemishes. Trim off the stem ends for the best texture.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic offers the best flavor, but pre-minced garlic works too.
- Olive Oil: Use regular olive oil, extra virgin olive oil (for better flavor), or another neutral cooking oil with a high smoke point like avocado oil.
- Lemon: Fresh lemon juice is where it’s at. Bottled lemon juice can be used too, but fresh is best.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts beautifully, especially when done on the fine side of the grater. Pre-grated cheese is convenient and works well too.
Using Frozen Green Beans
You can cook frozen green beans directly from the freezer for an easy, no-prep alternative. Here’s how: Spread the frozen green beans in a single layer in the basket or tray. Cook at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, shaking the basket or tossing the beans halfway through.
The green beans will release some moisture as they cook, so they may not be as crisp as fresh beans. For added flavor, toss them with olive oil, garlic, and seasoning before cooking. Add the Parmesan and lemon zest at the end.
For Softer Green Beans
If you prefer softer, more tender green beans rather than the tender-crisp texture increase the cooking time to 8–10 minutes at 400°F. Just be sure to keep an
Use Parchment for Easy Cleanup
Line the air fryer basket or tray with parchment paper designed for air fryers. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Always place parchment paper after preheating to avoid it lifting and touching the heating element.
Adapting for Different Air Fryer Styles
Basket Air Fryers: Cook in a single layer at 400°F for 6–7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Toaster-Oven Style Air Fryers: Spread green beans on the tray in a single layer. Rotate trays halfway through. Start with 7 minutes and adjust as needed.
Combo Instant Pot Air Fryers: Use the crisping rack and begin checking for doneness at the 5-minute mark. Cook up to 7 minutes if necessary.
Ovens with Air Fryer Settings: Use a wire rack over a baking sheet or the oven’s air fryer tray. Keep the temperature at 400°F. Cooking time may extend slightly; start checking at 7 minutes and cook up to 9 minutes.
Repurpose Leftovers
Store leftover green beans in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Here’s how to repurpose them:
For Breakfast: Toss them into an omelet or frittata.
For Lunch or Dinner: Add them to a salad, grain bowl, or stir-fry. You can also toss them into pasta dishes.
