Air Fryer Green Beans

My air fryer green beans recipe is quick, flavorful, and perfect for getting a veggie side dish on the table fast. I keep these ingredients on hand for easy weeknight meals, and my family always finishes every last bite.

My Favorite Way to Air Fry Green beans

Green beans have always been a veggie I come back to again and again, especially in the summer when I’m grabbing handfuls from the farmer’s market. I used to roast them in the oven or sometimes pan-fry them, but once I tried air fryer green beans, I knew I wasn’t going back.

Roasting green beans is fine, but they always took a bit longer than I wanted and sometimes came out too soft. When I tried to steam green beans once, they turned out so bland that my kids swore they’d never eat green beans again.

The first time I threw green beans in the air fryer, I knew my kids would still be skeptical after the steaming incident. So when the green beans were done air frying, I sprinkled on a little Parmesan on top to make them extra enticing. 

But I couldn’t believe it when my kids and husband Ben devoured their veggies and then begged me to make a second batch! Now, I get zero eye rolls whenever I say I’m making green beans. This is a family favorite!

And, if you love green beans, try my recipes for garlic green beans, frozen green beans in the air fryer, canned green bean casserole, and green beans almondine.

Air Fried Green Beans Ingredients

• Green beans – Fresh green beans hold up well to air frying and come out crisp-tender. I use regular green beans, not the thin French kind.
• Olive oil – This helps coat the beans so the seasoning sticks and gives a little crispness around the edges.
• Garlic powder – I love how the garlic flavor comes through without having to worry about burning fresh garlic.
• Onion powder – This adds a bit of savory depth.
• Smoked paprika – I think the slightly smoky flavor makes these beans feel just a little extra.
• Salt and pepper – This classic combo always brings out the natural flavors of a dish.
• Parmesan cheese – The salty finish adds a nice contrast to the fresh flavor of the beans. Also, I rarely say no to adding cheese on top of anything.
• Fresh lemon juice – Optional, but I think a squeeze of lemon at the end brightens the whole dish.

How to Cook Green Beans in the Air Fryer

A full printable version of this recipe with ingredient measurements is available at the bottom of this post.

STEP ONE: Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees F.

STEP TWO: In a large mixing bowl, toss the green beans with oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Ensure the beans are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.

STEP THREE: Place the green beans in the air fryer in a single layer and air fry for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping the beans halfway through the cooking time.

STEP FOUR: Remove the green beans from the air fryer and top with Parmesan cheese and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, if desired.

Tips For The Best Air Fryer Green Beans

• Don’t skip drying the beans. I always pat mine dry with a kitchen towel before seasoning to remove excess moisture and help them crisp up.
• I toss the green beans in seasoning and oil really well to ensure the green beans are evenly covered for maximum flavor in every bite.
• I cook the fresh green beans in a single layer in the air fryer basket to allow them to cook evenly. Cook them in batches if needed.
• Rotate or flip the green beans in the air fryer halfway through. I use tongs or give the basket a good shake to make sure they cook evenly.
• I always sprinkle Parmesan over the green beans while they’re hot. This helps the cheese melt slightly and stick to the beans.

Fresh Green Beans in the Air Fryer Substitutions and Variations

• I sometimes add mushrooms, potatoes, or onions for even more veggie goodness. I just make sure everything fits in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
• If I want extra savory goodness, I’ll cut bacon into bits and sprinkle them on top of the green beans so the bacon grease coats the green beans as they cook.
• For an Asian-inspired twist, I’ll use sesame oil instead of olive oil and only season with garlic salt and pepper.
• When I’m in the mood for extra comfort, I’ll bread green beans by coating them in flour, dipping them into whisked eggs, then rolling in bread crumbs.
• I often add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. My husband loves when I add some heat to the veggies!

What to Serve with Air Fry Green Beans

My easy, versatile green beans are my go-to side for classic dishes like my air fryer pork chops, air fryer chicken thighs, or air fryer salmon!

They can also complement big flavors like my air fryer chicken parmesan, air fryer T bone steak, and brown sugar pork chops.

Air Fryer Green Beans FAQs

How to cook frozen green beans in the air fryer

If I’m starting with frozen green beans instead of fresh, I’ll preheat the air fryer to 380 degrees F. I mix all the ingredients except the green beans in a large mixing bowl, then quickly toss the frozen green beans in the mixture with tongs to try to get them all coated. After that, I air fry them for about 11 minutes.

Why are my air fryer green beans crunchy?

Green beans will stay a little crisp in the air fryer. I like the crisp-tender texture, but when I want them more tender, I blanch the green beans for a couple minutes before seasoning and air frying.

How to store leftovers

I let any leftover air fried green beans cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the fridge. They stay fresh for about 3 days.

How should I reheat green beans in the air fryer

I believe reheating leftover green beans in the air fryer is the absolute best way to do it! I preheat to 350 degrees F, then add the green beans for 3-5 minutes until they’re warmed through. The microwave also works, but the green beans can get soggy.

More Air Fryer Vegetable Recipes

• Air fryer sweet potatoes
• Air fryer acorn squash
• Air fryer asparagus
• Air fryer carrots
• Air fryer zucchini and squash

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