There’s something oddly satisfying about the crisp snap of fresh green beans. When you’re in a rush but crave something healthy, an air fryer can be your best buddy—it’s like magic. Remember that time when everyone was obsessed with air fryers? Well, green beans totally jumped on that bandwagon, and trust me, you won’t regret it.
Steps
- Preheat your air fryer to 380ºF. Trim the ends of the green beans, cutting larger ones in half if necessary to ensure even cooking.
- In a large bowl, combine the prepared green beans with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss them thoroughly to make sure they are evenly coated.
- Place the seasoned green beans in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer. You might need to cook them in two batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Cook the green beans until they are crisp-tender, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking process, which should take about 8-10 minutes in total.
- Once cooked, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top for added flavor and serve immediately.
Ingredients
- Fresh French green beans (or regular fresh green beans)
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
- Lemon wedges (optional for garnish and flavor)
Nutritional Values
Calories: 66kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 298mg | Potassium: 241mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 783IU | Vitamin C: 14mg | Calcium: 43mg | Iron: 1mg
FAQ
- What is the difference between green beans and French green beans?
- French green beans are typically longer compared to regular green beans, which are shorter. Both types can be cooked in an air fryer.
- Can you freeze cooked green beans?
- Yes, you can freeze cooked green beans. Make sure they have completely cooled before placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container for storage.
- Do I need to soak green beans before cooking them in the air fryer?
- No soaking is required. It’s an outdated belief that soaking is necessary. Just wash the green beans thoroughly to remove any dirt or dust before cooking.
- How do I store leftover air-fried green beans?
- Allow the cooked green beans to cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- What is the best way to reheat cooked green beans?
- To reheat, you can use the air fryer again, which may help restore some of the original crispness. Alternatively, you can use a microwave, but be cautious of overcooking.
Tips
- Ensure the green beans are placed in a single layer in the air fryer basket to achieve a desirable crunchy texture, as overcrowding can prevent them from cooking evenly.
- Consider cooking the green beans in two separate batches if your air fryer has a smaller capacity, allowing each bean to crisp up nicely.
- For an added kick of flavor, sprinkle some chili powder over the green beans after cooking.
- Serve and enjoy the green beans immediately after air frying, as they lose their crispness as they cool down.
Equipment
- Air Fryer: Essential for cooking the green beans to achieve the desired “crisp-tender” texture.
- Tongs: Useful for tossing the green beans with olive oil and seasonings.
- Large Mixing Bowl: Needed for mixing the green beans with oil and seasonings.
