I bet you've never thought of green beans tasting like candy, but these Air Fryer Green Beans do just that! They're easy to make, crisp, naturally sweet, and so versatile. We actually eat them straight out of the air fryer basket. Chef's kiss!
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Table of Contents
- Recipe ingredients:
- Recipe substitutions:
- How to make green beans in the air fryer:
- Recipes pro-tips:
- Serving suggestions:
- Other air fryer green bean seasoning options:
- How to double this recipe:
- Storage directions:
- Save this Recipe for Later on Pinterest
- Tools needed to make this recipe:
- More air fryer recipes
- Recipe Card
If I told you green beans could be good enough to be a snack would you believe me?
I know. I wouldn't believe me either.
But then, the other night, high off my new addiction to air frying everything, I threw some green beans in my new Ninja Foodi Tendercrisp and had my whole world turned upside down.
With just olive oil, salt, lemon juice and less than 20 minutes in the air fryer, Chris and I had a side dish that we started snacking on while the rest of the meal finished up.
And before you know it, that snacking turned into the highlight of the meal.
A highlight with a unique naturally sweet flavor, that was delightfully juicy and perfectly seasoned, and that had a lemon finish that I just couldn't quit with.
Basically, a snack so good that it stood no chance of hanging around for leftovers.
So I went ahead and doubled the recipe for you. 'Cause friends don't let friends run out of snacks or leftovers, right?
Whether you're enjoying these green bean fries as a side dish or snack, you're sure to be delighted by how easy and flavorful they are!
Recipe ingredients:
- Green Beans - the fresher the green beans, the better, because all their natural flavor will be on display!
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Lemon juice - fresh lemon juice is best, but bottled also works!
Recipe substitutions:
- Oil - you can use avocado oil or even refined coconut oil in place of olive oil
- Lemon juice - red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar can substitute for lemon juice
How to make green beans in the air fryer:
- Preheat the air fryer for 2-3 minutes.
- Toss the green beans with olive oil and salt until combined.
- Add the green beans to the air fryer and fry for 11-13 minutes, tossing every 4 minutes, or until the beans are blistered.
- Pour the green beans into a mixing bowl, sprinkle with lemon juice and gently toss. Serve hot!
Recipes pro-tips:
- Preheat the air fryer - adding the green beans into a hot air fryer means they can start cooking immediately and cook evenly; just 2-3 minutes of air frying (with the basket or tray inside) does the trick!
- Use fresh green beans - the fresher and sweeter the flavor of the green beans, the better this dish tastes! With farm-fresh beans, you may even call these veggies green bean fries and snack on them straight out of the fryer!
- Shake the beans throughout the cooking time - this ensures that the beans cook evenly
- Use a generous amount of lemon juice - a touch of acid makes all the difference in this recipe. It brings out the flavors of the beans without overpowering them. So, don't skimp on the lemon juice!
Serving suggestions:
Air fryer green beans so go well with a variety of dishes. Here are some of my favorites:
- Bourbon Glazed Salmon
- Hamburgers
- Turkey Sloppy Joes
- Instant Pot Risotto
- Healthy Macaroni and Cheese
- Air Fryer Salmon
- Pork Tenderloin
Other air fryer green bean seasoning options:
Add some variety to your air fried green beans by changing up the seasoning combination. Below are some of my favorite combinations. Add the dried seasonings in with the salt and substitute the vinegar, if listed, for the lemon juice.
- ½ teaspoon Herbs De Provence + white balsamic vinegar
- ½ teaspoon Italian Seasoning + balsamic vinegar
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme + lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon dried tarragon + lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon Cajun Seasoning + lemon juice
How to double this recipe:
You can easily double this recipe to make up to 8 servings of green beans. Here's how:
- Double all the ingredients.
- Follow the recipe directions as listed, air frying the green beans for 17-19 minutes, shaking or tossing the beans every 4 minutes.
- Toss the beans with lemon juice and serve!
Storage directions:
Green beans are best enjoyed fresh, but leftover air fryer green beans will last covered in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. They do not freeze well.
Reheat on medium heat in the microwave at 30-45 second intervals, or until the beans are heated through.
Save this Recipe for Later on Pinterest
Tools needed to make this recipe:
- Mixing bowl
- Silicone spatula or metal tongs
- Measuring spoons
- Air fryer: I love this one!
- Lemon press (optional)
More air fryer recipes
- Air Fryer Turkey Burgers
- Air Fryer Vegetables
- Air Fryer Broccolini
- Air Fryer Portobellos
- Air Fryer Smashed Garlic Parmesan Potatoes
- Air Fryer Zucchini
- Air Fryer Butternut Squash
- Air Fryer Salmon
- Air Fryer Sesame Kale Chips
- Air Fryer Salmon
Recipe Card
Air Fryer Green Beans with Lemon (Healthy & Vegan!)
Introduce an easy side dish to your dinner menu with these Air Fryer Green Beans. They're made with only 4 ingredients in a few steps.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 lb green beans washed & trimmed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- 1. Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees for 2-3 minutes.
- 2. In a large mixing bowl, drizzle the beans with olive oil and toss until coated in the oil. Sprinkle the beans with the salt and toss until combined.
- 3. Add the beans to the air fryer basket and air fry for 11-13 minutes, shaking the beans every 4 minutes, or until the beans are blistered,
- 4. Pour the beans into a large serving bowl and squeeze the lemon juice over the beans. Gently toss the beans until covered and serve the beans hot.
