Air Fryer Green Beans are the perfect side dish. This easy recipe uses 4 ingredients and takes only 8 minutes cook time. It's a healthy side dish for any weeknight dinner or holiday meals (Thanksgiving)!
Pass on the French fries and cook up these crispy green beans for an easy side dish! They have a lightly spicy flavor from garlic powder and a wonderful texture. AND you can adjust the cooking time for the texture you love. Like completely tender green beans? Add a few minutes onto the cooking time.
For the holiday dinners pass on the green bean casserole and make these instead! It's a great side dish and the cooking process is so easy.
An ample serving size offers great nutritional value and very low calories. Minimal prep time and no preheating required so these really are on the table within 10 minutes.
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What makes this skinny?
- No fat used in cooking (no butter or bacon grease). Only a light spray of olive oil spray.
- The recipe is only green beans and spices.
- Zero points on Weight Watchers (as of the writing of this recipe)
Recipe Ingredient Notes
This recipe doesn't even need a handful of ingredients and they are all available at the grocery store.
Fresh Green Beans. You'll need one pound of green beans. Start with trimmed green beans; snip off each end of the green bean.
Garlic powder. This adds flavor and makes the beans just a little bit zesty or spicy. If preferred reduce the amount to ¼ teaspoon.
Olive oil cooking spray. A couple of light sprays of this is the only fat you'll need to make this green bean recipe. Avocado oil spray can also be used.
Kosher salt. We always recommend using kosher salt which is a less salty tasting salt and in general has a better flavor. Just a little salt is used.
Lemon zest. We love a little lemon zest before serving. This is optional but goes great with the other flavors.
What type of air fryer to use?
Any air fryer will work. Every air fryer is slightly different in terms of cooking time so always check the food for doneness.
We use a Cosori 5.8 quart Air Fryer.
How to make Air Fryer Green Beans - Step-by-Step
This recipe could not be easier! No need for a preheated air fryer for this recipe.
STEP 1. Preparation
Rinse the green beans and pat dry with paper towels.
STEP 2. Toss the beans
Place the green beans in a large bowl and spritz with olive oil spray (photo 1). Add the garlic powder, salt and black pepper; toss to coat the beans (photo 2).
STEP 3. Air fry
Place the green beans in the air fryer basket (photo 3). Cook for 8 minutes at 400 degrees F (photo 4).
The beans will still have a little crunch. If you prefer them softer, toss the beans to redistribute them in the basket of your air fryer. Add 1-2 minutes of cooking time (try them before adding more time) until you love the texture.
Variations
Use different spices. Try Italian seasoning for a Mediterranean flavor.
Like is spicy? Toss in some red pepper flakes before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
It's a great way to achiever a fried result with very little oil or fat. It uses convection cooking so hot air circulates around the food to cook it. In the process the food can crisp especially with a light spray of olive oil or avocado oil. This method can save loads of calories and fat while producing similar results.
Sure! First rinse the frozen beans in cool water to thaw them. Pat dry with paper towels. Proceed with the recipe. Because the green beans have been frozen they may have a soft texture and not be as crisp as fresh green beans but they will still be good!
How to Store leftovers
Store leftover green beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 day. Rewarm in the air fryer or microwave.
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Recipe
Air Fryer Green Beans
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh green beans trimmed
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- lemon zest from half a lemon
Instructions
- Rinse green beans and pat dry with paper towels.
- Place green beans in a large bowl and lightly spray with olive oil spray. Add the salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Toss to coat the green beans.
- Place in the air fryer basket and cook for 8 minutes at 400 degrees F. If softer texture is desired cook an additional 1-2 minutes intervals until desired texture is achieved.
- Remove from the air fryer, sprinkle with lemon zest and serve immediately.
Michelle says
So easy in the air fryer. Love the lemon zest on these
Linda L says
These were SO good! I can't believe I can cook green beans in under 10 minutes and without tons of butter. Oh happy day...
Frannie says
Such an easy way to make green beans! They are the perfect texture. Definitely making for Thanksgiving.
Lucy says
This is such a quick and easy yet healthy side dish that compliments so many meals well.
Linda says
My air fryer and I are slowly becoming friends. So glad I stumbled on your recipe so I can make green beans in the AF instead of cranking up the whole oven! And yes to the lemon zest!
Angela says
You had me at 4 ingredients and 8 minutes cooking time! Great side dish recipe.
Jersey Girl Cooks says
Such a great way to cook green beans!
Elizabeth says
Have to say, this recipe is badly making me want an airfryer! So simple and yet so delicious - I’m obsessed with green beans.
Angela says
I have been making my green beans in the air fryer for awhile and it is a great way to cook them. I really love your use of lemon zest! I won't make them any other way from now on. Delicious!
Andrea Thueson says
I love air fryer green beans, and the added flavor profile on these was amazing! So glad I found this variation!
Bernice says
These beans look perfect! I love them when they still have a little snap to them but they don't taste raw. The simple lemon garlic seasoning sounds wonderful too.
Trang says
Love my air fryer and all the things you can cook in it like this green bean recipe! It was so quick and easy, especially when I am in a time crunch.
Matt says
Yes!! I love easy air fryer recipes, and this one is awesome. The green beans turn out fantastic! 🙂