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    Make It Skinny Please » Recipes » Air Fryer » Easy Air Fryer Green Beans recipe

    Published: Nov 10, 2021 by Toni Dash · 15 Comments

    Easy Air Fryer Green Beans recipe

    Weight Watchers Points0
    Calories: 37kcal
    Carbs: 8g
    Protein: 2g
    Fats: 1g
    Jump to Recipe

    This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    air fryer green beans with title overlay

    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)!

    air fryer green beans with title overlay

    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.

    Jump to:
    • What makes this skinny?
    • Recipe Ingredient Notes
    • What type of air fryer to use?
    • How to make Air Fryer Green Beans - Step-by-Step
    • Variations
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • How to Store leftovers
    • More recipes you'll love!
    • Recipe

    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

    air fryer green beans ingredients labelled

    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.

    air fryer green beans cooked in air fryer basket

    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).

    air fryer green beans recipe steps 1-4

    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

    Is air-frying healthy?

    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.

    Can I make this with frozen green beans?

    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.

    air fryer green beans in bowl

    More recipes you'll love!

    • Roasted Carnival Squash (Oven + Air Fryer methods)
    • Air Fryer Tomatoes
    • Rainbow Turkey Roll Ups
    • Lemon Chicken Rice Soup

    Recipe

    air fryer green beans with lemon zest

    Air Fryer Green Beans

    Weight Watchers Points0
    Click to track Weight Watchers Points
    Air Fryer Green Beans are easy, fast and delicious! Only 8 minutes cooking time for perfectly cooked green beans with a little crunch and delicious spices.
    5 from 16 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: American
    Diet: Gluten Free, Low Calorie, Vegan, Vegetarian
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 7 minutes
    Total Time: 12 minutes
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 37kcal
    Author: Toni Dash
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    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.

    Notes

    Substituting frozen green beans:
    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!
    Storing leftovers
    Store leftover green beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 day. Rewarm in the air fryer or microwave.
    Variations
    Try different spices like Italian seasoning. To make it spicy add some crushed red pepper flakes before serving.
    Weight Watchers points from previous program (WW SmartPoints):
    • Green: 0
    • Blue: 0
    • Purple: 0

    Nutrition

    Calories: 37kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 298mg | Potassium: 245mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 783IU | Vitamin C: 14mg | Calcium: 43mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe? Please share it!Mention @MakeItSkinnyPlease or tag #MakeItSkinnyPlease!
    « Baked Salmon recipe with Orange-Chili Glaze
    WW Personal Points Plan - Success Tips »

    ABOUT THE AUTHOR

    TONI DASH
    Toni Dash head shot

    Toni Dash, is a Certified Nutritional Coach and certified Weight Loss Specialist, writer/blogger, photographer, chief recipe developer and creator of Make It Skinny Please. She has been developing easy to make, well-tested recipes since 2010. Her slimmed down recipes using real food ingredients bring excitement to the dining table and never taste like 'diet food'. Toni has been featured in numerous publications and on culinary websites for her creative, delicious recipes and travel features. For more details, check out her About page.

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Caitlin says

      February 17, 2022 at 10:38 am

      5 stars
      This recipe is my new favorite way to serve green beans - so easy and tasty!

      Reply
    2. MJ says

      February 17, 2022 at 10:04 am

      5 stars
      I have never tried green beans in the air fryer before, but love it! The lemon zest at the end really adds some nice citrus and acidity.

      Reply
    3. Michelle says

      November 13, 2021 at 11:34 am

      5 stars
      So easy in the air fryer. Love the lemon zest on these

      Reply
    4. Linda L says

      November 11, 2021 at 4:58 am

      5 stars
      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...

      Reply
    5. Frannie says

      November 10, 2021 at 2:41 pm

      5 stars
      Such an easy way to make green beans! They are the perfect texture. Definitely making for Thanksgiving.

      Reply
    6. Lucy says

      November 10, 2021 at 2:28 pm

      5 stars
      This is such a quick and easy yet healthy side dish that compliments so many meals well.

      Reply
    7. Linda says

      November 10, 2021 at 1:28 pm

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
    8. Angela says

      November 10, 2021 at 1:26 pm

      5 stars
      You had me at 4 ingredients and 8 minutes cooking time! Great side dish recipe.

      Reply
    9. Jersey Girl Cooks says

      November 10, 2021 at 1:10 pm

      5 stars
      Such a great way to cook green beans!

      Reply
    10. Elizabeth says

      November 10, 2021 at 12:00 pm

      5 stars
      Have to say, this recipe is badly making me want an airfryer! So simple and yet so delicious - I’m obsessed with green beans.

      Reply
    11. Angela says

      November 10, 2021 at 11:59 am

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
    12. Andrea Thueson says

      November 10, 2021 at 10:55 am

      5 stars
      I love air fryer green beans, and the added flavor profile on these was amazing! So glad I found this variation!

      Reply
    13. Bernice says

      November 10, 2021 at 10:41 am

      5 stars
      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.

      Reply
    14. Trang says

      November 10, 2021 at 10:18 am

      5 stars
      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.

      Reply
    15. Matt says

      November 10, 2021 at 9:52 am

      5 stars
      Yes!! I love easy air fryer recipes, and this one is awesome. The green beans turn out fantastic! 🙂

      Reply

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    Welcome! I’m Toni. I'm a Certified Nutrition Coach and NASM certified Weight Loss Specialist. I'm excited to share Classic Recipes made more calorie friendly using real food!

    More about me →

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