Air Fryer Green Beans Recipe – Almond & Coconut Indian Side Dish

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Air Fryer Green Beans Recipe – Almond & Coconut Indian Side Dish

Hey everyone! I’m so excited to share this super simple, yet incredibly flavorful, air fryer green beans recipe with you. It’s a little something I whipped up recently, inspired by the vibrant flavors of Indian cuisine, and it’s quickly become a weeknight staple in my house. Seriously, these aren’t your average green beans!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a winner for so many reasons. It’s quick – ready in under 15 minutes! – and uses just a handful of ingredients. But the best part? The combination of crunchy green beans, toasted almonds, fragrant cumin, and sweet coconut is just divine. It’s a fantastic way to add a little Indian flair to any meal, and it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these amazing air fryer green beans:

• 7 oz Fresh green beans
• 4 cloves garlic
• 0.25 cup almonds (about 30g)
• 0.25 cup Fresh or desiccated coconut (about 30g)
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• Salt to taste
• Oil as needed

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec! A few little things can really elevate this dish.

• Cumin Seeds: Don’t skip these! They’re the heart of the flavor. I like to lightly dry roast them in a pan for a minute before adding them to the mix – it really wakes up their aroma.
• Coconut – Fresh vs. Desiccated: Traditionally, fresh coconut is used in South Indian cooking, and it adds a beautiful sweetness. But desiccated coconut works perfectly well if fresh isn’t available. I often use desiccated, especially during the week, just for convenience.
• Almond Preparation – Skin On/Off: This is totally up to you! I sometimes leave the skins on for a bit more texture and a slightly earthier flavor. Peeling them gives a smoother, more refined result. It’s a personal preference, honestly.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking! It’s easier than you think.

1. First, roughly chop the almonds. You can optionally remove the skins at this point if you prefer. Place them in a mixing bowl.
2. Add the grated garlic, coconut, cumin seeds, and salt to the bowl with the almonds. Drizzle in a little oil – just enough to coat everything nicely – and give it a good mix.
3. Now, trim the ends off the green beans and slice them in half. Add them to the bowl and toss everything together until the beans are evenly coated with the almond-coconut mixture.
4. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly oil the air fryer tray. Arrange the green beans in a single layer – this is important for getting them nice and crispy!
5. Air fry for 10 minutes, shaking the tray halfway through to ensure even cooking. You want them tender-crisp and beautifully browned.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Expert Tips

A few little things I’ve learned along the way…

• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket! Work in batches if necessary.
• For extra flavor, add a pinch of turmeric to the almond-coconut mixture.
• Keep a close eye on the beans during the last few minutes of cooking to prevent burning.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

• Spice Level – Adding Chili Flakes: My friend Priya loves to add a pinch of red chili flakes to the mix for a little heat. It’s fantastic!
• Vegan Adaptation – Ensuring Oil Used is Plant-Based: This recipe is easily vegan! Just make sure you’re using a plant-based oil like sunflower or canola oil.
• Gluten-Free – Naturally Gluten-Free: Good news – this recipe is naturally gluten-free!
• Festival Adaptation – Serving as a Side During Diwali or Other Celebrations: We often serve this during Diwali alongside our other festive dishes. It adds a lovely textural contrast to the richer curries and sweets.

Serving Suggestions

These green beans are incredibly versatile. They’re delicious as a side dish with…

• Roti or naan
• Dal and rice
• Grilled chicken or fish
• Vegetable biryani

Storage Instructions

Leftovers? Sure! Store any leftover green beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. They won’t be quite as crispy, but they’ll still be tasty. You can reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to crisp them up a bit.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

1. Can I make this recipe without an air fryer? What are the alternative cooking methods?

Absolutely! You can roast the green beans in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, tossing halfway through. Or, you can sauté them in a pan with a little oil until tender-crisp.

2. What type of oil is best for this recipe to enhance the Indian flavors?

While any neutral oil will work, I find that using a little bit of groundnut (peanut) oil adds a lovely authentic Indian flavor. Sunflower or canola oil are also great options.

3. Can I use frozen green beans in this recipe? If so, how should I adjust the cooking time?

Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw the frozen green beans completely and pat them dry before coating them in the mixture. You might need to add 2-3 minutes to the cooking time.

4. How can I adjust the salt level to suit my preference?

Start with a small amount of salt and taste as you go. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away!

5. Can I prepare the bean mixture ahead of time? How long will it keep?

Yes, you can! You can mix the almonds, coconut, garlic, cumin, and salt together and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Just add the green beans and oil right before air frying.

6. What are some good Indian breads or proteins to serve with these green beans?

Roti, naan, tandoori chicken, or a simple dal are all fantastic pairings!