Air Fryer Green Beans with Garlic – Easy Recipe

Last Updated on 6 months ago by Neha Deshmukh

Air Fryer Green Beans With Garlic – Easy Recipe

Hey everyone! I’m so excited to share this super simple, unbelievably delicious recipe for air fryer green beans with garlic. Honestly, I’ve been making these constantly lately – they’re the perfect quick side dish, and the air fryer makes them wonderfully crispy. It’s a game changer, trust me!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These aren’t your grandma’s boiled, mushy green beans (no offense, Grandma!). The air fryer delivers a fantastic texture – tender-crisp and slightly charred. Plus, the garlic and a little kick of red pepper flakes take things to a whole new level. It’s ready in under 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Seriously, who doesn’t love a side dish that’s both healthy and flavorful?

Ingredients

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

• 12 oz (about 340g) green beans
• 6 cloves garlic
• 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt (about 3g)
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper (about 2g)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (about 30ml)
• Red pepper flakes (to taste)
• Fresh lemon juice (to taste)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec! A few little things can make a big difference.

• Olive Oil: Don’t skimp here! A good quality extra virgin olive oil really shines in this recipe. It adds so much flavor.
• Green Beans: You can use pretty much any kind of green bean you like – slender French haricots verts are lovely, but regular green beans work perfectly well too. I sometimes find the really thin ones get a little too crispy, so adjust cooking time if needed.
• Garlic: Oh, garlic! I love using fresh garlic, but if you’re in a pinch, a teaspoon of garlic powder will do. Different regions in India have different garlic varieties – some are milder, some are super pungent. Adjust the amount to your preference!

Step-By-Step Instructions

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

1. First, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This is key for getting that crispy texture.
2. While the air fryer heats up, give your green beans a good rinse and pat them dry. Then, trim off the ends – I just snap them off, it’s the easiest way! Thinly slice those garlic cloves.
3. In a large bowl, toss the green beans with the sliced garlic, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Make sure everything is nicely coated.
4. Now, carefully arrange the green beans in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd it, or they won’t get crispy! Cook at 370°F (190°C) for 8 minutes, giving the basket a good shake halfway through.
5. Finally, transfer the green beans to a serving dish. Sprinkle with a pinch of red pepper flakes (if you like a little heat) and a generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Expert Tips

Here are a few things I’ve learned along the way:

• Don’t Overcrowd: Seriously, this is the biggest tip. Work in batches if you need to.
• Shake it Up: Shaking the basket halfway through ensures even cooking.
• Taste as You Go: Adjust the salt and pepper to your liking.

Variations

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

• Spice Level Adjustments: My friend Priya loves adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
• Lemon-Free Option: If you’re not a fan of lemon, you can skip it altogether or try a splash of rice vinegar instead.
• Vegan Adaptation: This recipe is already naturally vegan! Just double-check your olive oil if you’re super strict.

Serving Suggestions

These air fryer green beans are incredibly versatile. They’re fantastic with:

• Grilled chicken or fish
• Roasted potatoes
• Indian curries (they’re especially good with a spicy dal!)
• Even just on their own as a healthy snack!

Storage Instructions

Leftovers? Sure! Store any leftover green beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They won’t be quite as crispy when reheated, but still delicious. You can try popping them back in the air fryer for a few minutes to crisp them up a bit.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

• Can I use frozen green beans in this recipe? You can, but they won’t get as crispy. Make sure to thaw them completely and pat them very dry before tossing with the seasonings. You might also need to add a couple of minutes to the cooking time.
• What’s the best way to trim green beans? I find snapping off the ends is the easiest. Just hold the bean firmly and bend it – it will naturally break at the right spot.
• Can I make this recipe without an air fryer? Yes! You can roast them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, tossing halfway through.
• How do I adjust the cooking time for different air fryer models? Air fryers vary, so start with the recommended time and check for doneness. If they’re not crispy enough, add a minute or two at a time.
• What other spices can I add to these green beans? Get creative! Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cumin, or even a little turmeric would all be delicious.