I can’t get enough of these tender-crisp air fryer green beans! Fresh green beans tossed in a garlicky seasoning and topped with Parmesan cheese are the best side dish. Pair them with your favorite meals, whether it’s the holidays or a weeknight dinner.
There’s nothing like the taste and texture of green beans cooked in the air fryer. Like air fryer asparagus and sweet potato fries, these air fryer green beans are soft and steaming inside, with a little crunch on the outside that makes them irresistible. I season my beans with garlic and Parmesan, but you can spice them however you’d like.
What’s So Great About Cooking Green Beans in the Air Fryer
Crisp and roasted without the oven. These garlic parmesan green beans come out looking and tasting oven-roasted, without having to preheat the oven.
Ready in 10 minutes. Instead, pop your seasoned beans into the air fryer and cook them to perfection in minutes!
The easiest side dish. Air fryer green beans are a great holiday side dish when oven space is limited. They’re easy to customize and delicious with just about any meal, from air fryer chicken thighs to steak bites.
Recipe Ingredients
The star ingredient here is (you guessed it) green beans. Choose the freshest beans you can find that are firm and snappy, and about the thickness of a pencil. I’ve included some notes on the other ingredients I use for my air fryer green beans recipe below. You’ll find the printable list with the recipe amounts in the recipe card after the post.
Fresh Green Beans – I love garden-fresh green beans in the summer. You can make this recipe with fresh French green beans from the store, too. Trim and wash the green beans before you cook them.
Olive Oil – Choose a good-quality olive oil, or a flavored one, like garlic oil or chili oil.
Seasoning – Salt and pepper, boosted with a little garlic powder. You can also use onion powder or add different herbs and seasonings depending on the flavors you’re going for. Italian seasoning or Cajun spice would also be great. I include more seasoning tips later on.
Parmesan Cheese – Freshly grated, for serving.
Can I Cook Frozen Green Beans in the Air Fryer?
Yes! If fresh green beans are out of season, you can use frozen green beans instead. You don’t need to thaw them first. Simply toss the frozen beans with the oil and seasonings and cook in batches as directed. You may need to add an extra 1-2 minutes to the cooking time.
How to Air Fry Green Beans
Quick veggie side dishes don’t get much easier than air fryer green beans. Here’s a quick overview of how to have them ready to serve in 20 minutes or less. Scroll to the recipe card for the printable instructions.
Toss the beans with oil and seasoning.Air fry in a single layer.
Season the beans. While the air fryer preheats to 375ºF, toss the green beans with oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Cook. Arrange the green beans in a single layer inside the air fryer (you may need to work in batches). Cook at 375ºF for 8-10 minutes, until they’re done to your liking.
Garnish and serve. Move the finished beans to a plate and garnish with a good sprinkle of Parmesan, and serve!
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Green Beans
Cook in a single layer. This is key! The hot air needs room to circulate the green beans to crisp the outside while they cook. If you overcrowd the air fryer basket, the beans will steam instead of roast. I always cook in two batches.
Use even-sized beans. Try to trim or find beans that are similar in size for even cooking.
Use tongs. Toss the beans halfway through cooking so they get extra crisp on all sides.
Enjoy right away. These air fryer green beans are best served hot and fresh from the air fryer. It’s when they’re most tender and crisp.
More Seasoning Ideas
Lemon juice
Red pepper flakes (or chili powder)
Chili oil
Italian herbs
Lemon pepper
Sesame oil and soy sauce
What to Serve With Green Beans
Pair these garlicky air fryer green beans with juicy grilled or baked chicken, flaky salmon, or filet mignon (great if you’re entertaining). Another one of my favorite ways to eat crispy green beans is as a snack or appetizer, dipped in ranch dressing or aioli! I also love these as an easy holiday side dish with our Thanksgiving or Christmas turkey, followed up with a slice of pumpkin pie.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between French green beans and regular green beans?
French green beans are longer and skinnier than regular green beans, and harvested a bit earlier, while green beans are shorter. Both types are delicious and great for air frying.
Do I need to blanch green beans before air frying?
Nope, blanching or soaking isn’t necessary here. Just trim and wash the beans before cooking.
How to Store Leftover Green Beans
Refrigerate. Store leftover cooked green beans airtight in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure they’re cooled completely before you store them. I like to add my leftover beans cold to a couscous salad or a burrito bowl.
Reheat. The best way to reheat these beans is to return them to the air fryer. You can also use the microwave. Take care not to overcook them.
Can I freeze green beans? Yes. To freeze your green beans, let them cool and then store them in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months.
