To make green beans in an air fryer, toss 1 lb of trimmed fresh green beans with 1 tbsp olive oil, salt and garlic powder, and air fry at 375°F for 8 to 10 minutes, shaking halfway and adding minced garlic for the last 3 minutes. Finish with lemon and toasted almonds for a crisp-tender, healthy side that is ready in about 20 minutes.
Prep: Rinse the green beans, pat them completely dry and trim the stem ends. Dry beans brown better than wet ones.
Season: In a large bowl, toss the beans with the oil, salt, pepper and garlic powder until evenly coated. Keep the minced garlic aside for now.
Preheat: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F for about 3 minutes.
Air fry: Spread the beans in a loose layer, splitting them between both baskets if you have a dual basket air fryer. Air fry at 375°F for 8 to 10 minutes, shaking halfway. Add the minced garlic for the last 3 minutes so it softens without burning.
Toast the almonds: While the beans cook, toast the sliced almonds in the second basket or a small pan at 350°F for 3 to 4 minutes, until golden. Watch closely; they brown fast.
Finish and serve: The beans are done when they are crisp-tender with a few blistered spots. Toss with the lemon juice and zest, top with the toasted almonds and red pepper flakes, and serve right away.
Dual basket tip: Make it a full dinner. Put the green beans in basket 1 at 375°F and chicken breast in basket 2, then press Sync Finish (or Smart Finish) so both come out hot at the same time.
Beans plus a main: OSTBA LQ-201STwo 4.25-Qt baskets with Sync Finish, so the beans and your protein are done together.
How Many Calories Are in Air Fryer Green Beans? (Estimated)
Per serving (about 1 cup, 1/4 of the recipe): about 100 calories, 6 g fat (0.7 g saturated), 9 g carbohydrate, 4 g fiber, 3 g sugar, 3 g protein, and about 290 mg sodium. These are estimates calculated from standard USDA values for green beans, olive oil, sliced almonds and salt. Cut the salt to 1/4 tsp to lower the sodium.
What Are Some Flavor Variations?
Parmesan: skip the almonds and toss the hot beans with 2 tbsp finely grated parmesan
Asian-style: swap the lemon for 1 tsp low-sodium soy sauce and 1/2 tsp sesame oil, and top with sesame seeds
Everything bagel: sprinkle 1 tsp everything bagel seasoning over the beans before air frying and skip the salt
Nut-free: use toasted pumpkin seeds or crispy shallots instead of almonds
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do you cook green beans in the air fryer?
Cook fresh green beans at 375°F for 8 to 10 minutes, shaking halfway. Thin French beans may be done in 6 to 7 minutes; thicker beans can take up to 12.
Can you air fry frozen green beans?
Yes. Do not thaw them. Toss frozen cut green beans with oil and seasoning and air fry at 390°F for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking a few times, until hot and lightly browned.
Why add the garlic at the end?
Minced garlic burns quickly in the hot air fryer and turns bitter. Adding it for the last 3 minutes, and using a little garlic powder at the start, gives full garlic flavor without burnt bits.
Are air fryer green beans healthy?
They are a light, high-fiber side. We estimate about 100 calories, 4 g fiber and 3 g protein per serving. These are estimates and will vary with your oil and portions.
How do I cook green beans in a dual basket air fryer?
Cook the green beans in one basket at 375°F and a protein in the other, then use Sync Finish or Smart Finish so both are ready together. Or use the second basket to toast the almonds.
