Air Fryer Frozen Green Beans

Air Fryer Frozen Green Beans is often a last-minute go-to when dinner needs to get on the table on a busy weeknight, but with all the crisp and flavor no one would ever know. This air fryer green beans recipe is simple yet delicious. With 4 ingredients and your air fryer, you have a nutritious side in just 15 minutes. 

This air fryer green bean recipe is a fan favorite in my house.  As kids do, mine moan and groan at dinner through my coaxing to eat their vegetables.  The convenience of frozen vegetables though is sometimes just too good to pass up. 

Luckily, I found a way to enjoy their convenience and for everyone to enjoy their vegetables. Typically when I put these green beans on the table no coaxing is needed, and some are even asking for seconds! It is also quicker to air fry veggies than it is to roast them so when the clock is ticking this is the way to go.

What is an air fryer anyway?

Air fryers have become increasingly popular over the last few years and a staple in many home kitchens.  Air fryers produce healthier food than traditional frying because they require less oil.  They produce a crispy crunchy, texture to your favorite foods by circulating air around them instead of deep-frying in bubbling oil. It is easy to find air fryer recipes for almost any occasion. We love these air fryer breakfast potatoes and making air fried chicken wings.

How to air fry frozen green beans

It is surprisingly easy to make crispy green beans. You likely have all of the ingredients at hand already.  Plus, the frozen green beans are ready to be cooked, all you need to do is add the flavor and the crisp. 

Step One: Start by preheating your air fryer to 400° Fahrenheit, it takes just a few minutes to heat up. 

Step Two: Place the frozen fine green beans into the air fryer basket, drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and black pepper.  You can season them more or less to your liking. Sometimes I'll add garlic powder and onion powder.

Step Three: Cook for 15 minutes. If you have a small air fryer it will be necessary to cook in two batches.  When the green beans are done they should be slightly browned, tender inside, and have a nice crisp to the outside. Feel free to let them cook for an extra minute or 2 until they are your desired crispness.  Serve next to your favorite protein or casserole and enjoy!

If crispy beans are a success in your house (and they will be), you will also want to try grilled broccoli and smoked cauliflower. 

Clean Up

One of the benefits of air-fried frozen green beans is the incredibly easy and quick clean-up.  All of the prep and cooking is done in the basket of your air fryer.  Just transfer finished crispy beans to a serving dish and all you have to clean is the basket! 

There likely will not be any leftovers but if there are you can refrigerate them in an airtight container for 3 - 5 days.  Easily reheat them in the air fryer for 2 - 3 minutes when ready to serve. 

Why air fry frozen green beans?

Well, convenience, flavor, and the perfect crisp aside, green beans are jam-packed with good stuff that it is worth making sure your family will eat them! They are full of fiber, as well as vitamin A, C, and K, iron, and magnesium.  On top of that, this side dish is gluten-free, keto-friendly, low carb, dairy-free, and trim healthy mama friendly. It also tastes delicious!

What to serve with air-fried green beans

The options for pairing with crispy air fryer green beans are endless! I love to have them with my Air Fryer Frozen Shrimp but are great with your favorite protein. Here are a few recipes I would recommend trying them with: 

Pellet Grill Steak

Traeger Chicken Thighs

Air Fryer Spare Ribs

London Broil with Quick Marinade

Smoked Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin

And for dessert try our Air Fryer Cheesecake!

Variations

You could also serve crispy green beans for a treat at lunch, an after-school snack, or bring to a family gathering.  They are amazing with just salt and pepper, but feel free to get creative with flavor!

Spices: Toss with some garlic, chili powder, or onion powder. 

Cheese: Sprinkle with parmesan cheese or shredded cheddar.

Lemon: My favorite is to add a splash of lemon juice to veggies such as green beans and Brussels sprouts.

Can I use fresh green beans?

Absolutely! Making crispy green beans is doable with fresh green beans as well, there might just be some more prep (trimming the stems).  Cooking time will vary as well. I would recommend less time for fresh green beans, about 8 - 10 minutes.  As with using frozen green beans check the beans periodically and add more time until they are your desired crispness.