These easy air fried green beans are a tasty, low-carb snack that can be made in minutes!
Fried green beans seem like they are all the rage right now, and for good reason! They can be served as an appetizer, side dish, or snack. Fried green beans are a great low-carb alternative to regular fries and they are even healthier when made in the air fryer. No deep frying needed to get these crispy, golden green bean fries!
Ingredients
- Green Beans – Use FRESH green beans for this recipe. Be sure to get beans that are nice and green and have a good “snap” to them. Frozen green beans or pre cooked green beans will not work.
- Flour – Flour will lightly coat the green beans and give the egg something to stick to
- Eggs – Beat the eggs well so they can coat the green beans and make it easier for the breadcrumbs to adhere to the beans. You could also use an egg substitute if you want these to be vegan.
- Panko breadcrumbs – Panko breadcrumbs are lighter than regular bread crumbs, making a better texture for the coating
- Seasonings – Salt, pepper, and paprika are really all you need to season the breadcrumbs. If you are looking for even more flavor you can add parmesan cheese, garlic powder, chili powder, onion powder, black pepper, red pepper flakes, or any other herbs or spices you prefer.
- Cooking Spray – This helps get that perfect, golden, crispy coating and also helps the breadcrumbs stick to the beans. I haven’t tried it but some people also spray them with avocado oil, vegetable oil, or canola oil.
How to Make Air Fried Green Beans
- Rinse green beans and snap off the stems. Lightly shake off excess water (they don’t need to be totally dry)
- Dredge each individual bean with flour and shake off excess. Next, dip the bean in the beaten egg, then roll in the breadcrumb mixture until well coated.
- Place the coated green beans in the bottom of the air fryer basket in a single layer. Spray generously with cooking oil spray or olive oil cooking spray.
- Air fry for 8 minutes at 375 degrees. If you want a darker coating, cook an additional minute or two at 400 degrees.
- Serve immediately. They are by far the best when they are golden brown and served hot.
Shake and Bake Method
The air fryer recipe above is definitely the way to go if you want a nice, even coating. Each bean will turn out just right and will be perfect for presentation. However, if you are preparing a large amount, there is an easier and faster way. I call it the “shake and bake” method. Here’s what you do:
- Rinse the green beans, snap off the stems, and pat dry.
- Place beans in a Ziplock bag and add flour. Seal the bag making sure there is still lots of air inside. You want the bag to be puffy. Shake until beans are well coated in flour. Discard all excess flour from the bag.
- Beat eggs and add them to the bag. Gently move the beans around until coated. Try not to handle too much so you don’t rub off the flour coating.
- Combine breadcrumb mixture and place in a large bowl or deep baking dish. Place beans in a single layer over the breadcrumbs in and then gently toss the beans around in the bowl until well coated. Try to not let the beans clump together. Keep them as spread out as you can.
- Continue with steps 3-5 in the method above to air fry the green beans in batches.
Tips for Air Frying Green Beans
Use fresh green beans – the fresher the better. I love making these in the summer when I can use fresh green beans straight from my garden, or pick some up from a farmer’s market.
Use cooking spray to evenly coat the green beans in oil. This will ensure a light, even coating.
Know that all air fryers are different. The times suggested work well for the basket air fryer that I tested them in but they can vary depending on size and brand. The first time you make this recipe, keep an eye on your green beans.
To make these gluten-free simply use a gluten free flour and gluten free breadcrumbs.
Store leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container. To reheat, air fry at 370 for 5-6 minutes, tossing half way through reheating. Do not microwave to reheat.
PrintAir Fried Green Beans
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh green beans
- 1/2 cup flour
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- olive oil cooking spray (to taste)
Instructions
-
Rinse green beans and snap off the stems. Lightly shake off excess water (they don’t need to be totally dry)
-
Prepare 3 bowls to dip the beans in. The first with 1 cup of flour, the second with the 2 beaten eggs, and the third with Panko breadcrumbs, salt, and paprika mixed together.
-
Dredge each individual bean with flour and shake off excess.
-
Next, dip the bean in the beaten egg.
-
Then roll in the breadcrumb mixture until well coated.
-
Place the coated green beans in the bottom of the air fryer basket in a single layer. Spray generously with cooking oil spray or olive oil cooking spray.
-
Air fry for 8 minutes at 375 degrees. If you want a darker coating, cook an additional minute or two at 400 degrees.
-
Serve immediately. They are by far the best when they are served hot.
Notes
- If you are making a large amount or if you are in a hurry, see tips in the post above for our “shake and bake” method.
- The green beans are delicious dipped in Ranch dressing.
