Air Fryer Garlic Green Beans Recipe

Air Fryer Garlic Green Beans Recipe

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces fresh green beans, ends trimmed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1/4 teaspoon seasoned salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the air fryer to 400F (200C).

Step 2: Place the trimmed green beans in a mixing bowl.

Step 3: Add the olive oil, minced garlic, seasoned salt, and ground black pepper to the bowl. Toss everything together to ensure the green beans are evenly coated.

Step 4: Transfer the coated green beans into the air fryer basket.

Step 5: Cook for approximately 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure even crispness. The green beans should be crisp-tender when done.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

  • Calories: 60
  • Total Fat: 4g (5% Daily Value)
  • Saturated Fat: 1g (3% Daily Value)
  • Cholesterol: 0mg (0% Daily Value)
  • Sodium: 101mg (4% Daily Value)
  • Total Carbohydrate: 7g (2% Daily Value)
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g (8% Daily Value)
  • Total Sugars: 3g
  • Protein: 2g (3% Daily Value)
  • Vitamin C: 11mg (12% Daily Value)
  • Calcium: 36mg (3% Daily Value)
  • Iron: 1mg (5% Daily Value)
  • Potassium: 190mg (4% Daily Value)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Air Fryer Garlic Green Beans

Recipe by: Nicole Russell

Published on: June 15, 2023

Introduction

Air Fryer Garlic Green Beans offer a quick and delicious way to enjoy fresh, nutritious vegetables with minimal fuss. The air fryer creates a crispy texture while keeping the green beans tender and full of flavor, making them the perfect side dish for any meal. This recipe calls for simple ingredients like green beans, olive oil, minced garlic, and seasoned salt, all of which come together in under 15 minutes.

History of the Dish

Green beans, also known as string beans or snap beans, have been a staple in American kitchens for centuries. Native to Central and South America, green beans were introduced to Europe by early explorers and have since become a popular vegetable worldwide. The air fryer, however, is a much more modern invention. First introduced in the early 2000s, the air fryer revolutionized home cooking by allowing people to fry foods with little or no oil. The combination of the twoa traditional vegetable with a modern cooking techniquehas led to the rise of recipes like Air Fryer Garlic Green Beans, which offer a healthier and faster way to prepare this beloved vegetable.

Regional Variations

While green beans are commonly consumed across the United States, regional variations in how they are prepared can be found. In the southern U.S., green beans are often slow-cooked with bacon, ham hocks, or even a splash of vinegar to enhance their flavor. In contrast, Air Fryer Garlic Green Beans provide a quick, healthier alternative with a distinct garlicky kick. Garlic is widely used in Mediterranean cuisine, and its presence in this dish reflects the culinary influence of the Mediterranean region, known for its emphasis on fresh herbs and simple, high-quality ingredients.

How It Differs from Similar Dishes

Air Fryer Garlic Green Beans differ from traditional green bean recipes in a few key ways. First, the air fryer method creates a crispier texture compared to the usual sauted or boiled green beans. Additionally, the garlic flavor is much more prominent because it is directly mixed with the green beans, allowing for even distribution of the seasoning. Unlike recipes that require longer cooking times or additional fats like butter or cream, this air fryer version keeps the dish light while still delivering on taste.

Where It's Typically Served

Air Fryer Garlic Green Beans are a versatile side dish that can be served with a variety of meals. They are commonly found on dinner tables across the United States, particularly paired with roasted meats, grilled chicken, or fish. They make an excellent side dish for holiday meals like Thanksgiving or Christmas, adding a healthy yet flavorful option to the spread. Additionally, their quick preparation time makes them ideal for busy weeknights when you need a tasty and nutritious side dish in a pinch.

Interesting Facts

  • Green beans are low in calories but rich in fiber, making them a great choice for those looking to maintain a healthy diet.
  • The air fryer, invented by Philips in 2010, uses hot air circulation to cook food, producing crispy results without the need for deep frying.
  • The combination of garlic and green beans is not only flavorful but also beneficial. Garlic contains compounds that are believed to boost immunity and reduce inflammation.
  • Air frying green beans helps preserve their nutrients, as the shorter cooking time and lack of added oil prevent nutrient loss.

Conclusion

Whether you're a busy home cook or someone looking to add a quick and tasty vegetable to your meal, Air Fryer Garlic Green Beans are a must-try. This dish combines the health benefits of fresh green beans with the convenience and delicious flavor of the air fryer. It's a great option for anyone looking to add a little more greenery to their diet while keeping things simple and flavorful.

FAQ about Air Fryer Garlic Green Beans Recipe

Yes, you can use frozen green beans, but they may require a slightly longer cooking time. Make sure to thaw them and pat them dry before seasoning to avoid excess moisture.

Store leftover green beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer or a skillet to maintain their crisp texture.

Yes, you can prepare the green beans and season them ahead of time. Keep them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. When ready, cook them in the air fryer as instructed.

If you don’t have seasoned salt, you can substitute it with a mix of regular salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of paprika for a similar flavor.

Absolutely! You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to spice things up. Adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance.

To avoid sogginess, make sure to dry the green beans thoroughly before seasoning and placing them in the air fryer. Avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure proper air circulation for crisp results.

Yes, you can add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. Just be mindful that different vegetables may require different cooking times, so you may need to adjust accordingly.

While the green beans are best served fresh, you can cook them ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Reheat them in the air fryer for 2–3 minutes to bring back their crispiness before serving.

These garlic green beans pair well with a variety of main dishes like grilled chicken, steak, roasted pork, or even as a side to pasta dishes.

Comments

samijc8

10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM

Turned out perfect! I used lemon pepper instead of season salt because I like the flavor - but that's just me. Great, easy recipe for fresh green beans!

Pizzacake

03/17/2025 10:26:15 PM

This was so good and the cook time and amount of green beans (12 ozs) worked perfectly in a 4 qt air fryer. Next time I will increase the seasoning salt, used Lawry's. I held back a little on 1/4 teaspoon thinking it was an odd choice. Not so it was a nice addition. May make it a heaping 1/4 tsp. Also used a full tbs of jarred minced garlic. Overall, a nice side dish. Will definitely become a regular.

Linda Hill

11/29/2024 01:05:16 PM

Everyone at home loved it ❤️

Donna Smith

05/01/2024 12:42:40 PM

Couldn’t believe how good it turned out.

SHAUNH

12/26/2023 05:14:05 AM

Really was that easy, and tasted great. The only thing I had that said "Seasoned Salt" was Lawry's - so that's what I used. Tasted great, and presented well.