Easy Air Fryer Green Beans are the ultimate quick and flavorful side dish - tender, crisp, and bursting with garlicky goodness. Made with a simple mix of soy sauce, garlic, and balsamic vinegar, these roasted garlic green beans hit all the right notes: tangy, savory, and just a touch sweet. Plus, they are ready in just 10 minutes!
Whether you're serving them for a busy weeknight dinner or a stress-free side at a big holiday dinner spread like Thanksgiving, these air fryer green beans deliver on both flavor and convenience. You'll love how the air fryer gives them that irresistible, roasted texture without heating up the oven. Plus, if you don't have an air fryer, don't worry - I've included oven-roasted green bean instructions too.
This is one of those simple veggie sides that everyone loves. They're crispy, savory, a little tangy, and completely addictive. Once you taste them, you'll never go back to steamed green beans again!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make. These air fryer garlic green beans come together in under 15 minutes with just one bowl and minimal prep. It's a total lifesaver when you need a healthy and easy side dish fast.
- Crispy texture, roasted flavor. Cooking green beans in the air fryer (or oven) gives you that perfectly crisp-tender bite and delicious roasted garlic flavor - no soggy beans here!
- Healthy and delicious. With just a touch of oil and plenty of seasonings, these green beans are light, nutritious, and packed with flavor. It's a veggie side you'll actually crave!
- So flavorful. This air fryer recipe is inspired by Asian sambal green beans, known for their irresistible flavor and perfectly crisp-tender texture. The air fryer gives you that same delicious crunch in a fraction of the time, and no wok or deep frying required.
- Perfect for any meal. Whether it's a weeknight dinner, a holiday side, or a healthy snack, these easy green beans pair beautifully with everything from chicken and steak to salmon and tofu.
Jump to:
Ingredients and Substitutions
To make these delicious and easy Air Fryer Green Beans, you will need the following ingredients (see recipe card below for quantities):
- green beans - Use fresh green beans or French green beans (haricots verts) for a more delicate texture. Make sure to trim the stem end or any tough stems before cooking and wash them well. Frozen green beans work too but may be softer.
- garlic - Fresh minced garlic gives the best flavor, but you can substitute with ½ teaspoon garlic powder if needed.
- vegetable oil - Helps the beans crisp up. You can also use olive oil or avocado oil.
- sesame oil - Adds a nutty depth of flavor and pairs perfectly with soy sauce.
- Italian seasoning - A simple mix of herbs that complements the garlic and sesame flavors. You can also use oregano or thyme.
- Worcestershire sauce - Adds umami and depth. Use soy sauce or tamari for a vegetarian version.
- balsamic vinegar - Gives the beans a tangy balance and a hint of sweetness.
- soy sauce - Adds saltiness and umami richness. Use low-sodium if preferred.
- black pepper - For a bit of spice and balance. Add to taste or swap for crushed red pepper if you like heat.
Equipment
You'll also need measuring cups and spoons, a mixing bowl, tongs, and an air fryer (or a baking sheet if roasting in the oven).
Instructions
- Prep. Wash and trim the green beans, then pat them dry with a paper towel. Place them in a large mixing bowl and add all remaining ingredients. Toss well to evenly coat the beans in the seasoning mixture.
- Cook. Transfer the green beans into the air fryer basket and cook at 350°F for 10 minutes, until tender but still slightly crisp. Shake the basket halfway through cooking to help them brown evenly.
Oven Instructions
No air fryer? No problem! Spread the green beans evenly on a baking sheet and roast at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, tossing halfway through, until they're crisp, tender, and lightly browned.
Expert Tip: Don't Overcrowd the Basket
Give your green beans a little breathing room! Spacing them out in the air fryer basket helps them roast evenly and get that perfect crisp edge. If you crowd them, they'll steam instead of roast - so cook in batches if needed.
More Tips and Tricks
- Pat them dry. After washing, make sure to thoroughly pat your green beans dry with paper towels before seasoning. Moisture prevents them from crisping properly.
- Preheat your air fryer. A preheated air fryer helps the beans start roasting immediately and develop a better sear.
- Mind your air fryer size. The size of your air fryer will affect how many green beans you can cook at once. Don't overcrowd the basket - air circulation is key for perfectly air-fried veggies.
- Shake halfway through. Give the basket a good shake about 5 minutes in to ensure the beans cook evenly on all sides.
- Adjust seasoning to taste. Feel free to add a sprinkle of Parmesan, chili flakes, or toasted sesame seeds before serving.
- Make them in the oven. No air fryer? Roast the green beans on a baking sheet at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, tossing halfway through, until crisp and lightly browned.
- Repurpose the sauce. The balance of tangy, sour, savoury and sweet flavours in the sauce make it an excellent choice to use for any roasted vegetable such as brussels sprouts, potatoes, butternut squash and more.
Recipe Variations
- Add toppings, These green beans are delicious just the way they are. You could also add some toppings if you please. Some great options are crushed peanuts or pecans, and crispy bacon.
- Use garlic butter. Swap the sesame oil for melted butter and toss the beans in garlic butter right after cooking.
- Make the spicy. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or drizzle with sriracha for a little kick.
- Add parmesan. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese before air frying for a cheesy, crispy finish.
- Give them an Asian-style. Add a touch of hoisin sauce, sesame seeds, and a drizzle of soy sauce for bold umami flavor.
- Honey balsamic. Mix a teaspoon of honey with the balsamic vinegar for a sweet-tangy glaze.
- Lemon finish. Add freshly grated lemon zest and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a bright, fresh twist.
Storage
How to Store
Let green beans cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
How to Reheat
Reheat leftover green beans in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes until hot and crisp. You can also use the microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute, but the air fryer gives the best texture.
How to Freeze
Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat directly from frozen in the air fryer until hot and crisp.
How to Serve
These air fryer green beans go with just about anything! They're perfect alongside roast chicken, baked salmon, or even tofu stir fry. I also love serving them with mashed potatoes and gravy or next to a cozy casserole for a hearty family dinner.
These are my favorite dishes to serve air fryer garlic green beans with:
Thanksgiving Mains
If serving this as a side dish for Thanksgiving, pair it with one of our delicious mains. From roasted turkey and glazed ham to savory vegetarian roasts and hearty stuffing-filled options, these recipes help create a memorable holiday feast your family and guests will love.
FAQ
Green beans cook quickly in the air fryer, about 8 to 10 minutes at 400°F is all it takes. The result is perfectly tender green beans with lightly blistered, crispy edges and a delicious roasted flavor. For extra-crispy results, give the basket a good shake halfway through cooking so the beans cook evenly. If your air fryer tends to run hot or you like them extra charred, check around the 7-minute mark to prevent overcooking.
At 400°F, green beans take about 8-10 minutes in the air fryer or 15-20 minutes in the oven, depending on their thickness. The air fryer gives you faster, crispier results, while the oven version offers a slightly deeper roasted flavor.
It depends on what you're going for! Steamed green beans are soft, tender, and mild which is great for salads or classic side dishes. Air fryer green beans, on the other hand, are crispy, flavorful, and lightly charred, with a texture similar to roasted vegetables. Air frying also locks in more flavor since the garlic and seasonings caramelize instead of washing away in water.
The best cooking method really depends on your goal - but air frying is one of the easiest ways to get crispy, flavorful vegetables without excess oil.
Absolutely! Air frying vegetables is one of the best ways to make them taste amazing. The hot air circulation crisps them up without needing a ton of oil, making it a healthier option than frying. Vegetables like green beans, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and carrots cook evenly and get deliciously roasted edges in just minutes. It's fast, easy, and the cleanup is minimal - what's not to love?
Yes, they're so good! Air fryer green beans are crispy on the outside, tender inside, and infused with whatever seasonings you add - especially garlic, soy sauce, and a splash of sesame oil. They're simple, flavorful, and a perfect quick side dish for just about any meal. Once you try green beans in the air fryer, you may never go back to boiling or steaming them again.
Definitely. Air fryer green beans are one of the healthiest veggie sides you can make. They're low in calories, packed with fiber, and full of vitamins like A, C, and K. Because they're cooked with minimal oil, they stay light and nutritious while still tasting indulgent. Plus, the air fryer locks in more nutrients than boiling since there's no water to leach them out.
Yes! The air fryer gives green beans a lightly crisp exterior with tender insides - the best of both worlds. They won't be crunchy like chips, but you'll get that satisfying roasted texture with a golden, caramelized finish. For the crispest results, make sure to pat the green beans dry before tossing with oil and garlic, and don't overcrowd the air fryer basket so the hot air can circulate evenly.
More Green Bean Recipes
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Tried this recipe?
I'd love to hear what you think! Leave a comment and rating below to share your feedback. Your reviews help others discover this recipe and help me keep creating more free recipes for you. Snap a photo and tag me on social media @aheadofthyme too.
Recipe
Air Fryer Green Beans
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Easy Air Fryer Green Beans are crispy, garlicky, and ready in 10 minutes - a quick, flavorful side for any meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound green beans, washed and trimmed
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
Instructions
- Wash and trim the green beans, then pat them dry with a paper towel. Place them in a large mixing bowl and add all remaining ingredients. Toss well to evenly coat the beans in the seasoning mixture.
- Transfer the green beans into the air fryer basket and cook at 350°F for 10 minutes, until tender but still slightly crisp. Shake the basket halfway through cooking to help them brown evenly.
- Optionally, roast in the oven instead. Spread the green beans evenly on a baking sheet and roast at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, tossing halfway through, until they're crisp, tender, and lightly browned.
Notes
How to store: Let green beans cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
How to reheat: Reheat leftover green beans in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes until hot and crisp. You can also use the microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute, but the air fryer gives the best texture.
How to freeze: Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat directly from frozen in the air fryer until hot and crisp.
How to use the sauce: The balance of tangy, sour, savoury and sweet flavours in the sauce make it an excellent choice to use for any roasted vegetable such as brussels sprouts, potatoes, butternut squash and more.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Asian
This recipe was originally published in 2020 but has since been updated with new content.
Mary says
My air fryer has a bake option. Is this recipe specifically air fry or is it a baked recipe in the air fryer? Very anxious to try this! Thanks.
Laura Scalone says
Shared to Facebook! I'm super into this idea for a number of reasons.
A) I can use the air fryer, which means less worry about oven space while I'm cooking our turkey.
B) I get flavorful green beans, but with fewer calories than a casserole.
C) When I make my Thanksgiving leftover eggrolls, I've got crunchy green veggies to add for texture!
Sam | Ahead of Thyme says
Thank you Laura! I love and agree with all your reasons. And those Thanksgiving leftover egg rolls sound delish. How creative!