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Crispy Air Fryer Green Beans

This recipe transforms fresh green beans into a crispy, smoky snack or side dish using the air fryer. The key steps involve tossing the beans with a little oil and salt, then roasting until blistered and charred, resulting in a vibrant, crunchy texture with a hint of smokiness and a bright finish from lemon zest. It’s a quick, healthy way to elevate simple green beans into a satisfying treat.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 120
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound green beans fresh, trimmed and dried thoroughly
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt or kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest freshly grated

Equipment

  • Air fryer
  • Tongs or spatula
  • Kitchen towel or paper towels

Method
 

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (390°F) so it's ready to go once your beans are prepped.
  2. Trim the ends off the green beans and pat them completely dry with a kitchen towel or paper towels. Dry beans will crisp up better in the air fryer.
  3. In a large bowl, toss the dried green beans with a teaspoon of olive oil and a pinch of sea salt until evenly coated. This light coating helps them crisp and develop flavor.
  4. Spread the beans out in the air fryer basket in an even layer, making sure they aren’t overcrowded—this allows hot air to circulate and crisp all sides evenly.
  5. Roast the green beans for about 8 to 10 minutes, shaking or tossing them halfway through to promote even crisping and browning. You’ll hear a gentle crackle, and they should look blistered and slightly charred in spots.
  6. Once done, remove the basket and transfer the beans to a serving bowl. Sprinkle with freshly grated lemon zest to add a bright, citrusy aroma that lifts the smoky flavor.
  7. Give the beans a gentle toss to distribute the zest evenly. Serve immediately for maximum crispness and enjoy the vibrant, smoky crunch.

Notes

Ensure beans are thoroughly dried before roasting for the crispiest results. Adjust cooking time for thicker or thinner beans, and add additional seasonings as desired after roasting.