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–+ servings

Easy Air Fryer Green Beans

These sautéed green beans are a quick and flavorful side dish, lightly coated in olive oil, seasoned with garlic and black pepper, and finished with a touch of lemon for brightness.
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Author: Struan Hogg

Ingredients

  • 1 pound fresh green beans,trimmed (look for bright green, firm beans)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (just enough to lightly coat them)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt  (adjust to taste)
  • 1/4  teaspoon ground black pepper  (for a little kick)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder  (optional, but highly recommended!)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest  or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice (optional for brightness)

Instructions

  • Prep the Green Beans
    Start by washing and trimming your green beans. To trim them quickly, line up a handful and slice off the stem ends with a sharp knife. You can leave the tapered tips—they get deliciously crispy in the air fryer!
    Once trimmed, pat the beans dry with a kitchen towel. This step is important because dry beans crisp up better.
    In a large bowl, toss the green beans with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder (if using). Make sure each bean gets a light coating___this is what gives them that beautiful golden edge.
  • Preheat the Air Fryer
    Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Preheating only takes a few minutes, but it makes a big difference. It ensures the beans start cooking immediately and crisp up evenly.
  • Arrange the Green Beans
    Place the green beans in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd—if they’re too packed, they’ll steam instead of crisp. If you’re making a large batch, cook them in two rounds.
  • Air Fry to Perfection
    Cook the green beans for 8 to 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. If you like them extra crispy, lean toward the 10-minute mark.
    Keep an eye on them—they should be lightly browned and crispy around the edges but still vibrant green.
  • Finish and Serve
    Once they’re done, transfer the green beans to a serving bowl. For an extra burst of flavor, toss them with a little lemon zest or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. It brightens up the dish and makes the flavors pop.
    Serve immediately and enjoy while they're hot and crispy!