Crispy Air Fryer Green Bean Fries

If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to regular fries, these crispy air fryer green bean fries will change how you think about vegetables! I stumbled upon this recipe when I wanted to make eating greens more fun for my family. These crunchy, golden green beans taste like restaurant appetizers but pack way more nutrition than traditional fries.

The secret lies in the double coating method that creates an incredibly crispy exterior while keeping the green beans tender inside. Trust me, even the pickiest eaters will be asking for seconds!

What if you don’t have an Air Fryer?

No air fryer? No problem! You can still make these delicious green bean fries in your regular oven. Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the coated green beans in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch each other. Bake for 12-15 minutes, then flip them over and bake for another 8-10 minutes until they’re golden brown and crispy.

You might need to bake them a few minutes longer than the air fryer version, but they’ll still turn out fantastic. Just keep an eye on them during the last few minutes to prevent burning.

Ingredients For Air Fryer Green Bean Fries

Main Ingredients:

• 500 g (1 lb) green beans (topped and tailed)
• 1 teaspoon vegetable oil (in a spray bottle)

For the Corn Starch Slurry:

• 3 tablespoon corn starch
• 125 ml water
• 1 teaspoon oregano (or parsley)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)

For the Panko Crust:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 65 g (1 cup) panko breadcrumbs
• ½ teaspoon mild chilli powder (or chili flakes)
• 3 teaspoon nutritional yeast (add more if you like it cheesier!)
• Salt & pepper to taste

How To Cook Green Beans In The Air Fryer

1. Start by washing and trimming your green beans. Remove both ends and cut any extra-long beans in half to ensure even cooking.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth. Add the oregano (or parsley), garlic powder, and hot sauce if using. Mix well until you have a smooth slurry.
3. In a separate shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, olive oil, chilli powder, nutritional yeast, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated with the oil and seasonings.
4. Dip each green bean into the cornstarch slurry, making sure it’s completely coated. Let any excess drip off.
5. Roll the wet green bean in the seasoned panko mixture, pressing gently to help the coating stick. Place the coated beans on a plate and repeat with all remaining beans.
6. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F for about 3 minutes.
7. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
8. Place the coated green beans in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd them – you may need to cook in batches.
9. Cook for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket gently halfway through cooking time.
10. Check for doneness – they should be golden brown and crispy. If needed, cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
11. Remove from the air fryer and serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Ways to serve with Air Fryer Green Bean Fries

These crispy green bean fries work great as a side dish with burgers, grilled chicken, or fish. I like serving them alongside a creamy dipping sauce like ranch, aioli, or even a spicy mayo. They make an excellent appetizer for parties too – just arrange them on a platter with different dipping sauces for variety.

You can also toss them into salads for extra crunch, or use them as a healthy snack while watching movies. Kids love them with ketchup, just like regular fries!

How to Store Air Fryer Green Bean Fries

Store any leftover green bean fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I don’t recommend freezing them because the coating tends to get soggy when thawed. The key is to let them cool completely before storing to prevent condensation from making them soft. If you know you’ll have leftovers, slightly undercook them initially since they’ll cook a bit more when reheated.

How to Reheat Air Fryer Green Bean Fries

The air fryer is the best way to reheat these fries and get them crispy again. Simply place the leftover green bean fries back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes. You don’t need to add any oil – just shake the basket once halfway through. If you don’t have an air fryer available, you can reheat them in a regular oven at 400°F for 5-7 minutes.

Avoid using the microwave as it will make them soggy and remove all that lovely crispiness.

Tips in making Air Fryer Green Bean Fries

• Choose fresh, firm green beans for the best texture and flavor
• Make sure your green beans are completely dry before coating them
• Don’t skip the cornstarch slurry – it helps the panko coating stick better
• Work in small batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket
• Shake the basket gently during cooking to ensure even browning
• Let the coated green beans rest for 5 minutes before air frying for better adhesion
• Adjust cooking time based on the thickness of your green beans
• Spray the basket lightly with oil to prevent sticking
• Serve immediately for maximum crispiness

Frequently asked questions

Can I use frozen green beans for this recipe?
Fresh green beans work best for this recipe because they have better texture and less moisture. If you must use frozen ones, thaw them completely and pat them very dry with paper towels before coating. They might not get quite as crispy as fresh beans.

What can I substitute for nutritional yeast?
You can use grated Parmesan cheese instead of nutritional yeast for a similar cheesy flavor. If you don’t have either, just add a bit more salt and garlic powder to boost the flavor. The nutritional yeast adds a nice umami taste, but the recipe still works without it.

Why are my green bean fries not crispy enough?
The most common reason is too much moisture. Make sure your green beans are completely dry before coating, and don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Also, check that your cornstarch slurry isn’t too watery – it should coat the beans without dripping off excessively.

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