Air Fryer Frozen Green Beans

These Air Fryer Frozen Green Beans are your new go-to for a quick, no-fuss side dish. They cook straight from frozen, turn perfectly tender with lightly crisp edges, and are tossed with simple seasonings for flavor. Ready in under 15 minutes, they're perfect for busy weeknights when dinner needs a fast veggie!

Frozen produce doesn't have to be plain and boring.

Using frozen veggies is a convenient, affordable, and delicious way to add more vegetables into your dinner rotation.

I often find myself sticking to the same side dishes over and over again. An air fryer is an easy to way to switch things up!

It can be very helpful when throwing together a last-minute weeknight dinner. 

Ingredients

Frozen green beans, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper are tossed together and air-fried to create a flavorful, crisp, and easy side dish!

Frozen Green Beans: Cook straight from frozen. Do not thaw or they'll turn soft instead of lightly crisp.

Olive Oil: Helps the beans brown and prevents dryness. Any neutral oil works.

Garlic Powder: Adds savory flavor that coats evenly without burning.

Red Chili Flakes: Adds heat. Adjust to taste or swap for chili oil after cooking.

Toasted Sesame Oil & Sesame Seeds: Completely optional, but toasted sesame oil adds depth and nuttiness. And a sprinkle of sesame seeds for texture.

See recipe card for quantities.

How to Make This Recipe

The full written recipe can be found in the recipe card below.

Step 1: Add the frozen green beans to a large bowl. Do not defrost. Add the olive oil, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Toss until coated.

Step 2: Add the green beans to the air fryer basket. No need to preheat the air fryer.

Step 3: Air fryer at 375F for 12-15 minutes or until crispy and golden. Shake the basket halfway through the cooking time. 

Step 4: Sprinkle with red chili flakes, sesame seeds, and a drizzle of sesame oil. Taste and add additional salt, if needed.

Substitutions & Variations

Olive Oil: Any neutral oil can replace the olive oil in this recipe.

Garlic: Omit and add onion powder. If you want to use fresh garlic, add at the halfway mark or else it will burn.

Variations: Omit the sesame oil and seeds and top with fresh herbs, lemon zest, balsamic vinegar, or vegan parmesan.

Serving Ideas

• Serve alongside this flavorful baked lemon herb tofu, or this easy and versatile crispy air fried tempeh.
• Add to grain bowls.
• Toss into a simple pasta with olive oil, lemon, and vegan parmesan.

Storage

These air fried green beans are best served immediately but can be reheated in the air fryer for a few minutes or on the stove top.

Tips & Tricks

Air fryers can vary. When attempting a new air fryer recipe, monitor it closely. Check on the green beans at the halfway point and during the final 2 to 3 minutes of cooking.

Adjust the cooking time as needed. Depending on your air fryer and preference, your green beans may need more or less time.

Fry in batches to ensure even cooking and prevent them from becoming soggy.

Don't defrost the green beans before air frying. They will get soggy, not crisp.

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