Air fryer garlic butter green beans are luscious, garlicky, and a delicious way to prepare fresh green beans for the whole family. Air fryer green beans are wonderful as a simple healthy side dish and also delicious enough to serve with your holiday meal. Easy and practically effortless, welcome to your new favorite green bean recipe!
If you like this you should try The most delicious creamed cauliflower and Bacon Brussels Sprouts
Why You'll Love this Air Fryer Recipe
If you follow me on Instagram you saw the bumper crop of green beans that I grew in my garden this year. I harvested easily 20-30lbs. of green beans all the way through October! Luckily I froze bags of my garden goodies to enjoy throughout the winter.
Creating new green bean recipes was basically my love language over the last few months and this garlic butter air fryer version has officially been crowned WINNER!
Here are some reasons why I think you should try this recipe:
- This quick and easy cooking method makes the perfect side dish
- Air fryer green beans are crisp and bursting with flavor
- The simple garlic butter sauce elevates this air fryer recipe
- Have you ever had green beans as a snack? Well, air fryer green beans are the perfect healthy snack!
- This decadent veggie side dish requires only 4 ingredients!
Let's Get Cooking!
Ingredients and Substitutions for Crispy Garlic Butter Green Beans
- Green Beans – fresh is best, simply trim the ends. There are a few varities of green beans, long green beans, haricot vert, any variety will work for this recipe but the cooking time may change depending on the size and thickness of the green beans
- Fresh Garlic – There is no sub for this my friends, fresh garlic is the key to this recipe!
- Butter – Salted good quality butter. You know my rule, when a recipe requires only a few ingredients make sure each ingredient is top notch!
- Olive oil or avocado oil – Ideally use a spray for ease
- Salt and black pepper
- If you want to spice things up, add a dash of chili flakes/red pepper flakes at the end. Play around, but I like to stick to simple seasonings for this one.
- Can be served with a few lemon wedges for an acid hit. The lemon juice will brighten things up.
Detailed measurements and ingredients can be found within the recipe card at the end of this post.
Tools
- Air Fryer – I use a countertop toaster/convection/ air fryer combo. If you have a basket air fryer you will need to cook in batches.
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Garlic press (this make things a lot easier but is optional)
- Small sauté pan
How to Air Fry Green Beans
Step 1. Cut or snap off the ends of the green beans.
Step 2. Arrange green beans in a single layer on your air fryer basket or in a loose pile if using a bucket fryer. Spray with olive oil or avocado oil and Cook for 12 minutes. Cooking time will vary depending on the size of your air fryer and how many green beans you load into it.
Step 3. Cut garlic into a fine dice or squeeze through a garlic press. (If using a press, you can squeeze the garlic directly into the pan)
Step 4. Place pan with butter over low-med heat. Once butter is melted add garlic. Cook garlic butter gently over low-med heat. You don't want to burn the garlic.
Step 5. Once the green beans have cooked, line them on a serving plate and drizzle or spoon garlic butter over them. Finish with a light dusting of salt and black pepper. (black pepper optional)
Tips for Air Frying Green Beans
- A garlic press makes this recipe a cinch since you can press the garlic directly into the pan. The best part, you don't even need to take the skin off the garlic. Just load a whole clove into the press and squeeze.
- Be sure to use low-med heat on the stove. You want to gently warm the garlic until it starts to melt into the butter and become slightly translucent. The goal is to take the rawness out of the garlic, not cook the heck out of it. If your garlic browns too much or burns, it will taste acrid and unpleasant. If this happens, start with a fresh batch.
- For the best crispy green beans, be sure to not overload your air fryer. Air frying requires proper air circulation to create the best results. Overloading your air fryer will elongate cooking time and reduce crispiness.
- If you don't have an air fryer and want help figuring out which one is best for your needs, check out this helpful article from Food and Wine.
How to Store, Reheat, or Freeze
- STORAGE – Refrigerate in an airtight container for 3-4days. Beyond that, the green beans will be pretty lifeless.
- REHEATING – For best results, reheat in a pan over low-med heat. Can also be reheated in the microwave.
- FREEZING – I don't recommend freezing
What Foods Pair Well with Garlic Butter Air Fryer Green Beans
Abra's Nutrition Tips – Green Beans
Green beans, also known as string beans or snap beans, are renowned for their impressive nutritional profile and health benefits. These nutrient-dense legumes are rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, making them a valuable addition to a balanced diet.
A 100-gram serving of green beans provides approximately 31 calories, 7 grams of carbohydrates, 3.4 grams of fiber, and 1.83 grams of protein, making them a low-calorie and high-fiber option. Green beans are a notable source of vitamin C, providing approximately 16% of the recommended daily intake, contributing to immune function and collagen synthesis. Moreover, they contain significant amounts of vitamin K, which is crucial for bone health and blood clotting, with approximately 24% of the recommended daily intake per 100 grams.
Additionally, green beans are rich in folate, an essential B-vitamin known for its role in fetal development and the prevention of certain birth defects. Furthermore, they contain notable amounts of silicon, which may contribute to the maintenance of healthy bone density. The presence of various carotenoids, such as beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin, highlights their potential role in promoting eye health and reducing the risk of age-related macular degeneration.
According to studies published in reputable sources such as the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture and the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, the consumption of green beans has been associated with a reduced risk of chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disorders and certain cancers, owing to their rich antioxidant content and anti-inflammatory properties. However, further research is necessary to fully elucidate the precise mechanisms and extent of these benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Canned- NO, not a good idea.
A good quality frozen green beans could work. Thaw and pat dry before placing in the air fryer
Technically, yes but I think this always produces an inferior result. The flavor of fresh chopped garlic is favorable.
No. All the nutritional value is retained as these green beans become flavorful and crunchy.
I recommend 10-12 minutes. This will vary a bit depending on your air fryer and how many green beans you load into it at one time. The benefit of the air fryer is the set-it-and-forget-it ease of preparation.
Very simply…French green beans. These French beans are basically thin green beans. Unlike standard green beans, these are a little more delicate and tender and wonderful to use in this recipe.
Dietary Modifications
This recipe is gluten-free, keto friendly, and vegetarian and modifiable in the following ways
- Whole 30 – Use ghee in place of butter
- Paleo – Use ghee in place of butter
More Green Bean Recipes Worth Trying
Vegan Green Bean Casserole (Deconstructed)
Green Bean Scallop Nicoise Salad
Green Bean Tuna Nicoise Summer Rolls
I can’t wait for you to try this healthy and delicious recipe! When you make it, snap a photo and tag me on Instagram @abrapappa or use the hashtag #abraskitchen so I can feature your photo!
If you’ve tried this recipe, don’t forget to rate it and leave a comment below. I love to hear from people who’ve made my recipes!
Garlic Butter Air Fryer Green Beans
Equipment
- 1 Air Fryer
- 1 Garlic Press
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh green beans ends trimmed
- 2 cloves garlic crushed
- 2 tbsp salted butter
- 1/4 tsp sea salt to taste
- 1 tsp olive oil or avocado oil spray is best
Instructions
- Prepare air fryer to 400°F
- Prepare the green beans by trimming or cutting the ends/ tips.
- Arrange green beans in a single layer in your air fryer basket, depending on the size and type of air fryer you have you may need to cook in batches. Sprtiz the green beans with olive oil or avocado oil spray and shake the air fryer basket to coat.
- Cook until crispy about 10-12 minutes.
- While green beans are cooking prepare the garlic butter sauce. Cut garlic into a fine dice or squeeze through a garlic press.
- Place pan with butter over low-med heat. Once butter is melted add garlic Cook garlic butter gently over low-med heat taking care to not burn or overly brown.
- Once the green beans have cooked, line them on a serving plate and drizzle or spoon garlic butter over them. Finish with a light dusting of salt and black pepper. (black pepper optional).
- If desired add a squeeze of lemon juice or a dash of crushed red pepper for a zestier green bean.
