Name: Crispy Air Fryer Green Beans (Easy 4-Ingredient Recipe)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 12 oz green beans (trimmed); 1 Tbsp olive oil; 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper

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Crispy air fryer green beans made with just 4 ingredients. A quick, healthy side dish ready in 10 minutes with the perfect crunch.

Crispy air fryer green beans on a white plate with lemon wedges.

If you’re looking for a vegetable side dish that’s simple, crave-worthy, and ready in under 15 minutes, these Crispy Air Fryer Green Beans are about to become your new go-to. With just a handful of pantry staples and fresh string beans, you can create a lightly golden, perfectly crisp side that pairs with just about anything.

As a dietitian, I love recipes that make vegetables feel exciting instead of obligatory. These air fryer green beans are a perfect example: minimal ingredients, minimal prep, and maximum flavor and texture. Whether you’re serving them alongside grilled chicken, baked salmon, or a hearty vegetarian bowl, they add color, crunch, and nutrition to your plate without a lot of fuss.

Pair with Protein

Sticky honey garlic soy baked chicken thighs in white baking dish — Sticky Baked Chicken Thighs

Baked Salmon with maple glaze — Sticky Baked Chicken Thighs

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. It’s incredibly simple.
You only need four main ingredients: fresh string beans, olive oil, flour, salt, and pepper. No complicated coatings or messy dredging stations.

2. Ready in under 15 minutes.
From prep to plate, this recipe moves quickly—perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner additions.

3. Lightly crispy, not greasy.
The air fryer creates that golden, slightly crunchy exterior using just 1–2 tablespoons of olive oil. You get the texture of roasted or lightly fried vegetables without heavy oil.

4. Customizable flavor.
Add smoked paprika for depth, lemon zest for brightness, or red pepper flakes for heat. It’s easy to tailor to your taste or the rest of your meal.

5. A veggie that even picky eaters enjoy.
The slight crispness and seasoning make green beans more appealing—especially for kids who might turn down steamed vegetables.

ingredients in Fresh string beans tossed with olive oil and flour before air frying.

Ingredient Breakdown

Let’s take a closer look at what makes this recipe work.

Fresh String Beans (12 oz, trimmed)

Fresh green beans are the star of the show. Look for beans that are bright green, firm, and snap easily when bent. Trimming the ends ensures a clean bite and even cooking. Green beans provide fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, and a variety of antioxidants—making them a nutrient-dense addition to your meal.

Olive Oil (1–2 tablespoons)

Olive oil helps the flour adhere to the beans and promotes browning in the air fryer. It also adds heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and enhances flavor. You don’t need much—just enough to lightly coat.

All-Purpose Flour (2–3 tablespoons)

The flour creates that light coating that crisps up beautifully in the air fryer. The key is a thin, even layer—no heavy clumps. This gives the beans a subtle crunch without feeling breaded or heavy.

Salt (½ teaspoon)

Salt enhances the natural flavor of the green beans and balances the crisp coating.

Black Pepper (¼ teaspoon)

Adds a gentle warmth and depth of flavor.

Optional Add-Ins

Smoked Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky flavor that makes the beans feel more complex.
Lemon Zest or Fresh Lemon Juice: Brightens everything up after cooking.
Red Pepper Flakes: Perfect if you like a little heat.

Close-up of crispy coated green beans with flaky salt.

How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Green Beans

This method is straightforward and beginner-friendly.

1. Prep the green beans.
Wash and thoroughly dry the string beans. This step is crucial. Moisture prevents crisping, so pat them very dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.

2. Toss with oil and seasoning.
Place the dried green beans in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and black pepper. Toss until evenly coated.

3. Add the flour.
Sprinkle the flour over the beans and toss again until lightly coated. You want a thin, even layer—no thick clumps of flour. If you see clumping, gently separate the beans and shake off excess.

4. Air fry.
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F if your model requires it. Place the beans in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding—cook in batches if needed.

Air fry at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. The beans should be lightly golden and crisp on the outside while still tender inside.

5. Finish and serve.
Optional: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of lemon zest immediately after cooking. Serve warm for best texture.

How to Store

If you have leftovers (which is rare in my house), here’s how to store them:

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating: For best results, reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for 3–5 minutes to restore crispness. Microwaving works, but the beans will soften.

These green beans are best enjoyed fresh, but a quick reheat brings back much of their texture.

Golden brown green beans in air fryer basket.

Tips for Perfect Crispy Green Beans

Dry thoroughly.
This is the most important step. Any moisture will steam the beans instead of crisping them.

Don’t overcrowd the basket.
Air circulation is what makes the air fryer effective. Spread beans in a single layer.

Use just enough flour.
A light coating is key. Too much flour will taste pasty rather than crisp.

Shake halfway through cooking.
This helps ensure even browning.

Adjust cook time slightly.
Thinner beans may cook faster; thicker beans may need an extra minute or two.

Experiment with seasonings.
Garlic powder, grated Parmesan after cooking, or even a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning can change the flavor profile completely.

More Veggie Sides

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Garlic sautéed eggplant cooking in a skillet — Parmesan and Lemon Broccoli

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen green beans?

Fresh is best for crisp texture. Frozen green beans tend to release more moisture, which can make them softer rather than crispy. If using frozen, thaw completely and dry very thoroughly before cooking.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes. Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or even a light dusting of cornstarch for a similar crisp effect.

Do I have to use flour?

The flour helps create crispiness, but you can skip it for a simpler roasted-style green bean. They won’t be as crunchy but will still taste great.

How do I know when they’re done?

They should be lightly golden and slightly blistered, with a crisp exterior and tender interior.

What should I serve them with?

These pair beautifully with grilled meats, baked chicken, salmon, turkey burgers, or vegetarian grain bowls. They’re also great as a snack dipped in Greek yogurt-based ranch or hummus.