Go Back
You need 1 pound of fresh green beans. Make sure they are trimmed and rinsed. Fresh beans give the best taste and crunch. Look for bright green beans with no blemishes. For flavor, you will need four key ingredients. Use 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter, melted until bubbling. This adds richness. Next, include 4 cloves of garlic, finely minced. Garlic brings a strong, tasty kick. Add 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon zest for a bright touch. Lastly, season with 1 teaspoon of sea salt and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. If you like heat, add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes. You can customize your green beans with some fun extras. A tablespoon of freshly chopped parsley adds color and freshness. You can also try adding nuts for crunch or cheese for creaminess. These additions make each bite even more exciting. Start by preheating your air fryer to 380°F (190°C). This step is key. It helps cook the green beans evenly. Let it heat for about 5 minutes. This ensures a good crisp on your beans. Next, gather a large bowl. Add the trimmed green beans to it. Pour in 4 tablespoons of melted butter. The butter should be bubbling but not burnt. Then, add 4 finely minced garlic cloves. This will give your beans a strong garlic flavor. Next, add 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon zest. This adds a bright, fresh taste. Now, sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of sea salt and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. If you want some heat, toss in ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Mix everything together until the green beans are well coated. Use your hands or a spatula for this. Carefully pour the green beans into the air fryer basket. Arrange them in a single layer. If your basket is too small, fry in batches. Cooking in batches gives the best results. Set the timer for 8-10 minutes. Remember to shake the basket halfway through. This helps the beans crisp up nicely. After cooking, the beans should be tender and crunchy. Once done, transfer them to a serving dish. For a nice finish, sprinkle with chopped parsley. Enjoy! To get crispy green beans, preheat your air fryer. Set it to 380°F (190°C) for five minutes. This step helps the beans cook evenly. Toss the beans well in the garlic butter mixture. Make sure every bean is coated. When you place them in the air fryer, arrange them in a single layer. If needed, cook in batches. This will prevent steaming and promote crunchiness. Watch the time closely. Cook the green beans for 8-10 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. If you want them tender yet crisp, check at the 8-minute mark. They should be bright green and slightly soft, but still have a good bite. Garlic butter green beans pair well with many dishes. Try them with grilled chicken or steak for a hearty meal. They also work great alongside fish. For a lighter option, serve them with quinoa or rice. Add a fresh salad to round out the meal. This dish adds a burst of flavor and a pop of color to any plate. {{image_4}} You can change the flavors of your air fryer garlic butter green beans easily. Try adding different herbs. Fresh thyme or oregano works well. A sprinkle of Italian seasoning adds a nice twist. For a tangy kick, use balsamic vinegar instead of lemon zest. You can also mix in some grated Parmesan cheese for a cheesy touch. If you don’t have an air fryer, you can still enjoy these green beans. Try roasting them in the oven at 425°F (220°C). Toss the green beans in the garlic butter mixture and spread them on a baking sheet. Roast for 15-20 minutes, shaking the pan halfway through. You can also steam them for a healthier option. Just steam for about 5-7 minutes, then toss with garlic butter. Adjust the ingredients to fit your needs. For a dairy-free option, use olive oil instead of butter. You can also try vegan butter, which gives a similar taste. If you want less salt, use low-sodium butter. For a gluten-free version, ensure your garlic butter has no added gluten ingredients. These swaps make this dish fit various diets while keeping it tasty. To store any leftover garlic butter green beans, let them cool first. Then, place them in an airtight container. This helps keep them fresh. You can store the green beans in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to seal the container well to avoid any odors. When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, the air fryer is your best friend. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the green beans in the basket in a single layer. Heat them for about 3-5 minutes. This will help them regain their crispy texture. You can also use the microwave. Heat them in short bursts of 30 seconds. Stir in between to ensure even heating. If you want to freeze the green beans, make sure they are fully cooled. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as you can. This prevents freezer burn. You can freeze the green beans for up to two months. When you're ready to eat them, thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating. Yes, you can use frozen green beans. They are handy when fresh ones are not available. Just make sure to thaw them first. Pat them dry to remove excess moisture. This helps them crisp up better in the air fryer. Cook them for a few extra minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. To make this recipe vegan, swap the butter for plant-based butter. You can also use olive oil for a lighter touch. The garlic and seasonings still work well in a vegan version. The taste will be just as good, and you'll still enjoy that delicious garlic flavor. Garlic butter green beans pair well with many dishes. They are great with grilled chicken or fish. You can also serve them with steak or pork. For a vegetarian option, try them with quinoa or a hearty salad. This dish adds a fresh and tasty side that complements many meals. In this post, we covered how to make garlic butter green beans. We explored fresh ingredients, seasonings, and optional add-ins. Step-by-step, I shared how to prepare and cook these beans perfectly. I offered tips to keep them crispy and suggestions for pairings. We also discussed variations and storage tips for leftovers. Now, you can enjoy this tasty dish that fits your taste and diet. Cooking can be fun and easy!

Air Fryer Garlic Butter Green Beans

Elevate your meal with this delicious Air Fryer Garlic Butter Green Beans recipe! These vibrant green beans are tossed in a flavorful garlic butter mix and perfectly cooked in an air fryer for a tender yet crispy finish. In just 20 minutes, you can serve up a dish that's not only tasty but also quick to prepare. Click to explore the full recipe and make this tasty side dish for your next gathering!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed and rinsed

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted until just bubbling

4 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest

1 teaspoon sea salt

½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a kick)

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Begin by preheating your air fryer to 380°F (190°C). Allow it to heat for about 5 minutes to ensure optimal cooking conditions.

    In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the trimmed green beans, melted butter, minced garlic, lemon zest, sea salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if you prefer a bit of heat).

      Using your hands or a spatula, toss the green beans thoroughly in the butter mixture until they are well coated, ensuring every bean is flavored.

        Carefully pour the green beans into the air fryer basket, arranging them in a single layer. If your air fryer does not accommodate all the beans at once, work in batches to maintain even cooking.

          Cook the green beans in the air fryer for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to promote uniform crispness. They should be tender with a satisfying crunch.

            When finished, transfer the garlic butter green beans to a serving dish. For a vibrant touch, sprinkle with the chopped fresh parsley.

              Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

                - Presentation Tips: For an elegant touch, serve the green beans on a white platter, drizzling any remaining garlic butter from the bowl over the top and adding an extra sprinkle of parsley. You can also add a few lemon wedges on the side for a pop of color and freshness.