Crispy Air Fryer Green Beans and Potatoes: Your New Favorite Easy Side Dish
Discover the magic of air frying with this incredibly simple yet utterly delicious recipe for Air Fryer Green Beans and Potatoes. This side dish is designed for busy weeknights, offering a perfect blend of crispy textures and savory flavors that will impress everyone at the table. If you’re searching for a quick, healthy, and satisfying accompaniment to any meal, look no further. These air fried vegetables are seasoned to perfection, becoming tender on the inside and wonderfully crisp on the outside, all with minimal effort. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and easily adaptable for a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle!
This versatile and easy side dish pairs beautifully with a wide variety of main courses. Consider serving it alongside a juicy Air Fryer Steak, a flavorful Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken, or even grilled fish. It’s a fantastic way to add vibrant green vegetables and hearty potatoes to your dinner rotation without the fuss of traditional cooking methods.
For those with a Ninja Foodi, this recipe is a perfect addition to your list of Ninja Foodi Recipes too, as the air crisp function works wonderfully!
Why You’ll Love This Crispy Air Fryer Side Dish
- **Effortlessly Crispy:** The air fryer achieves an unbeatable crispy texture on both the green beans and potatoes, mimicking deep-frying without excessive oil.
- **Quick & Convenient:** Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s ideal for hectic weeknights when time is precious.
- **Healthy & Nutritious:** A great way to incorporate fresh vegetables into your diet with minimal added fat. Naturally gluten-free and can be made vegan.
- **Bursting with Flavor:** Simple seasonings like garlic salt elevate the natural taste of the vegetables.
- **Versatile Pairing:** Complements almost any main course, from poultry and red meat to fish and plant-based proteins.
What Ingredients Do You Need for Air Fryer Green Beans and Potatoes?
Creating this delicious air fryer side dish requires just a few simple ingredients, many of which you likely already have on hand. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the way the air fryer transforms these everyday vegetables into something extraordinary.
- **Trimmed Green Beans or Frozen Green Beans:** Fresh, crisp green beans are wonderful, but frozen options work equally well for convenience. We’ll discuss the best choice for you below.
- **Baby Yukon Gold Potatoes:** These small, creamy potatoes are perfect for air frying as they cook quickly and evenly. Halving them ensures maximum surface area for crisping.
- **Garlic Salt:** A fundamental seasoning that adds a savory depth and aromatic flavor. You can adjust the amount to your preference.
- **Olive Oil Cooking Spray:** Essential for achieving that coveted crispy exterior without drenching the vegetables in oil. It helps the seasonings adhere and promotes browning.
- **Optional Additions for Extra Flavor:** Consider elevating your dish with:
- **Shredded Bacon:** Adds a smoky, salty crunch.
- **Lemon Wedges:** A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the flavors at the end.
- **Parmesan Cheese:** A sprinkle of grated Parmesan after cooking offers a salty, umami kick.
- **Fresh Rosemary or Parsley:** Chopped fresh herbs add a lovely aromatic finish.
Can You Put Raw Potatoes in an Air Fryer? Absolutely!
Yes, raw potatoes are perfectly suited for cooking in an air fryer, and it’s one of the best ways to get them perfectly crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. The circulating hot air in the air fryer cooks them efficiently and evenly. For this recipe, small potatoes like baby Yukon Golds are ideal because they cook relatively quickly alongside the green beans.
When air frying raw potatoes, it’s crucial to cut them into similar-sized pieces to ensure uniform cooking. For baby potatoes, simply halving them is often sufficient. Larger potatoes might need to be quartered or cut into 1-inch cubes. Spreading them in as even a single layer as possible in your air fryer basket allows the hot air to circulate freely around each piece, promoting maximum crispiness. Our recipe calls for cooking them at 390 degrees F for 25 minutes, which is generally ample time for tender potatoes with crispy edges. You can easily combine them with other ingredients like fresh green beans for a complete side dish.
If you’re a fan of perfectly baked potatoes, you absolutely must check out these Air Fryer Baked Potatoes. They come out incredibly fluffy every time, and honestly, it’s the only way we make baked potatoes these days! The air fryer consistently delivers superior results compared to a traditional oven for many potato dishes.
What Type of Green Beans Should You Use? Fresh vs. Frozen
For the absolute best results in terms of texture and vibrant color, fresh green beans that have been trimmed or snapped are highly recommended for this recipe. They tend to achieve a better crisp-tender bite and a brighter flavor. To prepare fresh green beans, simply snap off the stem end; the tail end will naturally break off with it if you bend the bean, or you can trim both ends with a knife.
However, if convenience is your top priority, or if fresh green beans aren’t readily available, you can certainly use frozen green beans. The good news is there’s no need to thaw or defrost them beforehand! Simply pour the frozen green beans directly into the air fryer basket with the potatoes. Keep in mind that frozen green beans may release a bit more moisture, which can slightly affect the overall crispiness compared to fresh. If using thinner fresh green beans, you might consider adding them to the air fryer about 5-7 minutes *after* the potatoes have started cooking to prevent them from becoming overcooked or too soft. This ensures both vegetables reach their ideal tenderness and crispness simultaneously.
Can You Use Aluminum Foil in the Air Fryer? Safety First!
Using aluminum foil or parchment paper in your air fryer basket can be a fantastic way to simplify cleanup, especially when cooking dishes like these Air Fryer Green Beans and Potatoes that might leave small bits or residue. However, it’s crucial to use them safely to prevent any issues with your appliance or food.
When using aluminum foil or air fryer-specific parchment paper liners (or even silicone air fryer mats), always ensure they are weighed down by the food before starting the air fryer. The powerful circulating air can easily blow lightweight foil or paper into the heating element, which can be a fire hazard or damage your air fryer. Make sure the liner doesn’t block too much of the airflow from the sides or bottom, as this is how the air fryer cooks efficiently. Silicone mats are a great reusable option that stays put more easily and is effective for preventing sticking.
Always consult your air fryer’s manual, as some manufacturers may have specific recommendations or warnings regarding the use of liners. Generally, if used correctly, liners can make your air frying experience even more convenient by keeping your basket cleaner.
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How Do You Make Air Fryer Green Beans and Potatoes? Step-by-Step Guide
Making this delightful side dish in your air fryer is incredibly straightforward. Follow these steps for perfectly crispy and tender results every time:
- **Prepare the Vegetables:** Begin by preparing your green beans and potatoes. If using fresh green beans, ensure they are trimmed. For baby Yukon Gold potatoes, simply halve them. For larger potatoes, cut them into 1-inch pieces to ensure even cooking.
- **Preheat (Optional but Recommended):** While not strictly necessary, preheating your air fryer to 390°F (199°C) for 3-5 minutes can help achieve extra crispiness and more consistent cooking from the start.
- **Prepare the Air Fryer Basket:** Lightly coat the basket of your air fryer with olive oil cooking spray. This prevents sticking and contributes to the crispy texture. If using a liner, ensure it’s securely placed and weighed down by food.
- **Load the Basket:** Place the prepared green beans and potatoes into the air fryer basket. Try to arrange them in as even a single layer as possible. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can steam the vegetables instead of air frying them, leading to soggy results. If necessary, cook in batches.
- **Season Generously:** Evenly sprinkle the garlic salt over the vegetables. If you’re using optional additions like shredded bacon, add them now. For a bright finish, consider a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of fresh herbs *after* cooking.
- **Spray with Oil:** Give the seasoned vegetables another light coat of olive oil cooking spray. This helps the seasonings adhere and promotes browning and crispiness.
- **Air Fry:** Set your air fryer to 390°F (199°C) and cook for 25 minutes.
- **Shake & Check:** It’s highly suggested to shake or stir the ingredients halfway through the cooking time (around the 12-13 minute mark). This ensures all sides get exposed to the hot air, leading to even browning and crispiness. At this point, you can also add an additional light spray of olive oil if the vegetables look dry.
- **Test for Doneness:** All air fryers heat differently, so it’s always wise to check on the food during the cooking time to be sure it is not overcooked. The potatoes should be fork-tender and the green beans crisp-tender. Both should have lovely golden-brown, crispy edges. If they need more time, continue cooking in 3-5 minute intervals.
- **Serve:** Once done, carefully remove the crispy air fried green beans and potatoes from the basket. They can be served directly or transferred to a large bowl, where you can toss them with additional seasonings if preferred, such as a pinch of salt, freshly ground black pepper, or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Expert Tips for Perfectly Crispy Air Fryer Green Beans and Potatoes
- **Don’t Overcrowd:** This is the golden rule of air frying! Overfilling the basket restricts airflow, leading to steamed instead of crispy vegetables. Cook in batches if necessary.
- **Even Sizing:** Cut your potatoes into uniform pieces so they cook at the same rate. This ensures no pieces are undercooked or overcooked.
- **Oil is Key (but not too much):** A light, even coating of oil spray is essential for crisping and flavor. Too much oil can make them greasy; too little results in dry, less crispy veggies.
- **Shake, Shake, Shake:** Tossing the basket halfway through the cooking process is crucial for even browning and ensures all surfaces get that crispy finish.
- **Adjust for Your Air Fryer:** Cooking times and temperatures can vary between different air fryer models. Get to know your appliance and adjust accordingly. Start checking for doneness a few minutes before the suggested time.
- **Season Generously:** Don’t be shy with the garlic salt! You can also experiment with other spices like onion powder, paprika, dried herbs (rosemary, thyme), or a dash of cayenne for heat.
How Do You Store Leftovers?
If you happen to have any leftovers of these delicious air fried green beans and potatoes (which is rare!), they can be stored easily. Once they have cooled completely to room temperature, transfer them to an airtight container. Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. While they won’t be as crispy as freshly made, they’ll still retain great flavor.
When you’re ready to reheat, the air fryer is your best friend for bringing back some of that original crispiness. Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees F (175°C) and reheat the leftovers for 3-5 minutes, or until thoroughly heated through and starting to crisp up again. Avoid using a microwave, as it will make them soggy.
These Air Fryer Green Beans and Potatoes are truly the perfect easy air fryer side dish – they consistently come out crispy, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying every single time. Whether you’re pairing them with your favorite weeknight dinner or simply enjoying the mixture as a wonderful, light vegetarian meal, they are sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire. Give them a try and taste the difference!
Air Fryer Green Beans and Potatoes
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Ingredients
- 12 oz Fresh or Frozen Trimmed Green Beans
- 2 Pounds Baby Yellow Gold Potatoes Halved (or cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 1/2 Tsp Garlic Salt
- Olive Oil Cooking Spray
- 2 Tbsp Shredded Bacon (Optional, for non-vegetarian version)
- Freshly ground black pepper, fresh lemon juice, or parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Instructions
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Lightly spray the basket of your air fryer (or Ninja Foodi with air crisp function) with olive oil cooking spray.
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Place the halved baby potatoes and trimmed green beans into the basket, ensuring they are spread out as much as possible in a single layer to avoid overcrowding.
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If using, sprinkle the shredded bacon over the vegetables now.
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Evenly sprinkle the garlic salt over the potatoes and green beans.
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Coat all the ingredients lightly with another spray of olive oil cooking spray. You can also give the basket a good shake to distribute seasoning and oil.
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Set the air fryer to 390°F (199°C) and cook for 25 minutes.
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Halfway through the cooking time (around 12-13 minutes), open the air fryer basket and give it a good shake or stir the vegetables to ensure even cooking and crisping. Check for doneness and add an additional light spray of olive oil if needed.
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Continue air frying until potatoes are fork-tender and have crispy edges, and green beans are crisp-tender with a slight char. Adjust cooking time by a few minutes if your air fryer cooks hotter or cooler.
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Serve immediately, garnished with fresh lemon wedges, grated Parmesan, or chopped parsley if desired. Enjoy your crispy air fryer green beans and potatoes!
Notes
**Green Bean Timing:** If you are using very thin fresh green beans or prefer them less cooked, you can add them to the air fryer about 5-7 minutes after the potatoes have started cooking. This prevents them from becoming overly soft while the potatoes finish cooking.
**Custom Seasoning:** Feel free to experiment with your favorite spices! A pinch of onion powder, paprika, or a dash of chili flakes can add a wonderful twist to these crispy vegetables.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Green Beans and Potatoes
Do I need to parboil the potatoes before air frying?
No, you do not need to parboil the potatoes for this recipe, especially if you’re using baby potatoes or cutting larger ones into 1-inch pieces. The air fryer cooks them efficiently from raw to fork-tender and crispy in about 25 minutes. Parboiling is an extra step that isn’t necessary for achieving delicious results with this method, saving you time and effort.
Can I use different types of potatoes?
While baby Yukon Gold potatoes are recommended for their creamy texture and quick cooking time, you can certainly experiment with other varieties. Red potatoes or small creamer potatoes also work well. If using larger russet or baking potatoes, make sure to cut them into consistent 1-inch cubes or wedges to ensure they cook evenly and crisp up properly. The cooking time might vary slightly based on the potato type and size.
How can I make my air fryer green beans and potatoes even crispier?
For maximum crispiness, follow these tips:
- **Don’t Overcrowd:** Give your vegetables space in the air fryer basket for optimal air circulation. Cook in smaller batches if needed.
- **Even Oil Coating:** Ensure all surfaces are lightly coated with olive oil spray. This is essential for browning.
- **Shake Frequently:** Shake the basket every 8-10 minutes to expose different sides to the heat.
- **Preheat:** A preheated air fryer can contribute to a crispier exterior right from the start.
- **Pat Dry:** If using fresh green beans, ensure they are thoroughly dry before adding oil and seasoning. Excess moisture can lead to steaming rather than crisping.
Are Air Fryer Green Beans and Potatoes a healthy side dish?
Absolutely! This recipe is a fantastic healthy side dish option. It uses fresh, wholesome vegetables cooked with minimal oil in the air fryer, which significantly reduces the fat content compared to traditional frying methods. Green beans are packed with vitamins and fiber, while potatoes provide essential carbohydrates and potassium. It’s naturally gluten-free, and if you omit the optional bacon, it’s also a wonderful vegetarian and vegan-friendly meal or side.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can do some light prep ahead of time. You can wash and trim the green beans and halve or chop the potatoes a day in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. However, it’s best to season and air fry them just before serving to achieve the best crispy texture. Cooked leftovers can be stored and reheated as described in the “Storing and Reheating Leftovers” section.
What are some other seasoning ideas?
Beyond garlic salt, here are a few ideas to customize your Air Fryer Green Beans and Potatoes:
- **Italian Herbs:** Add dried oregano, basil, and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- **Smoked Paprika:** For a smoky flavor and beautiful color.
- **Lemon Herb:** A mix of dried dill, thyme, and a generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice after cooking.
- **Spicy Kick:** A dash of cayenne pepper or chili powder.
- **Everything Bagel Seasoning:** For a trendy and savory twist.
- **Ranch Seasoning:** A packet of dry ranch seasoning mix can add a zesty, herbaceous flavor.