Air Fryer French Green Beans (Haricot Verts) Recipe

Craving a quick and healthy veggie side dish that’s packed with flavor? These Air Fryer French Green Beans, also known as Haricot Verts, are the perfect solution! With just a few simple ingredients and no need to preheat the air fryer, you’ll have perfectly roasted green beans in minutes. They’re crispy, tender, and so delicious — even picky eaters will be asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love Air Fryer French Green Beans

• These green beans come out perfectly roasted every time with a crisp exterior and soft center. The air fryer gives them that deep, roasted flavor without the need for a ton of oil. They’re so tasty, you’ll forget you’re eating vegetables. Even veggie skeptics will enjoy them!

• This recipe takes just 7 minutes in the air fryer, and there’s no preheating needed. With pre-washed and trimmed French green beans, prep time is practically zero. It’s a great choice for busy weeknights or a last-minute side. Just season, toss, and cook!

• These air fryer green beans are low in calories, high in fiber, and packed with nutrients. They’re made with just a touch of oil (or none at all if you prefer!). Perfect for clean eating, Whole30, keto, or any healthy lifestyle. You get all the flavor without compromising your goals.

• While salt and pepper keep it simple, you can easily switch up the seasoning. Try garlic powder, smoked paprika, or a sprinkle of parmesan. You can make them spicy, savory, or cheesy — whatever your taste buds are craving. One veggie, endless flavor possibilities!

• French green beans (Haricot Verts) have a naturally delicate appearance that makes them look fancy on any plate. Serve them at holiday dinners or dinner parties as a sophisticated side. They pair beautifully with meats, pastas, or other veggie dishes. Easy enough for everyday, pretty enough for special occasions!

Ingredients For Air Fryer French Green Beans

• French Green Beans (Haricot Verts) – These thin, tender green beans cook quickly and have a slightly sweeter flavor than regular green beans.

• Olive Oil (optional) – Adds a rich, roasted flavor and helps the seasonings stick.

• Salt – Brings out the natural flavor of the green beans.

• Pepper – Adds a subtle heat and enhances the overall taste.

For the exact measurements of the ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Air Fryer French Green Beans

• Air Fryer – Cooks the green beans quickly and evenly with a perfectly roasted texture.

• Measuring Spoons – Useful if you’re measuring olive oil or seasonings.

• Spatula – Handy for tossing the green beans in oil and seasoning and for shaking or stirring halfway through cooking.

How To Make Air Fryer French Green Beans

• Open a 1 lb package of pre-washed, trimmed French green beans (Haricot Verts) and place them directly into the air fryer basket.

• Drizzle with a bit of olive oil if you like extra flavor, but it’s totally optional.

• Sprinkle on some salt and pepper, or any seasonings you love, then toss to coat evenly.

• Set the air fryer to 400°F and cook for 7 minutes.

• Pause halfway through to shake the basket or stir with a spatula so they cook evenly.

• Once the time is up, check for tenderness. If you prefer them softer, air fry for an extra 1-2 minutes.

• Serve hot and enjoy your crispy, flavorful green beans!

Serving Suggestions

• These green beans go great with crispy chicken, beef brisket , or baked cod for a complete meal.

• Enjoy them with fluffy white rice, quinoa, or couscous for a healthy and satisfying combination.

• Chop and toss them into a fresh green salad for extra texture and flavor.

• Sprinkle with lemon zest, crushed red pepper, or shredded parmesan for an extra flavor boost.

• Serve on a platter at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter for an elegant veggie side.

Tips For Success

• Don’t overcrowd the basket – Make sure the green beans are spread out in a single layer as much as possible. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and soggy results. If you’re making a larger batch, cook in two batches for best texture. The air needs to circulate freely to get that perfect roasted finish.

• Use oil if you like extra flavor – While the recipe works without oil, a light drizzle of olive oil adds a richer, roasted taste. It also helps seasonings stick better. If you’re watching calories, you can skip it or use a spritz of cooking spray instead. Customize it to fit your diet and preferences.

• Shake halfway through – Don’t forget to shake the air fryer basket or stir with a spatula halfway through cooking. This helps the green beans cook evenly on all sides. It’s a quick step that makes a big difference in texture and browning. You’ll get a nice crisp on more of the beans.

• Taste test at the end – After the timer goes off, try one green bean to check if it’s done to your liking. Haricot Verts cook fast because they’re thinner than regular green beans. If you like them softer, just pop them back in the air fryer for another minute or two. You’re in control of the final texture!

• Customize the seasoning – This recipe is super flexible. Keep it classic with salt and pepper, or jazz it up with garlic powder, chili flakes, or a squeeze of lemon juice after cooking. You can even make them cheesy with a sprinkle of parmesan. There are endless ways to make this recipe your own!

Variations And Substitutions

• Try different oils – While olive oil is a classic, you can switch it up with avocado oil, sesame oil, or even garlic-infused oil. Each one gives the green beans a slightly different flavor twist. Avocado oil is great for high heat and has a neutral taste, while sesame oil adds a nutty Asian-inspired flavor. If you’re avoiding oil altogether, just skip it — the green beans will still crisp up nicely.

• Spice it up – Add a little kick by seasoning your green beans with red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or smoked paprika. For a garlicky version, sprinkle garlic powder or add minced garlic before air frying. Want a smoky BBQ vibe? Try a pinch of chipotle powder or a smoky seasoning blend. You can completely change the flavor profile with just one or two ingredients.

• Make it cheesy – Sprinkle freshly grated parmesan or nutritional yeast over the green beans after cooking for a cheesy twist. This adds a savory umami flavor that pairs beautifully with the crispy texture. You could also try crumbled feta or goat cheese for a creamy finish. Cheese lovers, this one’s for you!

• Add a touch of citrus – A squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a little lemon zest added after cooking gives the green beans a bright, fresh finish. It balances out the richness of the oil and adds a pop of flavor. You can even experiment with lime or orange zest for something different. Citrus makes them taste extra fancy with almost no effort.

• Use regular green beans – If you can’t find French green beans (Haricot Verts), regular green beans work just fine. Just note that they might need a minute or two longer in the air fryer due to their thicker size. Trim the ends and prep the same way for easy swapping. Still simple, still delicious!

Storage and Reheating

• Storage – Store any leftover air fryer French green beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3–4 days. Make sure they’re completely cooled before sealing to prevent excess moisture from making them soggy.

• Reheating – To reheat, place the green beans back in the air fryer at 375°F for 2–3 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy again. You can also microwave them for 30–60 seconds, but they won’t be as crisp. For best texture, the air fryer is the way to go.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular green beans instead of French green beans?

Yes! Regular green beans work well in this recipe. Just keep in mind that they’re usually thicker than Haricot Verts, so they may need a little more time in the air fryer. Add 1–2 minutes and check for doneness. Trim and prep them the same way as you would with French green beans.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer?

Nope! For this recipe, there’s no need to preheat the air fryer. The green beans go into the cold air fryer and still come out perfectly roasted. This saves time and makes the whole process even easier. Plus, it’s how we always do it for air fryer veggies!

How do I keep the green beans crispy after cooking?

To keep them crispy, serve the green beans right after they come out of the air fryer. If you’re not eating them immediately, keep them uncovered or loosely covered with foil to prevent steam from making them soggy. If needed, pop them back into the air fryer for a quick re-crisp. Avoid storing them in plastic containers while they’re still warm, as that traps moisture.

Can I double the recipe?

You can double the recipe, but it’s best to cook in two batches. Overcrowding the air fryer basket will cause the green beans to steam instead of roast, and they’ll lose their crisp texture. If you’re making a larger amount for a family meal or party, just plan on doing a second quick batch. Each one only takes 7 minutes, so it’s still fast!

Are these green beans good for meal prep?

Absolutely! Air fryer French green beans are great for meal prep. They store well in the fridge and can be quickly reheated for a healthy lunch or dinner side. Just reheat in the air fryer for the best texture. They’re also easy to pair with other proteins or grains in a meal prep container.

Other Easy Green Beans Recipes

Breaded Green Beans in the Air Fryer – These air fryer breaded green beans come out perfectly crispy and make a fun, healthier alternative to fries or chips.

Rotini Pasta with Sausage, Ricotta Cheese, and Green Beans – This hearty rotini pasta dish is loaded with savory sausage, creamy ricotta, and tender green beans for a satisfying family meal.

Tomato Green Bean Salad – Fresh green beans and juicy tomatoes are tossed with feta cheese for a light and flavorful salad that’s perfect for any season.

Cheesy Sweet Potato Bake with Tender Green Beans – This comforting bake combines sweet potatoes, melty cheese, and green beans into one delicious side dish.

Garlicky Green Beans – These green beans are sautéed with garlic for a simple, flavorful side that pairs well with any main course.

Pan-Sautéed Green Beans – Quick and easy, these green beans are cooked in a skillet for a crisp-tender texture and lightly seasoned taste.

Roasted Green Beans and Crispy Potatoes – Oven-roasted green beans and potatoes make a golden, crispy side that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday meals.

More Air Fryer Recipes

• Spring Rolls from Trader Joe’s
• Roasted Red Sweet Peppers in the Air Fryer
• Aldi Orange Chicken Air Fryer