Air Fryer Green Beans Almondine: A 20-Minute Healthy Recipe

Air fryer green beans almondine is a fantastic side dish that’s both simple and delicious. Just toss fresh green beans and almonds into your air fryer and cook them at 375°F for about 10 minutes. It’s an easy way to add a tasty and nutritious touch to any meal!

I’m very happy to share my favorite recipe for green beans almondine. Whether you’re looking for an easy side dish or a new way to use your air fryer green beans, this recipe is perfect for any occasion.

What You Need to Know Before Starting

Selecting fresh ingredients is crucial for this recipe. Fresh green beans should be firm and bright in color, without any brown spots or signs of wilting.

This ensures they crisp up nicely in the air fryer and maintain a tender bite. For almonds, I prefer whole natural almonds that I slice myself for the freshest flavor and best texture.

This dish is naturally gluten-free and can easily be adapted for vegan preferences by substituting the butter with olive oil, making it suitable for various dietary needs.

Ingredients List

To make you will need:

• 1 pound of fresh green beans, ends trimmed
• 1/2 cup of sliced almonds
• 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter (or olive oil for a vegan option)
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Ingredients for Flavor Variations

• 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes for a little spice
• 1 tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese for a savory touch (omit for vegan version)

Essential Equipment

The recipe its simplicity, both in preparation and the equipment needed. Here’s what you should have on hand:

• An air fryer, which is the star of this recipe, allowing the green beans to get crispy without much oil.
• A cutting board and a sharp knife for prepping your ingredients.
• A mixing bowl for tossing the green beans with oil and seasonings.

How to Make Air Fryer Green Beans Almondine

Preparing Your Ingredients

1. Trim the Ends: Start by trimming the ends off each green bean. This removes the tough, fibrous parts, ensuring every bite is tender.

2. Wash Thoroughly: Rinse the trimmed green beans under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Pat them dry with a towel to minimize moisture, which helps in achieving the perfect crispness in the air fryer.

Blanching the Green Beans

3. Boil Water: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. This high heat will quickly cook the outer layer of the beans.

4. Blanch Green Beans: Add the green beans to the boiling water for about 2 minutes. Blanching halts enzyme actions which can cause loss of flavor and color.

5. Ice Bath: Immediately transfer the blanched green beans to a bowl of ice water. This stops the cooking process, preserving their bright green color and crisp texture.

Toasting the Almonds

6. Air Fryer Method: For those using an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Spread the sliced almonds in a single layer in the air fryer basket and toast for 3-4 minutes or until golden.

7. Skillet Method: Alternatively, toast the almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir frequently to prevent burning, until they are golden and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.

Combining Ingredients in the Air Fryer

8. Combine Ingredients: In the same air fryer, add the blanched green beans, toasted almonds, minced garlic, and butter. Toss well to ensure even coating.

9. Cook: Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook for about 6-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.

10. Season: After cooking, add lemon zest, lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything together to distribute the flavors evenly.

Essential Note: Always preheat your air fryer for a few minutes before adding the ingredients. This ensures that the cooking process starts immediately and helps achieve the best texture and flavor in your dishes.

Tips for Perfect Green Beans Almondine

Achieving the best flavor and texture in your green beans almondine involves a few key practices:

• Even Blanching: Ensure all green beans are submerged evenly during blanching to cook uniformly. This step is crucial for achieving the ideal texture.
• Proper Drying: After blanching and before frying, thoroughly dry the green beans. Excess water can steam the beans in the air fryer, preventing them from crisping.
• Balanced Seasoning: While seasoning, be cautious not to overpower the delicate flavor of the green beans. A light touch with salt, pepper, and lemon zest enhances the natural flavors without dominating them.

Preventing Common Mistakes

• Avoid Overcrowding: Don’t overcrowd your air fryer basket. Air needs to circulate freely to crisp the beans evenly.
• Watch the Cooking Time: Keep a close eye on your air fryer, as cooking times can vary based on model and quantity. Overcooking can lead to dried-out beans.
• Toast Almonds Separately: Toasting the almonds separately ensures they achieve a golden color without burning, as they cook faster than the beans.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Green beans almondine pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes, making it versatile for both festive and casual meals:

• Main Dishes: Serve alongside roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or a steak. The nutty crunch of the almonds complements these proteins beautifully.
• Festive Meals: For a holiday dinner, green beans almondine adds a touch of elegance without requiring extensive prep time. It pairs well with turkey, ham, or roast beef.
• Casual Dinners: Include it as part of a weeknight dinner with a simple pasta dish or a vegetarian platter. It’s light yet flavorful, adding a sophisticated touch without complexity.

Pro Tip: To keep the dish vibrant and fresh, add the lemon zest and juice just before serving. This last-minute addition gives a burst of freshness that lifts the whole dish.

FAQs about Air Fryer Cooking Instructions

Final Words

I hope you find the air fryer green beans almondine recipe as delightful and easy to prepare as I do. With its quick preparation and delicious outcome, it’s perfect for any day of the week.

Whether you’re new to cooking green beans in an air fryer or looking to perfect how to toast almonds, this quick air fryer recipe simplifies the process.

I would love to hear how your dish turns out! Feel free to share your experience and photos on social media. Your feedback helps me improve and provides insights for future recipes.

More Air Fryer Vegetable Recipes, That Are Healthy

• Air Fryer Roasted Garlic Cloves
• Air Fryer Stuffed Artichokes
• Air Fryer Parmesan Zucchini Fritters
• Air Fryer Spicy Green Beans
• Garlic Parmesan Green Beans Air Fryer

See all in at KitGiz for Air Fryer recipes.

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