📝 About This Recipe
Elevate your snack game with these irresistibly crunchy Green Bean Fries, a modern twist on a classic vegetable side that delivers all the satisfaction of a deep-fryer without the excess oil. Fresh, snappy green beans are coated in a savory blend of nutty Parmesan and toasted Panko breadcrumbs, then air-fried until golden and shatteringly crisp. Perfectly balanced with a hint of garlic and a zesty lemon-herb dipping sauce, these fries are the ultimate guilt-free appetizer for any gathering.
🥗 Ingredients
The Green Beans
- 1 pound Fresh Green Beans (trimmed and washed)
- 1/2 cup All-purpose Flour (for dredging)
- 2 Large Eggs (beaten)
- 1 tablespoon Water (to thin the egg wash)
The Crispy Coating
- 1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs (Japanese-style for extra crunch)
- 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese (finely grated)
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Smoked Paprika (for a hint of color and depth)
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt (plus more for seasoning)
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly cracked)
Zesty Lemon Aioli
- 1/2 cup Mayonnaise (high quality)
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon Lemon Zest (finely grated)
- 1 clove Garlic (minced or pressed)
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Chives (finely chopped)
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for at least 5 minutes to ensure it is hot and ready for the first batch.
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2
Prepare your dredging station using three shallow bowls: Fill the first with flour, the second with the beaten eggs and a tablespoon of water, and the third with a mixture of Panko, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
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3
Ensure your trimmed green beans are completely dry. Use a clean kitchen towel to pat them down; moisture is the enemy of a crispy coating.
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4
Working in small batches, toss a handful of green beans in the flour until lightly coated, shaking off any excess.
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5
Dip the floured beans into the egg wash, ensuring they are fully submerged and coated.
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6
Transfer the beans to the Panko-Parmesan mixture. Press the breading firmly onto each bean to ensure a thick, even crust.
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7
Place the breaded beans in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet while you finish the remaining beans. This prevents them from getting soggy while the air fryer heats.
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8
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil or avocado oil spray. Arrange the green beans in the basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching for maximum airflow.
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9
Air fry at 390°F for 5-6 minutes. Carefully flip the beans or shake the basket halfway through the cooking time.
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10
Cook for an additional 4-5 minutes until the coating is deeply golden brown and the beans inside are tender-crisp.
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11
While the beans are frying, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, zest, minced garlic, and chives in a small bowl to create the Zesty Lemon Aioli.
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12
Remove the fries from the air fryer and immediately sprinkle with a tiny pinch of kosher salt while they are still hot.
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13
Repeat the process with the remaining batches of green beans.
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14
Serve immediately while hot and crispy with the chilled lemon aioli on the side.
💡 Chef's Tips
Use fresh, snappy green beans rather than frozen; frozen beans release too much moisture and will result in a soggy crust. For an even crunchier texture, you can toast the Panko breadcrumbs in a dry skillet for 2 minutes before using them for breading. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket; if the beans are stacked, they will steam instead of crisping up. If you want a spicy kick, add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture. To keep the first batch warm while finishing the rest, place them on a wire rack in a 200°F oven.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Pair these fries with a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or a crisp craft pilsner. Serve as a unique side dish alongside a grilled ribeye steak or roasted chicken. Use them as a crunchy topping for a deconstructed Green Bean Casserole during the holidays. Offer a variety of dips like spicy sriracha mayo or a tangy balsamic glaze reduction. Serve as a healthy alternative to traditional potato fries during a weekend game night.