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Air Fryer Green Beans with Garlic Butter Sauce

Name: Air Fryer Green Beans with Garlic Butter Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 pound fresh green beans (trimmed); 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper (to taste); 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 3 cloves garlic (minced)

Author: Laurie Fleming
Published: February 7, 2024

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Get ready to fall in love with your veggies! These Air Fryer Green Beans with Garlic Butter Sauce are crisp-tender, packed with flavor, and tossed in a rich, garlicky butter that takes them to the next level. It’s a quick and irresistible side dish you’ll want to make again and again!

Crisp air-fried green beans tossed in golden garlic butter sauce, served in a bowl.

These Air Fryer Green Beans with Garlic Butter Sauce are a deliciously simple side dish that’s packed with flavor and comes together in minutes.

The green beans are air fried to perfection—tender with just the right amount of crisp—and then tossed in a rich, savory garlic butter sauce that elevates every bite.

It’s the perfect pairing for weeknight dinners, holiday meals, or anytime you want your veggies to steal the show. Quick, easy, and totally irresistible!

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

Bold Garlic Butter Flavor – The rich, savory sauce adds a delicious punch to every bite.
Quick & Easy – Ready in under 15 minutes with minimal prep and cleanup.
Perfect Texture – Air frying gives the green beans a crisp-tender bite that’s just right.
Versatile Side Dish – Pairs beautifully with chicken, steak, fish, or even vegetarian mains.
Crowd-Pleasing Favorite – Even picky eaters will want seconds of these flavorful green beans!

Air-fried green beans coated in rich garlic butter sauce, served warm in a bowl.

Ingredients Needed

Fresh green beans – Crisp, fresh green beans with ends removed.
Olive oil – Smooth olive oil for coating and crisping.
Salt and pepper – Classic seasonings to enhance natural flavor.
Butter – Creamy butter for rich garlic sauce.
Garlic – Fresh garlic for bold, aromatic flavor.

How To Make Garlic Butter Green Beans Air Fryer Recipe

How To Make Green Beans with Garlic Butter Sauce In Air Fryer

Step One: Trim the ends of the fresh green beans and wash them thoroughly. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Preheat your air fryer temperature to 380 degrees F (190 degrees C) for 3-5 minutes.

Step Two: In a large bowl, toss the green beans with olive oil until evenly coated.

Step Three: Place the coated green beans in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Set cook time for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. The green beans should be tender and slightly charred around the edges.

Green beans arranged in a single layer in an air fryer basket, cooking until tender with lightly charred edges.

Step Four: Prepare the garlic butter sauce while the green beans cook. In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant and golden brown, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat. Transfer the green beans to a serving bowl and pour the garlic butter sauce over them once the green beans are done cooking.

Golden air-fried green beans coated in garlic butter sauce, served hot in a bowl.

Garlic Butter Green Beans Air Fryer Recipe Tips

Use fresh green beans for the best texture—frozen may become soggy.
Trim the ends evenly so they cook at the same rate.
Don’t overcrowd the basket—cook in batches for crispier beans.
Shake the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking and browning.
Add the garlic butter after air frying to prevent the garlic from burning.
Want extra flavor? Sprinkle with grated Parmesan or red pepper flakes before serving.

Storing & Reheating

Storing: Allow the green beans to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes until warmed through and slightly crisp. You can also reheat in a skillet with a bit of butter for added flavor.

Air-fried green beans coated in garlic butter sauce, served crispy and golden in a bowl.

What To Serve With Air Fryer Garlic Green Beans

Air Fryer Garlic Green Beans pair beautifully with a variety of main dishes. They’re perfect alongside roasted chicken, grilled steak, or baked fish for a well-rounded meal.

For a lighter option, serve them with a hearty quinoa salad or a creamy pasta dish. You can also add them to your holiday spread as a flavorful side to turkey or ham. Their crisp-tender texture and savory garlic butter sauce elevate any meal, making them a versatile addition to your menu.

Air Fryer Garlic Green Beans Recipe Faqs

Can I use frozen green beans for this recipe? Yes! Frozen green beans work well, but be sure to thaw them first for best results. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.

Can I make these green beans without garlic? Absolutely! You can omit the garlic and still have delicious air-fried green beans. Try adding a different seasoning like onion powder, lemon zest, or Parmesan cheese for variation.

How do I keep the green beans crispy? Ensure the green beans are arranged in a single layer in the air fryer basket and avoid overcrowding. Shaking the basket halfway through cooking will help maintain their crispness.

Can I use butter alternatives? Yes! You can use olive oil or vegan butter as a substitute for unsalted butter, depending on your preference or dietary needs.

How can I make the garlic butter sauce more flavorful? Add herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley to the garlic butter sauce to enhance the flavor. A squeeze of lemon juice can also brighten the dish.

Golden brown air-fried green beans coated in rich garlic butter sauce, served in a bowl.

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