Crispy, flavorful, and packed with nutrients, these delectable Chinese-Style Air Fryer Green Beans are a family favorite of ours when it comes to easy side dishes. With the advent of air fryers, preparing these delightful treats has become even easier and healthier.
Air frying offers a healthier alternative to traditional deep frying, as it uses significantly less oil while still achieving that coveted crispiness. By circulating hot air around the food, air fryers create a similar texture to deep frying, but with a fraction of the oil.
In this article, we will delve into the art of making Chinese-Style Air Fryer Green Beans, exploring the flavors, techniques, and benefits they offer.
Before we dive into the recipe, it’s worth mentioning that these Chinese-Style Air Fryer Green Beans have only 1 WW point!
Why You Should Try This Air Fryer Green Bean Recipe
- Health benefits. Green beans are a nutritional powerhouse. Rich in fiber, vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like potassium and folate, green beans contribute to a balanced and healthy diet. Air frying the green beans instead of deep-frying them helps retain these nutrients while reducing the overall oil content, making it an excellent choice for health-conscious individuals. Air frying requires minimal oil, which helps to preserve the nutritional value of the green beans.
- Quick and convenient. Air fryers are known for their speed and convenience. They preheat quickly and cook food faster than traditional ovens, making them a great option for busy individuals or those who want to prepare a quick and healthy snack or side dish. Plus, air fryers are relatively easy to clean, especially when compared to deep fryers. Most air fryer baskets and trays have a non-stick coating, which makes them easy to wipe clean. This means less time spent on cleanup and more time to enjoy your perfect Air Fryer Green Beans!
- Versatile seasoning options. Air fryer green beans can be seasoned with a variety of herbs, spices, or even sauces to enhance their flavor. You can experiment with different flavors such as garlic powder, lemon pepper, paprika, or nutritional yeast to create a taste that suits your preferences. Air frying green beans gives them a deliciously crispy exterior while maintaining a tender interior. This combination of textures makes them a satisfying snack or side dish that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a dipping sauce.
Chinese-Style Air Fryer Green Beans Recipe Overview
Prep time: 5 min
Cooking time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Serves: 4
Ingredients
- 2 cups green beans, ends trimmed
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Chinese Five-spice powder
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
How to Make Air Fryer Green Beans (step by step)
- Thoroughly combine the green beans, garlic, Chinese Five-spice powder, oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes.
- Transfer green beans to the air fryer cooking basket.
- Cook your green beans at 380 degrees for about 10 minutes shaking the basket halfway through to promote even cooking. Work in batches, if needed.
- Serve warm, garnished with sesame seeds. Enjoy!
Variations and Substitutions
- Add more heat to your dish by tossing the green beans with Sichuan peppercorns, dried red chili flakes, and a dash of chili oil. The result will be a mouthwatering, spicy version of the dish.
- For a sweet and savory twist, mix together hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and a little agave nectar. Toss the green beans in this glaze before air frying, and you’ll have a deliciously sticky and flavorful dish.
- After air frying the green beans, sprinkle them with chopped peanuts and drizzle with a little peanut oil. This will add a nutty flavor and a nice crunch to the dish.
- Prepare a simple teriyaki sauce using soy sauce, mirin, and a touch of sugar. Toss the air-fried green beans in the teriyaki sauce until coated, then sprinkle with sliced green onions for garnish.
- If you’re looking for a gluten-free option or want to reduce sodium, you can replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
- While air frying requires minimal oil, you can experiment with different oils for flavor variations. Instead of using sesame oil, try olive oil, chili oil, or even coconut oil to add a unique taste to the dish.
Tips and Tricks
- Look for fresh, vibrant green beans with a firm texture. Avoid limp or discolored beans as they won’t yield the best results. Rinse the green beans thoroughly under cold water and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
- In a bowl, toss the green beans with a drizzle of sesame oil or any other oil of your choice. Season with Chinese-inspired spices and herbs. Make sure the beans are evenly coated.
- Place the seasoned green beans in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Crowding the basket can lead to uneven cooking, so if necessary, cook them in batches.
- After the initial cooking time, check the green beans for doneness. They should be crispy and tender. If needed, cook them for another few minutes, but be cautious not to let them burn.
- If you want to elevate the flavor, consider adding additional toppings after cooking. Sprinkle some nutritional yeast flakes, toasted almonds, or a squeeze of lemon juice for a zesty twist.
- Air-fried green beans are best enjoyed when they are fresh and hot. Serve them as a side dish alongside your favorite main course.
Related Recipes
Chinese-Style Air Fryer Green Beans
Crispy, flavorful, and packed with nutrients, these delectable Chinese-Style Air Fryer Green Beans are my family favorite when it comes to easy side dishes.
Equipment
- 1 Air fryer
Ingredients
- 2 cups green beans, ends trimmed
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Chinese Five-spice powder
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
Instructions
- Thoroughly combine the green beans, garlic, Chinese Five-spice powder, oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes.
- Transfer green beans to the air fryer cooking basket.
- Cook your green beans at 380 degrees for about 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to promote even cooking. Work in batches, if needed.
- Serve warm, garnished with sesame seeds. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Serving: 67gCalories: 73kcalCarbohydrates: 5.3gProtein: 1.7gFat: 5.5gSaturated Fat: 0.8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 2.1gSodium: 66mgPotassium: 142mgFiber: 1.7gSugar: 2.5gVitamin A: 8.4IUCalcium: 26mgIron: 0.8mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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