Name: Air Fryer Frozen Green Beans
Prep time: 2 min
Cook time: 13 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound frozen green beans; 2 teaspoons olive or avocado oil; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon pepper; 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar - optional; ¼ cup parmesan cheese - optional

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Air Fryer Frozen Green Beans changed my mind about frozen vegetables. Keep reading to find out why!

I’ve got to admit straight up that I’ve never been a fan of frozen vegetables. I’ve probably been spoiled growing up in Arizona where fresh vegetables are available year-round. So the idea of canned or frozen ones never appealed to me. (Admittedly, frozen are definitely better than canned!)

air fryer frozen green beans horizontal cooked

But… we all have those nights. A hungry family just staring at you with that “what’s for dinner” look as you walk in the door from a very stressful and busy day. Air fryer frozen green beans to the rescue!

I have learned over the years to stock my freezer with veggies. Yes, you can teach an old dog new tricks! And frozen green beans are definitely one of my favorites. Especially now that I cook air fryer frozen green beans!

Are Air Fried Green Beans Healthy?

Green beans are a low-calorie, high-nutitional value food. They contain loads of antioxidants, which help fight the free radicals floating around in your body. And they also have tons of fiber to help with your digestive system.

The soluble fiber in green beans may also help lower your LDL cholesterol (the bad kind). This is great for your heart! They are also a good source of folate, which is great for a healthy pregnancy.

air fryer frozen green beans cooked on a plate vertical — Homemade Sauteed Cooked Green Beans with Garlic and Lemon

And air fried green beans are one of the healthiest ways to make them. There’s almost no oil, they’re a cinch to make (meaning you’ll probably make them more), and they retain virtually all of their nutritional value.

Yes, you can feel good about serving these air fryer frozen green beans to your family. Easy for you. Great for them!

Are Frozen Vegetables as Healthy as Fresh?

This is a great question. And one that has been studied fairly extensively. Here is a great article that goes into detail about whether frozen vegetables are as good for you as fresh.

But the bottom line is – yes! In general, frozen vegetables provide all the nutritional value that fresh vegetables do. In fact, some frozen vegetables like peas and green beans are actually better for you than fresh.

That’s because they are picked at peak freshness and then “frozen in time.” Now you know… your air fryer frozen green beans are just as healthy as fresh.

Do Frozen Foods Need Oil in the Air Fryer?

Technically, frozen foods do not require oil to be cooked in the air fryer. However, in my experience, they do turn out better when tossed in a little oil.

This is for two reasons. The oil will help crisp up the outside a bit while keeping the inside tender. And it also gives the seasonings something to hang on to. Whether you’re seasoning with just a little salt and pepper or going for the fabulous parmesan option (see seasonings options below), the oil will help evenly distribute the spices.

Ingredients For Success in This Recipe

Frozen Green Beans – You don’t even need to thaw them. (See full recipe below.)
Olive or Avocado Oil – I prefer avocado oil because it has a higher smoke point and works better in the air fryer. But either one will do.
Salt and Pepper – To taste.
Additional Options – Fresh parmesan cheese, Italian seasonings, cayenne pepper, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar are all good choices depending on your mood.

How to Make Air Fryer Frozen Green Beans

In a large bowl, toss green beans with oil and spices.
Cook in the air fryer at 380 degrees for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
Check for doneness. To add crispness, increase the temperature to 400 degrees and cook 3-4 extra minutes.
Optional – toss cooked green beans with fresh parmesan and Italian seasonings. Or drizzle with a little balsamic vinegar.

Tools Used in this Recipe

Now if you’re looking for something great to serve with these easy air fryer frozen green beans, try my air fryer sweet potato fries. And both of those go well with this air fryer tilapia. (Watch me make it here on my YouTube Cooking Show!)

Enjoy your healthy green beans that come together in less than 15 minutes. Yes, the air fryer convinced me… it’s quite all right to have frozen vegetables.