This Air Fryer Green Bean Casserole brings a modern twist to a beloved classic, delivering crispy, creamy perfection in just 20 minutes. With only 209 calories per serving and packed with essential nutrients like fiber and vitamins, it’s a guilt-free version that doesn’t compromise on taste.
The air fryer method ensures those signature crispy edges while maintaining the comforting, creamy center that makes this dish a family favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Fresh Green Beans: 1.5 pounds, ends trimmed for perfect length
- Mushrooms: 2 cups, finely diced for even texture
- Onion: 1 cup, diced for aromatic base
- Oil: 1 tablespoon, for sautéing
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 tablespoons, creates perfect thickness
- Vegetable Broth: 3/4 cup, adds savory depth
- Coconut Milk: 1 can full-fat, creates creamy texture
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Beans: Boil green beans for 5-7 minutes, then give them an ice bath to maintain that lovely crisp texture
- Create the Base: Warm oil in skillet and sauté onions and mushrooms until they’re beautifully soft
- Make it Creamy: Sprinkle flour over vegetables, then blend in broth and coconut milk for a luxurious sauce
- Layer and Arrange: Place green beans in an oiled air fryer-safe dish, top with your creamy mixture
- Air Fry to Perfection: Cook at 370°F for 15 minutes until bubbly and delightful
- Serve with Joy: Enjoy your creation while warm and creamy
Cooking Techniques
This recipe combines two great cooking methods – boiling and air frying! The quick boil gives your green beans that perfect tender-crisp texture, while the air fryer creates a wonderful finish without the need for heavy cream or fried onions. The cold water rinse after boiling (called blanching) keeps your beans bright green and stops them from getting too soft.
Variations & Substitutions
Want to change things up? You can swap the coconut milk with unsweetened almond milk or cashew cream for a different twist. Don’t have fresh mushrooms? Use rehydrated dried mushrooms – they add amazing flavor! For extra crunch, sprinkle some crushed nuts or gluten-free breadcrumbs on top before air frying. If you’re not dairy-free, regular milk works just as well as coconut milk.
Storage Tips
Your green bean casserole will stay fresh in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to reheat, pop it back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes – this keeps the veggies from getting soggy. The coconut milk sauce might thicken up after cooling, so add a splash of vegetable broth when reheating if needed.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy green bean casserole makes a perfect side dish for any meal! It pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, turkey, or plant-based protein. Want to make it a complete meal? Serve it over brown rice or quinoa. Add some crushed red pepper flakes at the table for a spicy kick, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten up all the flavors.
Air Fryer Green Bean Casserole
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Skillet
- Pot
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs fresh green beans ends trimmed
- 2 cups mushrooms diced
- 1 cup onion diced
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 2 tablespoons flour all purpose or gluten free
- 3/4 cup vegetable broth
- 1 can coconut milk full fat
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
- Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the green beans and boil for 5 to 7 minutes, then rinse in cold water to stop the cooking process. Set beans aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, warm the oil and sauté the onions and mushrooms until softened.
- Sprinkle flour over the skillet mixture. Stir to combine.
- Add vegetable broth and coconut milk to the skillet.
- Put cooked green beans in an oiled oven safe dish (that fits in your air fryer). Top the beans with the skillet mixture.
- Air Fry at 370 degrees F/171C for about 15 minutes.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
