Air-Fried Perfectly Crunchy Green Beans

Ingredients

Estimated total cost: €4.45 · €1.11/serving

• 1 ripe lemon, medium-sized (use a zester to capture the flavorful zest)Est. price €0.35–€0.70
• 1 pound slender green beans, ends removed (approximately 5 cups) (blanch in boiling water for a vibrant color)Est. price €3.50–€6.00
• 2 cloves of garlic, finely grated (use a microplane for a smooth texture)Est. price €0.10–€0.25
• 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil (use a quality oil for enhanced flavor)Est. price €0.30–€0.60
• 1 teaspoon of Diamond Crystal or Morton kosher salt, plus extra (adjust to taste)Est. price €0.02–€0.05
• ½ teaspoon of freshly ground pepper, plus extra (for added seasoning)Est. price €0.03–€0.08
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for serving, if desired)Est. price €0.15–€0.40

Steps

1. 1

   Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Grate the zest of one medium lemon into a large mixing bowl. Slice the lemon into wedges and keep aside. Combine 1 pound of trimmed green beans (approximately 5 cups), 2 cloves of garlic finely grated, 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil, 1¼ teaspoons of Diamond Crystal or ¾ teaspoon of Morton kosher salt, and ¾ teaspoon of freshly ground pepper in the bowl. Toss the ingredients together until the green beans are thoroughly coated with the seasoning mixture.

2. 2

   Place the green bean mixture into the air fryer basket, ensuring they are spread out evenly. Air-fry them until they become browned in certain areas and reach a crisp-tender texture. Remember to shake the basket halfway through the cooking process. If your air fryer cannot accommodate all the green beans in one layer, you may need to cook them in two separate batches to ensure even cooking. This should take approximately 5-7 minutes.

3. 3

   After cooking the green beans, assess the seasoning and adjust with salt and pepper as necessary. Plate the green beans and optionally sprinkle them with a light dusting of finely grated Parmesan cheese. Accompany the dish with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over before serving.

Full steps, exact amounts, and Cook Mode are available after sign-in.

• Cultural note

  Air-fried crunchy green beans are a modern twist on a classic dish, offering a healthier alternative to traditional fried green beans. Green beans are commonly used in Mediterranean cuisine, and the addition of parmesan cheese adds a touch of Italian influence to the recipe.

• Seasonal note

  Green beans are typically in season during the summer months, making this dish perfect for a summer meal. Lemons are also abundant in the summer, adding a refreshing touch to the dish.

• Health note

  This dish is low in calories and a good source of fiber, promoting digestive health. The green beans provide vitamin C for immunity, while the olive oil offers healthy fats. However, the high sodium content should be noted for those watching their salt intake.