1-Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. This step is important because it helps the green beans start cooking immediately when they hit the basket, promoting better browning and a crispier texture. Most air fryers take just 2-3 minutes to preheat, so you can do this while you prepare the beans.

If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheat setting, simply run it at 400°F for about 3 minutes before adding the beans.

2-Step 2: Prepare the Green Beans
Start with 1 pound of fresh green beans. Rinse them thoroughly under cool running water and pat them dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture is essential because any water on the beans will create steam in the air fryer, preventing proper crisping.

Next, trim the ends. You can do this quickly by lining up several beans at once and snipping off both ends with a sharp knife, or simply snap them off by hand one at a time. If you’re using French green beans (haricots verts), they may not need trimming as they’re typically sold already trimmed.

3-Step 3: Season the Green Beans
Place the trimmed green beans in a large bowl. Add 1 teaspoon of olive oil, ¼ teaspoon of salt, and several grinds of fresh black pepper. Toss everything together until the beans are evenly coated with the oil and seasonings. Using your hands works well for this, or you can use tongs or a large spoon.

Make sure the beans are evenly coated but not swimming in oil. Too much oil will make them soggy rather than crispy. The beans should glisten slightly when properly coated.

4-Step 4: Arrange in the Air Fryer Basket
Transfer the seasoned green beans to your air fryer basket in a single layer. This is crucial for achieving the best texture. If the beans are piled on top of each other, they will steam rather than roast, resulting in a mushy texture instead of crispy perfection.

Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to work in batches. A standard 5-6 quart air fryer can typically hold 1 pound of green beans in one batch, but smaller models might require cooking in two batches for optimal results.

| Air Fryer Size | Batch Size | Cooking Time |
| — | — | — |
| 2-3 Quart | ½ pound per batch | 9-11 minutes per batch |
| 5-6 Quart | 1 pound single batch | 9-11 minutes |
| 8+ Quart | 1+ pounds | 9-11 minutes |

5-Step 5: Air Fry to Perfection
Cook the green beans at 400°F for 9 to 11 minutes. Halfway through cooking, around the 5-minute mark, give the basket a good shake or use tongs to toss the beans. This helps them cook evenly and develop browning on all sides.

Start checking for doneness at the 9-minute mark. You’re looking for beans that are tender when pierced with a fork but still have a slight snap when you bite into them. The exterior should have golden brown spots and slightly wrinkled skin.

If you prefer your beans more well-done, continue cooking in 1-minute increments until they reach your desired level of crispiness. Just keep an eye on them to prevent burning.

6-Step 6: Finish and Serve
Once the beans are cooked to your liking, remove them from the air fryer and transfer to a serving dish. Taste and add more salt if needed. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the warm beans and serve immediately while they’re at their best texture.

The lemon juice adds a bright, fresh element that balances the savory seasonings and brings out the natural sweetness of the green beans. Serve alongside your favorite main dish, such as balsamic chicken breast for a complete, healthy meal.