Step by step

Method

4 steps

1. 1

   Wash and thoroughly dry 1 lb fresh green beans, then trim the stem ends. Toss with 1–1½ tablespoons olive oil, ¾–1 teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and ½ teaspoon garlic powder if you want it, until every bean looks lightly coated — wet beans steam instead of blistering.

2. 2

   Preheat the air fryer to 375°F. Spread the beans in as close to a single layer as your basket allows; batch if they're piled deep.

3. 3

   Air fry 10–14 minutes, shaking halfway, until they're browned in spots and slightly shriveled but still tender-crisp when you bite one. Thinner beans finish closer to 10; thick or crowded ones need the full 14.

4. 4

   Taste for salt. Squeeze lemon over the top if you like, and serve hot or at room temp. You want snappy blistered green beans with sweet roasted spots — not limp khaki beans or raw crunchy ends.