Green bean casserole is a beloved Thanksgiving side dish for many families. This classic combo of green beans cream of mushroom soup, and fried onions is comforting, easy to make and pairs well with holiday meals.
But with more home cooks using air fryers for quick and convenient cooking. a common question is can you make green bean casserole in an air fryer?
The answer is yes you absolutely can cook green bean casserole in an air fryer! Air frying speeds up the cooking time while still delivering that iconic crispy fried onion topping.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll explain how to make easy air fryer green bean casserole step-by-step. I’ll also share tips for the best results, plus answers to common questions about cooking this casserole in an air fryer.
Benefits of Using an Air Fryer for Green Bean Casserole
Cooking green bean casserole in an air fryer offers several advantages:
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Faster cooking – Air frying cuts cooking time nearly in half compared to oven baking.
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Crispy onions – The air fryer makes the fried onion topping deliciously crispy.
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No oven heating – You can use the air fryer for sides and leave the oven free for turkey or ham.
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Custom batches – It’s easy to make personal or smaller servings in the air fryer.
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Make-ahead – Assemble casseroles in advance and air fry straight from frozen.
With an air fryer, you can enjoy quick and easy homemade green bean casserole any night of the week!
Ingredients Needed
To make air fryer green bean casserole, you’ll need:
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1⁄2 cup milk
- 4 cups cooked cut green beans, drained
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1⁄2 tsp each salt, pepper, garlic powder
- 1 1⁄2 cups French’s crispy fried onions
You can use fresh green beans, frozen beans, or drained canned beans. Feel free to tweak the seasonings to your tastes too.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here is a simple step-by-step guide for making green bean casserole in an air fryer:
1. Mix filling
In a bowl, stir together the soup, milk, green beans, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
2. Transfer to baking dish
Pour the bean mixture into a round or oval oven-safe baking dish. Make sure the dish fits in your air fryer basket.
3. Top with onions
Sprinkle 1 cup of the crispy fried onions evenly over the casserole. Gently press them into the beans.
4. Air fry
Place dish in air fryer basket. Set temperature to 400°F and cook 10 minutes.
5. Finish with onions
Remove dish, top with remaining 1⁄2 cup onions and air fry 3 more minutes until crisp.
That’s it! Your green bean casserole is ready to enjoy piping hot.
Tips for the Best Results
Here are some tips and tricks for perfect air fryer green bean casserole:
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Use an oven-safe dish that fits in your air fryer – ceramic, glass, or metal all work well.
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Don’t overfill dish or beans may not cook evenly – leave 1-inch headspace.
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Stir casserole halfway during cooking to redistribute onions for even crisping.
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Add crisp onions just during air frying to prevent sogginess.
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Adjust cook times as needed based on your air fryer model and batch size.
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Brush dish with oil or spray with cooking spray for easy removal after air frying.
With the right techniques, the air fryer delivers tender beans and crispy fried onions in way less time!
FAQs About Air Fryer Green Bean Casserole
Here are answers to some common questions about making this holiday casserole in an air fryer:
What temperature and time should I use?
Cook at 400°F for 10 minutes then add the last of the onions and cook 3 more minutes. Times may vary based on amount.
Can it be made completely in advance?
Yes! Assemble the casserole up to 3 days before and refrigerate. When ready, air fry straight from fridge.
Do the green beans need to be cooked first?
No, canned or frozen green beans can go right into the casserole raw. The air frying will cook them through.
Should onions go on the bottom or top?
Always put the onions on top. This prevents them from getting soggy during cooking.
Can I double the recipe for a bigger batch?
Yes, just use a larger baking dish and add a minute or two to the cooking time.
Can I use fresh green beans?
Absolutely! Trim ends, cut into 1-2 inch pieces, and increase air fry time by 2-3 minutes.
Make Restaurant-Worthy Casserole at Home
With an air fryer, you can easily achieve tender green beans and crispy fried onions for homemade green bean casserole that’s as good as the best restaurants and holiday meals.
Compared to the traditional oven, the air fryer significantly cuts down the cooking time while concentrating heat directly on the dish for delicious results.
Use an oven-safe baking dish, load up the bean mixture, and sprinkle those characteristic crispy onions right before air frying. In just 10-15 minutes, you’ll have perfect green bean casserole ready to grace your dinner table.
With the step-by-step instructions in this guide, you can feel confident making this Thanksgiving favorite side dish in your air fryer any night of the year. Serve it alongside roasted turkey or ham, mashed potatoes, cornbread stuffing, and more for a classic holiday meal. Enjoy!
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