The Ultimate Air Fryer Green Bean Casserole: Easy, Crispy & Delicious Holiday Side

Get ready to transform your holiday table with the easiest, creamiest, and most satisfying Air Fryer Green Bean Casserole! This classic holiday side dish just got a modern upgrade, making it faster and even more delicious than ever before. With its perfectly tender green beans enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce and crowned with a generous layer of golden, crispy fried onions, this recipe will quickly become a year-round favorite. Forget battling for oven space during festive feasts; your air fryer is about to become your secret weapon for holiday cooking!

The traditional green bean casserole, a beloved American staple, was first created in 1955 by an employee at the Campbell Soup Company. While I don’t recall this incredible casserole being a part of every holiday meal during my childhood, it has, without a doubt, become a permanent and cherished fixture in my household during the festive season. The anticipation of that rich, savory aroma mingling with the other holiday classics—turkey, stuffing, and dinner rolls—is truly a joy.

There’s nothing quite like the memory of those perfectly crispy onions. We love ours with an extra dose of crunch, so we always add a little more than the standard recipe calls for. This air fryer version not only keeps that delightful crunch but enhances it, delivering a quicker and equally delicious result every time. It’s the perfect solution for busy holiday cooks who want to enjoy all the traditional flavors without all the traditional fuss.

Are you searching for more fantastic air fryer Christmas recipes to complete your festive spread? Don’t miss out on these delightful options: try whipping up some Air Fryer Reindeer Chow for a fun treat, savor the elegant Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites, or bake a batch of these charming Air Fryer Christmas Brownie Mix Cookies. Your air fryer is capable of so much more than you think!

Find this recipe along with over 35 others for the ULTIMATE list of Air Fryer Thanksgiving Recipes.

If your culinary quest extends to more holiday recipes you can efficiently prepare in your air fryer, you absolutely must try our Perfectly Roasted Turkey Breast, a comforting Homemade Apple Pie, or these elegant Air Fryer Cornish Game Hens. The air fryer is truly a versatile tool for holiday entertaining!

Still wondering what to get your friends and family for the holidays? Make gift-giving easy by checking out this comprehensive list for the Ultimate Air Fryer Holiday Gift Guide!

Why the Air Fryer is Your Holiday Hero

The air fryer isn’t just for fries and chicken wings; it’s a game-changer for holiday cooking. When your main oven is crammed with turkey and other large dishes, the air fryer steps in as a powerful secondary appliance. It heats up quickly, cooks evenly, and often results in a superior crispy texture – perfect for those fried onions! Using your air fryer for green bean casserole frees up valuable oven space and shaves precious minutes off your cooking time, ensuring your holiday meal is served hot and fresh without the usual stress.

Essential Equipment for Air Fryer Green Bean Casserole

To embark on your air fryer green bean casserole journey, you will, of course, need an air fryer. For this particular recipe, I used my reliable Cosori 5.8 quart oven, and I found that a standard Corningware baking dish fit perfectly inside. The key is to select a baking dish or casserole dish that comfortably fits within your air fryer basket or on its rack, allowing enough room for air circulation. Measure your air fryer’s interior space before choosing your dish!

Beyond your air fryer and an air fryer-safe baking dish, the ingredients for this simple yet classic casserole are straightforward and easy to find:

• 1 can of Cream of Mushroom soup (10.5 ounces)
• 1/2 cup milk (whole milk, 2%, or even evaporated milk for extra creaminess)
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 4 cups cut green beans (approximately two standard cans, thoroughly drained)
• Crispy fried onions (French’s are classic, but any brand works!)

How to Make Air Fryer Green Bean Casserole: Step-by-Step Perfection

Creating this delicious air fryer green bean casserole is incredibly simple, making it ideal for busy holidays or weeknight dinners. You can either mix all your ingredients in a separate medium mixing bowl for easy combining or, to save on dishes, prepare everything directly in the baking dish you intend to cook it in.

Click Here to Get the Top Ten Air Fryer Questions Answered

Step 1: Prepare the Creamy Base. In your chosen baking dish or a separate mixing bowl, begin by combining the can of cream of mushroom soup, milk, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir these ingredients thoroughly until you have a smooth and well-incorporated creamy base. This forms the heart of your casserole.

Step 2: Fold in the Green Beans and Onions. Next, add the thoroughly drained cut green beans to your creamy mixture. Ensure all excess liquid from the beans is removed to prevent a watery casserole. Now, sprinkle in about half of the crispy fried onions. Gently fold everything together until the green beans are evenly coated in the rich, savory sauce and the onions are distributed throughout. If using a mixing bowl, transfer the green bean mixture into your air fryer-safe baking dish.

Step 3: Initial Air Frying. Carefully place the baking dish into your air fryer basket or onto the rack, depending on your air fryer model. Set the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C) and cook for 10-12 minutes. For even cooking and to ensure the sauce bubbles up beautifully, remember to stir the casserole halfway through the cooking process. This prevents the edges from drying out and helps the heat circulate.

Step 4: The Golden Crunch Finish. Once the initial cooking time is complete, carefully remove the basket or tray. Now, generously top the casserole with the remaining crispy fried onions. Return the dish to the air fryer and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). Keep a close eye on the onions during this final stage, as they can burn quickly. You’re looking for a beautiful golden-brown color and an irresistibly crispy texture. Once achieved, your Air Fryer Green Bean Casserole is ready to serve! Feel free to season with a little extra salt or any additional seasonings to your preference before serving.

Air Fryer Green Bean Casserole: Frequently Asked Questions & Tips

Can I use Fresh or Frozen Green Beans instead of Canned?

Absolutely! While canned green beans are convenient, fresh or frozen varieties can also be used. If using fresh green beans, you’ll need to blanch or steam them first until they are tender-crisp. Ensure they are well-drained before adding them to the casserole mixture. For frozen green beans, simply thaw them completely and squeeze out any excess water to prevent a soggy casserole. Pre-cooking them slightly can also improve texture.

Can I make this green bean casserole ahead of time?

Yes, this is a fantastic make-ahead dish, perfect for reducing stress on busy holiday cooking days! You can prepare the casserole mixture (without the crispy onion topping) up to 2-3 days in advance. Simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you’re ready to cook, let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes while your air fryer preheats. Then, follow the cooking instructions, adding the crispy onions during the last few minutes of air frying for maximum crunch.

Can I add other ingredients to this recipe for variations?

This recipe is highly customizable! Feel free to add your personal touch. Popular additions include:

• Mushrooms: Sautéed fresh sliced mushrooms (cremini or button) can add an earthy depth.
• Bacon: Crumbled, cooked bacon pieces mixed into the casserole or sprinkled on top offer a savory, smoky flavor.
• Garlic: Minced fresh garlic (1-2 cloves) can be added to the soup mixture for extra aroma.
• Cheese: A sprinkle of shredded cheddar, Gruyere, or Parmesan cheese mixed in or topped before the final crispy onions will add richness.
• Other Seasonings: A pinch of onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, or a dash of hot sauce can elevate the flavor profile.
• Different Soups: While cream of mushroom is classic, cream of chicken or even cream of celery soup can be substituted for a slightly different flavor.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers?

Store any leftover green bean casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can use the air fryer again! Place the desired portion in an air fryer-safe dish, cover loosely with foil (if you want to prevent the onions from getting too dark), and air fry at 300-325°F (150-160°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through. For a crispier topping, remove the foil for the last minute or two of reheating. You can also reheat in a microwave or conventional oven.

FOR MORE AIR FRYER RECIPES:

• Crispy Air Fryer Bacon
• Hearty Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes
• Sweet Air Fryer Sugared Pecans
• Delicious Air Fryer Honey Glazed Pears
• Fun Air Fryer Biscuit Bombs
• Easy Air Fryer Frozen Okra