Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Trim Green Beans: Rinse the green beans under cold water and trim the ends.
- Cut Bacon: Cut the bacon into small, bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Cook Bacon
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Air Fry Bacon: Place the bacon pieces in the air fryer basket. Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and cooked through. Remove the bacon and set aside.Note: Depending on your air fryer, you may need to drain excess fat partway through cooking.
Step 3: Prepare Green Beans
- Season Green Beans: In a large bowl, toss the green beans with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
Step 4: Air Fry Green Beans
- Cook Green Beans: Place the seasoned green beans in the air fryer basket. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the green beans are tender and slightly crispy on the edges.
- Add Bacon: When the green beans are almost done, add the cooked bacon pieces back into the air fryer basket with the green beans for the last 2 minutes of cooking. This allows the flavors to meld together.
Step 5: Serve
- Transfer to a Serving Dish: Once the green beans are crispy and cooked, transfer them to a serving dish.
- Garnish (Optional): Garnish with extra bacon pieces if desired.
- Enjoy: Serve immediately while hot.
Tips and Variations
- Add Nuts: For added texture, consider tossing in some chopped almonds or pecans during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for a bit of heat.
- Herbs: Experiment with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for additional flavor.
Nutritional Information
Each serving (about 1 cup) provides approximately:
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
Conclusion
Air Fryer Green Beans with Bacon offer a simple yet delicious side dish that combines crisp green beans with savory bacon. This recipe is not only easy to make but also a great way to elevate your vegetable side dishes with a touch of indulgence. Enjoy the perfect balance of flavors and textures in every bite!