Air Fryer Green Beans and Bacon

Air Fryer Green Beans and Bacon is a delicious and easy side dish. The green beans get perfectly roasted and the bacon cooks in the air fryer to create this flavorful comfort food.

When I was growing up, I loved green beans. And now I realize why. My mom ALWAYS added bacon to them. That's a good way to convince a picky kid to eat vegetables.

And now I love making these air fryer green beans with bacon.

The freshness of the green beans pairs perfectly with the saltiness of the bacon. The onion powder and garlic powder bring so much flavor to the green beans.

This is a recipe that is perfect any time of year. Roasted green beans are delicious in spring, summer, and especially delicious for holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas as an easy and delicious side dish.

Why make this recipe

Easy - This recipe is so easy to make and is very low effort for a delicious side dish!

Flavorful - The onion powder and garlic powder help give flavor to the green beans while the bacon gives that delicious salty and smoky flavor.

Family-friendly - This is a recipe sure to please the entire family! The addition of bacon makes it perfect for family members who love a little bacon with their veggies.

Ingredients

• Green beans - I just used regular fresh green beans for this. If using french green beans, they will cook much more quickly and you will need to cook the bacon for several minutes prior to the green beans.
• Olive oil - I prefer olive oil, but you can use avocado oil, canola oil, or other heat-safe oil.
• Garlic powder - Garlic powder helps give additional flavor to the green beans.
• Onion powder - Onion powder also helps give a delicious flavor.
• Bacon - I used regular bacon. If using thick-cut, you may need to cook a couple of extra minutes so the bacon cooks through.
• Salt - This recipe uses minimal salt since the bacon is salty.

What to serve with the green beans

The air fryer green beans and bacon is a delicious side dish when paired with so many recipes! I particularly love it with these options:

• Air Fryer Brown Sugar Salmon
• Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon
• Air Fryer Paprika Chicken Thighs
• Air Fryer Honey Dijon Salmon
• Air Fryer Tuna Patties
• Air Fryer Stuffed Bell Peppers

Customization ideas

• Add a little cayenne pepper for a little spice or smoked paprika for an additional flavor.
• Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for some brightness.
• Add toasted almonds for a nice crunch.
• Want more onion flavor? Add some diced onions to the green beans and cook in the air fryer.

How to store and reheat leftovers

Store any leftovers in the refrigerator in an air tight container for up to 3 days.

Reheat leftovers in the air fryer, the microwave, a skillet, or the oven until warmed through.

Can you use frozen green beans?

You can use frozen green beans, but will want to add a couple of minutes to the cook time to ensure green beans are cooked through and hot.

Can you use canned green beans?

Yes. If using canned green beans, drain and dry on paper towels before tossing with the oil and seasonings.

Recipe tips

• Make sure your bacon is cooked through! If needed, cook a couple of minutes longer until bacon is cooked through.
• If using really thick bacon, you may need to add a couple of additional minutes of cook time. If using thin bacon, you may need to lessen the cooking time. Start checking at the 7-8 minute mark.
• I usually do not toss the green beans while cooking, however you can toss halfway through if desired.
• All air fryers cook differently. Adjust cooking time if needed.

How to make air fryer green beans with bacon

Trim green beans if needed, and then cut any long green beans in half. Add cut green beans to a large bowl.

Add olive oil and seasonings to the green beans.

Toss to combine.

Add green beans to the air fryer basket.

Slice bacon into chunks, then place on top of the green beans.

Air fry for 10-12 minutes at 380 degrees F until bacon and green beans are cooked through and hot.

Serve as desired!

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