1. Prepare the Green Beans and Bacon:
- Trim the Green Beans:
- Start by washing the green beans and trimming off the ends. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture.
- Cut the Bacon:
- Cut the bacon slices into small pieces, about 1 inch in size. This will allow the bacon to cook evenly and mix well with the green beans.
2. Season the Green Beans:
- Combine Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the green beans with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Make sure the beans are evenly coated with the seasoning.
- Add Bacon:
- Add the cut bacon pieces to the bowl and mix them with the seasoned green beans. The bacon will cook along with the beans, adding a rich, smoky flavor to the dish.
3. Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Heat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes. This ensures the green beans and bacon will cook evenly.
4. Cook the Green Beans and Bacon:
- Arrange in the Basket:
- Place the seasoned green beans and bacon in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking. If needed, cook in batches.
- Air Fry:
- Cook the green beans and bacon at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking. This helps the bacon cook evenly and prevents the beans from sticking together.
- Check for doneness: The green beans should be crisp-tender, and the bacon should be crispy and browned.
- Adjust Cooking Time:
- Depending on the thickness of your green beans and the size of your bacon pieces, you may need to adjust the cooking time by 1-2 minutes. Cook until the bacon reaches your desired level of crispiness.
5. Serve:
- Remove and Serve:
- Use tongs to remove the green beans and bacon from the air fryer basket. Transfer them to a serving dish.
- Optional Garnish:
- If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes over the green beans before serving. You can also add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a bright, tangy finish.
- Serve Immediately:
- Air fryer green beans with bacon are best enjoyed fresh out of the air fryer while the bacon is still crispy and the beans are warm.
Tips and Tricks:
- Choose Fresh Green Beans:
- For the best results, use fresh, firm green beans. Frozen green beans can also be used, but they should be thawed and patted dry before cooking.
- Customize Your Seasoning:
- Feel free to customize the seasoning to your taste. Add a bit of smoked paprika for extra depth, or toss the green beans with grated Parmesan after cooking for a cheesy twist.
- Crispier Bacon:
- If you prefer your bacon extra crispy, you can cook the bacon pieces in the air fryer for a few minutes before adding the green beans.
- Make It a Meal:
- Turn this side dish into a main meal by adding cooked chicken or shrimp to the green beans and bacon. Serve over rice or with a side of crusty bread for a complete dinner.
Conclusion
Air fryer green beans with bacon are a delicious and easy way to elevate your vegetable side dish game. The combination of crisp-tender green beans and crispy bacon is irresistible, and the air fryer makes the cooking process quick and simple. This dish pairs perfectly with a wide range of main courses, from roasted chicken to grilled steaks, making it a versatile addition to your recipe repertoire. Try it at your next family dinner or holiday gathering, and watch as it quickly becomes a favorite.