Method 1 – Basic Air Fryer Green Bean Fries:

1. Prep Green Beans: Wash green beans thoroughly and trim off the ends (the stem end and pointed tip). Pat completely dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. Dry beans are crucial for crispiness!
2. Season: Place dried green beans in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat evenly. Add salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and any optional seasonings. Toss again until beans are evenly coated.
3. Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.
4. Arrange in Basket: Place seasoned green beans in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd—work in batches if necessary. Overcrowding creates steam instead of crisp.
5. Air Fry: Cook at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket or tossing beans with tongs halfway through cooking (around the 5-minute mark). Cook until beans are tender, slightly charred in spots, and crispy at the edges.
6. Check for Doneness: Beans should be bright green with some golden-brown crispy bits. They’ll be tender but still have a slight snap.
7. Serve Immediately: Transfer to a serving plate and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

Method 2 – Breaded Green Bean Fries (Optional):

1. Set Up Breading Station: Place flour in first shallow bowl, beaten eggs in second bowl, and mix panko, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in third bowl.
2. Coat Beans: Working in batches, coat green beans in flour, shake off excess, dip in egg, then coat with panko-Parmesan mixture. Place on a plate.
3. Spray with Oil: Lightly spray breaded beans with cooking spray or brush with oil.
4. Air Fry: Cook at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, shaking basket halfway through, until coating is golden and crispy.
5. Serve: Serve immediately with dipping sauce.