Easy Air Fryer Green Bean Casserole Recipe With Fried Onions

Delicious, crunchy, and creamy, this Cheesy Air Fryer Green Bean Casserole is a side dish that will become the star of your holiday meals. With every bite offering a burst of nostalgic flavor, it’s a dish that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. A must-have for any festive feast!

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Why You Will Love This Recipe

• One of the key advantages of this dish is the use of fresh green beans. The freshness of green beans in the casserole enhances the overall flavor and provides a vibrant color. Whether you’ve previously used canned green beans or frozen green beans, you’ll find that fresh ingredients make a noticeable difference, bringing a crunch that’s unparalleled.
• Thanks to the air fryer, you can achieve a level of crispness in your dish that’s hard to replicate in a traditional oven. The crispy fried onions and golden brown topping are the cherries on top. No more soggy onions! The air fryer green bean casserole ensures every mouthful is a delightful mix of creamy sauce and crispy toppings.
• During the holiday season, oven space is at a premium. Finding space can be challenging, with multiple dishes to prepare for a grand holiday meal. Here’s where the air fryer steps in as a savior. By preparing your green bean casserole in the air fryer, you free up valuable oven space, ensuring that all your dishes are served hot and at the same time.
• While the basic recipe of a green bean casserole remains a favorite, using the air fryer adds a modern twist on this easy recipe. This method not only speeds up the cooking process but also ensures that the green beans retain their nutritional value.
• Air fryer green bean casserole is a staple for Thanksgiving dinner and a classic holiday side dish; however, its versatility means it’s perfect for any gathering. Whether it’s a weekend family dinner, a potluck with friends, or a special holiday meal, this dish is sure to impress.

Ingredients you’ll need

You’ll need all the ingredients shown in the photograph below.

How to Make Air Fryer Green Bean Casserole with Step-by-Step Instructions

A complete printable recipe and the measurements in both US customary and metric are available in the recipe card below.

Begin by setting your air fryer to preheat at 350°F/175°C. Proper preheating ensures an even cooking temperature, which is crucial for achieving that creamy texture and golden brown finish.

Creating the Casserole Mixture

For this step, you’ll need to first boil your green beans until they reach a balance between tenderness and crispness. Once done, drain the beans and add green beans to a casserole dish.

Next, add cream of mushroom soup (many recipes call for chicken soup or chicken broth, but this is a vegetarian-friendly recipe), milk, a cup of crispy onions, and some sharp cheddar cheese (parmesan cheese works wonderfully, too) to the baking dish, along with salt and black pepper.

Stir the soup mixture ingredients well to get a consistent and creamy green bean mixture.

Recipe Notes and Expert Tips

• Green beans: When deciding between fresh green beans, canned, or frozen green beans, always opt for fresh whenever possible. Fresh beans provide a superior texture and flavor. However, if using frozen, ensure they’re fully thawed and well-drained to avoid a watery casserole. For canned green beans, make sure they are well-drained as well.
• Can I use fresh mushrooms instead of mushroom soup? Unfortunately, for this recipe, condensed mushroom soup is needed for the creaminess and extra flavor.
• Turn up the flavor: While the basic ingredients already promise a delicious dish, consider adding a sprinkle of garlic powder or onion powder for an extra layer of depth. A dash of vegetarian Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce can also give the creamy mushroom sauce a unique twist.
• Perfect onion topping: The key to those irresistible crispy fried onions is ensuring your air fryer is at the right temperature. Watch them closely during the final minutes of cooking to avoid over-browning. We love the French’s brand Crispy French Fried Onions for this recipe.
• Other additions: While the recipe is perfect as it is, don’t hesitate to customize it to your liking. Some may prefer adding chopped veggie bacon for a smoky touch or mixing in sour cream for a richer texture. Experiment and find what works best for you and your family!
• Make this dish ahead: Yes, you can make this green bean casserole ahead and refrigerate it. Just be sure to save the crispy onion topping and add it right before reheating to retain its crunch.
• Baking dish: Oven-safe dishes are perfect for baking in an air fryer! Make sure that your baking dish fits the air fryer basket before you begin cooking.

How to Store Leftovers

Once you’re done enjoying your air fryer green bean casserole, make sure it cools down completely before storing it. 

Transfer the cooled casserole to an airtight container. Stored properly, your fryer green bean casserole can last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

However, for the best flavor and texture, it’s recommended to consume within the first two days.

When you’re ready to indulge again, reheat your casserole in the air fryer. This method ensures the topping remains crispy and the casserole retains its creamy consistency.

Avoid microwaving, as it might make the dish a bit soggy. If your onions have turned soft in the fridge and won’t crisp back up, sprinkle some fresh crispy onions over the casserole.

What to Serve with This Recipe

Green bean casserole is a flexible dish, and you can serve it with so man dishes.

Classic main dishes

The air fryer green bean casserole is rich in flavor and texture, making it an ideal side dish for various mains.

Some classic main courses for the holidays include Vegan Ham, and our amazing Nut Roast.

Easy Thanksgiving side dish ideas

Sweet potatoes can be made in so many ways! From the original Sweet Potato Casserole to baked sweet potatoes, sweet potato wedges, or cubed sweet potatoes, there’s something for everyone.

Some other traditional Thanksgiving side dishes that must be included are stuffing, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce. Is it even Thanksgiving if they’re not on the table?!

For a little balance, we love a refreshing side salad. Our Waldorf Salad and creamy grape salad are great for sharing, and if you want to kick off the Christmas season early, try our Candy Cane Caprese Salad.

We are huge fans of comforting casseroles! Our Yellow Squash Casserole, Broccoli Cheese Casserole, Corn Casserole, and Potato Casserole are all delightful, and for a sweet twist, try our Cheesy Southern Pineapple Casserole!

Something sweet

No Thanksgiving would be complete without pie! From Sweet Potato Pie, Cinnamon Pie, and Pecan Pie Cheesecake to Apple Pie and Chocolate Pie, there are so many great recipes to try. Why not make them all?

More air fryer recipes to try

• Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes
• Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls
• Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers
• Air Fryer Green Beans
• Air Fryer Potato Skins

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