
Looking for a quick and delicious air fryer green bean casserole that skips the oven? This simple holiday air fryer recipe delivers a classic favorite to your table in only 30 minutes. Learn how to cook green bean casserole in air fryer with simple steps and enjoy crispy, creamy results – perfect for weeknights or as a Thanksgiving air fryer side dish.
Whether you’re prepping for Thanksgiving or just want a quick weeknight side, this air fryer green bean casserole fits the bill. This easy air fryer green bean casserole is the perfect comfort dish for holidays or weeknight meals
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The Traditional Table with a Modern Twist
Green bean casserole has been a cherished holiday favorite since 1955, when it was first created by the Campbell’s Soup Company.The creamy mix of green beans, mushroom soup, and crispy onions made it a Thanksgiving classic across the U.S.
Now with the help of an air fryer, you can enjoy this same comfort food with a crispy, golden top — all in less time and without turning on the oven. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight meal or a Thanksgiving air fryer side dish, this modern take on the classic delivers flavor, ease, and crunch in just 30 minutes
Ingredients for Air Fryer Green Bean Casserole
This is what you’ll need in order to make this dish. Don’t hesitate to stick with the classics plus, we’ve shared plenty of substitutions to suit your taste or dietary needs.
Classic Ingredients
1 pound of green beans (fresh, canned, or frozen)
1 (10.5 oz) can of condensed cream of mushroom soup.
1/2 cup milk or half and half
1 teaspoon of soy sauce (for an umami-like flavor)
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan or Cheddar cheese—whichever you prefer!
1 1/3 cups of crispy onions fried

Smart Substitutions
Green Beans:
- Fresh green beans have a crisp, nutty texture.
- Frozen or canned green beans work just as well.
- Tip:
- Drain canned beans thoroughly.
- Thaw or lightly blanch frozen beans before using.
- Drain canned beans thoroughly.
Mushroom Soup:
- For a dairy-free or gluten-free version, you can use:
- Vegan mushroom soup
- Gluten-free cream soups
- Vegan mushroom soup
Milk:
- If you prefer non-dairy milk, try:
- Almond milk
- Soy milk
- Oat milk
- Almond milk
Cheese:
- If you don’t have cheddar or parmesan, use:
- Gruyere
- Mozzarella
- Plant-based cheese (vegan-friendly)
- Gruyere
Fried Onions:
- Don’t want store-bought? Try making your own:
- Thinly slice onions
- Toss with a little flour, salt, and pepper
- Air fry at 375°F for 10–12 minutes until crispy
- Thinly slice onions
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making green bean casserole in an air fryer is as simple as mix, layer, and air fry!
Step 1: Prepping Ingredients
- If using fresh green beans, blanch them in boiling water for 3–5 minutes, then drain.
- If you’re using frozen or canned green beans, be sure to rinse and drain them thoroughly to prevent excess moisture.
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F for best results.
If you’re wondering how to cook green bean casserole in an air fryer, this is the perfect starting point.

Step 2: Mix the Base
- In a large mixing bowl or air fryer-safe baking dish, mix together:
- 1 can of cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- ⅔ cup crispy fried onions
- ¼ cup shredded cheese (for creaminess)
- 1 can of cream of mushroom soup
- Add the green beans and mix until fully coated.
This results in a creamy, flavorful green bean casserole that’s perfect for the air fryer.

Step 3: First Air Fry
- Evenly spread the mixture into an air fryer-safe baking dish.
- Air fry at 350°F for 12–15 minutes.
Test with a fork for doneness and adjust time based on your air fryer model.
Step 4: Add the Topping
- Sprinkle the rest of the fried onions and a little extra cheese on top of the casserole.
- Return to air fryer and cook in 5-minute intervals until:
- Onions are golden
- Cheese is melted and bubbly
- Onions are golden
Step 5: Rest and Serve
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving—this helps it set and brings out the flavors.
- This helps it firm up and keeps the texture just right.

When it comes to holiday prep, using the air fryer for green bean casserole saves time and adds crunch
Pro Tip: Homemade Air Fryer Fried Onions
Want to make your own topping? Here’s how:
- Thinly slice onions
- Toss with a little flour, salt, and pepper
- Air fry at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, giving the basket a shake halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Customization Ideas
Whether you’re making it for a crowd or keeping things simple, this dish is a go-to air fryer comfort food recipe. It also doubles as a top-rated Thanksgiving air fryer side dish for those who want a twist on tradition
- Thanksgiving spread: Serve alongside the turkey that has been roasted or sweet potatoes.
- Plant-based Version You can use vegan mushroom soup and cheese to create an all-vegetarian casserole.
- Add protein: Fold in bacon that has been cooked and crumbled or sauteed mushroom for extra flavor and texture.
- Spice it Up: Sprinkle red pepper chips or smoked paprika over the top for a punch of flavor.
- Get Cheesy Add additional cheese layers, such as the combination from Gruyere as well as Parmesan.
How to Store and Reheat
- Storage of leftovers Protect the food with a tight seal or shift them to an airtight container. Keep in the refrigerator for at least 3 days.
- Heating: Utilize your air-fryer with a temperature of 300°F for 5-8 mins to bring back the crispness.
- Freezing Do not recommend because it could result in soggy onions and green beans when reheated.
If you’re preparing ahead for a Christmas meal make the dish (minus any toppings) one day ahead and then refrigerate. Sprinkle with cheese and onions prior to air-frying to keep the crunch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to air cook green beans?
Absolutely! Air-frying can cut down on time and improves the flavor by crisping up the onions that are fried and cheese toppings perfectly.
Can you prepare green bean casserole using an air fryer?
Yes, and it’s one of the easiest holiday casserole air fryer recipes you’ll ever try.”
What’s the ideal time and temperature to cook green bean casserole in an air fryer?
Preheat to 350°F. Cook the base in the air fryer for 12–15 minutes, then top it off and air fry for another 5 minutes until golden and bubbling.
Do I have to double the recipe?
Yes! Be sure your baking dish is compatible with the air fryer. You might need to adjust your cooking time for uniform outcomes.
How can I avoid sogginess?
Dry your green beans completely and try to avoid overloading the air fryer with liquid ingredients.
Can I prep this ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole (minus topping), cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before air frying.
Why Air Fry Green Bean Casserole
From crispy onions to creamy insides, this easy air fryer green bean casserole proves that comfort food doesn’t need a full oven. This Thanksgiving (or any night!), ditch the oven and enjoy a cozy classic with a crispy, creamy twist.
This is your chance to take the lead. Get your air fryer out and try this delicious green bean casserole in the air fryer quick, flavorful, and no oven needed. Tried this recipe? Share your twist in the comments or tag us online – we’d love to see your air fryer green bean casserole creations!
Happy air-frying!
Other Air Fryer Recipes You’ll Love
If you had fun making air fryer green bean casserole, you’ll definitely want to try these other fast and tasty air fryer recipes too:
- Air fry tyson panko chicken breast tenderloins
- tgi friday’s boneless chicken bites air fryer
- Air fryer frozen mushrooms
- Air Fryer Carrots And Potatoes

Easy Air Fryer Green Bean Casserole – Ready in 30 Min
Equipment
- airfryer
Ingredients
- 1 lb green beans fresh, canned, or frozen
- 1 can 10.5 oz cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup milk or half and half
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- ⅔ cup crispy fried onions for base
- ¼ cup shredded cheese cheddar or parmesan
- ⅔ cup crispy fried onions for topping
- Extra cheese for topping optional
Instructions
- Step 1: Prep the Beans: Blanch fresh green beans for 3–5 minutes, or simply rinse and drain canned or frozen ones before using.
- Step 2: Mix the Base: Combine mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, ⅔ cup of fried onions, and ¼ cup of cheese in a mixing bowl.
- Step 3: First Air Fry: Transfer mixture to an air fryer-safe dish.Cook at 350°F for 12–15 minutes until hot and bubbling.
- Step 4: Add Toppings & Finish: Top with remaining onions and extra cheese.Airfryer 5 more minutes until golden and melted.
- Step 5: Rest & Serve: Let it rest 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use almond, soy, or oat milk for dairy-free options.
- Try vegan cheese and mushroom soup for a plant-based version.
- Add crumbled bacon or sautéed mushrooms for more flavor.
- Enhance the flavor by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a sprinkle of smoked paprika.
- store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and enjoy within 3 days.
- Reheat: Air fry at 300°F for 5–8 minutes.
- Freezing: Not recommended (can become soggy).