Description

This crispy air fryer green bean casserole from scratch is the ultimate side dish for any gathering. Made with fresh green beans, a creamy mushroom sauce, and a golden panko topping, it delivers incredible crunch and flavor in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed and halved
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup whole milk
½ cup chicken or vegetable broth, low-sodium
½ teaspoon dried thyme
¼ teaspoon nutmeg, freshly grated
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

Instructions

Prep the green beans: Wash, trim, and halve the green beans. Pat dry.
Blanch the green beans: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook green beans for 2 minutes, then transfer to an ice water bath. Drain and pat dry.
Make the mushroom sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Add sliced mushrooms and cook for 4-5 minutes until browned. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Sprinkle flour over mushrooms and stir for 1 minute.
Build the cream sauce: Slowly pour in milk while whisking. Add broth, thyme, and nutmeg. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
Combine everything: Toss blanched green beans with mushroom sauce until coated. Transfer to an air fryer-safe dish.
Make the crispy topping: Mix panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, Parmesan cheese, and garlic powder until evenly coated.
Air fry to perfection: Preheat air fryer to 375°F. Sprinkle topping over casserole. Cook for 8-10 minutes, checking at 5 minutes to prevent over-browning.
Rest before serving: Let casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For extra crunch, toast panko in a dry skillet for 1-2 minutes before mixing with butter and cheese. If air fryer runs hot, reduce temperature to 360°F. Let casserole rest after cooking to allow sauce to set.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 210
Sugar: 6
Sodium: 480
Fat: 12
Saturated Fat: 6
Carbohydrates: 20
Fiber: 4
Protein: 8

Keywords: air fryer green bean casserole, crispy green bean casserole, from scratch green bean casserole, easy green bean casserole, holiday side dish