Crispy Green Bean Casserole in the Air Fryer (Also Oven)

Air Fryer Green Bean Casserole is one of my favorite holiday side dishes, especially for Thanksgiving. The combination of tender green beans, creamy condensed mushroom soup, and crispy French fried onions is classic and comforting. While you can bake this in a conventional oven, using an air fryer makes the dish faster and gives the topping a lovely golden crunch.

Campbell’s helped popularize green bean casserole in 1955, and it has since become a staple on holiday tables. This version keeps the familiar flavors but adapts the cooking method for an air fryer so it’s quicker and easy to finish, even last minute.

If you’re looking for more holiday sides, try Parmesan Balsamic Brussels Sprouts for another simple, flavorful option.

Ingredients

This recipe uses fresh green beans that are briefly steamed, but you can substitute canned or thawed frozen green beans if needed. Fresh green beans offer a firmer texture, while canned are convenient and frozen work well when fully thawed.

• Green beans (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• Parmesan or cheddar cheese
• Condensed cream of mushroom soup
• Milk or half-and-half
• Soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
• French fried onions

See the recipe card below for exact quantities.

How to Make Air Fryer Green Bean Casserole

You’ll need an air fryer or air fryer oven. I used a Cosori Air Fryer Oven, but a basket-style model works equally well — just choose a baking dish that fits your air fryer basket.

Note: Air fryers vary in power and temperature delivery. My oven-style air fryer runs slightly cooler than my basket model, so you may need to adjust cooking times by a few minutes. Test the green beans with a fork to reach your preferred tenderness.

Step 1 – Preheat your air fryer to 350°F. In a large bowl or directly in the baking dish, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk (or half-and-half), soy sauce, about two-thirds of the French fried onions, and a small portion of Parmesan. Then add the cooked or blanched green beans and toss to coat.

I used a 1½-quart baking dish, one can of condensed cream of mushroom soup, 1/2 cup milk (half-and-half), 1 teaspoon low-sodium soy sauce, about 2/3 cup French fried onions, and a couple of pinches of Parmesan, then added roughly 1 pound of green beans.

Air fry the casserole 12–15 minutes at 350°F, checking for tenderness with a fork.

Step 2 – Remove the dish if needed and top with the remaining onions and additional Parmesan (I used about 1/2 cup total Parmesan). Return to the air fryer and bake in 5-minute increments until the topping is golden brown and crisp.

Step 3 – Remove the casserole and let it rest for a few minutes; it will continue to settle and brown slightly. Serve warm as a comforting side dish.

This air fryer method makes a classic dish in less time, and it’s easy enough to prepare any time of year.

Green Bean Casserole in the Oven

If you prefer the oven, the ingredient mixing is the same. Follow these steps:

Preheat oven to 350°F.
Combine green beans, condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, and soy sauce. Stir in 2/3 cup French fried onions and half the Parmesan. Place in a baking dish and bake 25–30 minutes. Remove, top with remaining onions and Parmesan, and bake 5 more minutes until golden. Total cooking time is about 30 minutes.

Substitutions

• Canned green beans – Use about 2 cans of cut green beans in place of fresh.
• Frozen green beans – Thaw fully before using; they work well in this recipe.

Variations

• Bacon – Stir in cooked, chopped bacon before baking for a smoky, savory twist.
• Cheddar cheese – Use or mix cheddar with Parmesan for a richer, sharper flavor.

Equipment

Use an air fryer or air fryer oven and a baking dish that fits inside. Any oven-safe dish that fits your unit will work.

Storage

Store leftover green bean casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The texture of the fried onions changes after refrigeration, and the dish does not freeze well.

Can I Make Green Bean Casserole Ahead of Time?

Yes. Assemble the casserole a day ahead, refrigerate, and bake or air-fry when ready. Preparing ahead can simplify your holiday cooking timeline.