Description
Crispy and flavorful Air Fryer Tempura-Inspired Green Beans are a delightful twist on a classic appetizer. Lightly coated in flour, dipped in eggs, and covered with crunchy panko breadcrumbs, these green beans are air-fried to golden perfection. Served with a tangy soy-based dipping sauce made with scallions, mirin, and fresh lemon juice, this recipe offers a healthy, quick, and delicious snack or side dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Green Beans
- 1/2 lb. green beans, trimmed
Coating
- 2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 2 large eggs
- Olive oil cooking spray
Dipping Sauce
- 1 scallion, very thinly sliced
- 2 Tbsp. water
- 1 Tbsp. low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp. mirin
- 1 1/2 tsp. fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Coat the Beans: In a large bowl, toss the trimmed green beans with all-purpose flour until fully coated. This helps the egg and panko adhere better during the breading process.
- Prepare Panko and Egg: In one shallow bowl, break up the panko breadcrumbs into smaller pieces with your hands to increase texture and adhesion. In another shallow bowl, beat the eggs until blended.
- Bread the Beans: Shake off any excess flour from the green beans. Dip each bean first into the beaten eggs, then roll them in the panko breadcrumbs, gently pressing to make sure the crumbs stick well on the surface.
- Air Fry the Beans: Spray the air fryer basket lightly with olive oil cooking spray. Arrange the coated green beans in a single layer with about 1/4 inch spacing between them for even air circulation. Spray the beans lightly with cooking spray to ensure crispiness. Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 7 to 9 minutes, flipping the beans halfway through cooking, until the crust is nicely golden and the beans are tender.
- Make the Dipping Sauce: While the beans are cooking, whisk together the thinly sliced scallion, water, low-sodium soy sauce, mirin, and fresh lemon juice in a medium bowl. This sauce will add a bright, tangy, and savory complement to the crispy green beans.
- Serve: Plate the crispy tempura-inspired green beans and serve them alongside the prepared dipping sauce for an irresistible appetizer or side dish.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, you can double coat the green beans—dip in egg and panko twice.
- Ensure beans are spaced well in the air fryer basket to allow proper air flow for even cooking.
- Mirin can be substituted with a mixture of sugar and rice vinegar if unavailable.
- Leftover beans can be reheated in the air fryer for a few minutes to retain crispness.
- Use fresh green beans for the best texture and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 230 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
