If you’re looking for a tasty appetizer, this crispy green bean fries recipe fits the bill! It’s a fun twist on traditional fries and a great way to enjoy fresh vegetables, especially in the spring.
This recipe tackles the concerns of sogginess and flavorlessness commonly found in vegetable snacks, providing a crispy, enjoyable alternative for all ages.
I’ve had my fair share of cooking surprises, like the time I accidentally overcooked some green beans and ended up with a mushy mess. Thankfully, this recipe not only solves that problem but also pleases my family and friends. The excitement in the kitchen is palpable when these crispy fries come out of the oven; the aroma wafts through the air, hinting at something delicious.
What I love about this dish is how quick and straightforward it is. You can whip these up in about 25 minutes, making them ideal for a busy weeknight or a last-minute gathering. With a little prep and some baking time, you’ll enjoy crispy green beans that are satisfying and healthy!
If you want more delicious veggie options, make sure to check out my Broccolini Frittata for another easy recipe that everyone will love.
Table of contents
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Texture You’ll Crave The crispy exterior from panko breadcrumbs gives these green bean fries a satisfying crunch, while the tender beans inside provide a delightful contrast that keeps you reaching for more.
- Subtle Flavor Boost Adding garlic powder and paprika to the breadcrumb coating brings a savory depth, enhancing the natural taste of the fresh green beans and making every bite something special.
- Fresh and Healthy Alternative These green bean fries offer a nutritious twist compared to traditional fries, allowing you to enjoy a guilt-free snack that still satisfies your cravings with fewer calories.
- Quick and Easy Prep With just ten minutes of prep time and fifteen minutes in the oven, you can whip up this tasty treat in no time, making it a practical choice for busy weeknights or a last-minute get-together.
Crispy Green Bean Fries for Spring Appetizers
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cool Time:
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy Baked Green Bean Fries are a delicious vegetarian snack, perfect for dipping and sharing.
Ingredients
- 1 pound (454 g) fresh green beans, bright green, crisp, with firm snap
- 1/3 cup (80 g) hummus, spreadable, acts as binder
- 3/4 cup (75 g) panko breadcrumbs, Japanese-style preferred for extra crunch
- 1/4 cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese, freshly grated, optional for flavor enhancement
- 1/2 teaspoon (1.5 g) garlic powder, fine texture
- 1/2 teaspoon (1.5 g) paprika, optional for savory depth
Instructions
- Step 1: Start by spreading a thick, even layer of hummus on one plate to ensure every green bean can be fully coated. This layer prevents breadcrumbs from sliding off and helps with adhesion.
- Step 2: In a separate plate, combine panko breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan cheese (if using) and mix evenly so the flavors integrate well and each breadcrumb clings uniformly during coating.
- Step 3: Hold each green bean by one end. Fully run it through the hummus coating ensuring it is completely covered. Then roll the bean thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture until it is evenly coated. For better adherence, after coating, gently press the breadcrumbs onto the beans with a fork if needed.
- Step 4: Place the coated green beans in a single layer on a greased and foil-lined baking sheet, spacing them without overlapping. This arrangement allows each bean to crisp individually without steaming. Use parchment paper if adhesion to foil presents issues.
- Step 5: Bake in a preheated oven at exactly 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius) for 12 to 15 minutes. Watch closely for a golden brown color on the coating indicating readiness. If underdone at 15 minutes, continue baking up to 5 additional minutes until golden and crispy. Avoid burning.
Notes
- Room Temperature: Store green bean fries in a single layer inside an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain crispness.
- Refrigeration: Keep fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat before serving to restore crisp texture.
- Freezing: Wrap fries tightly in plastic wrap and place inside a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Fully thaw and reheat before serving to regain crispiness.
- Use fresh green beans that are bright green with a firm snap for best texture. Frozen beans can be used but may reduce crunchiness.
- Choose Japanese-style panko breadcrumbs; regular breadcrumbs do not provide the same crisp texture.
- If breadcrumbs fall off during baking, press them gently onto each bean after coating to improve adhesion.
- To boost flavor, sprinkle an extra teaspoon of paprika or garlic powder over the fries before baking.
- If fries seem soggy after baking, allow them to cool on the baking sheet for several minutes to let them crisp up before serving.
- Use parchment paper on the baking sheet to prevent sticking and tearing of the coating compared to foil.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Ingredient Notes
- Green beans: Choose fresh, crisp green beans. Look for bright green color and a firm snap. Frozen works too but fresh gives the best crunch.
- Panko breadcrumbs: Go for Japanese-style panko for that extra crunchy texture. The light, airy flakes fry up beautifully. Regular breadcrumbs don’t have the same bite!
- Parmesan cheese: Opt for freshly grated Parmesan for a richer flavor. Pre-shredded versions often have additives that can affect texture. It adds saltiness and depth.
- Olive oil: Use good quality extra virgin olive oil for frying. It stands up to high heat well and enhances the green beans’ flavor without overpowering them.
- Garlic powder: This adds a savory kick! A good brand will have pure, fine texture. It’s easier to blend into the coating. Don’t skip it; it really boosts flavor!
- Green beans: Choose fresh, crisp green beans. Look for bright green color and a firm snap. Frozen works too but fresh gives the best crunch.
- Panko breadcrumbs: Go for Japanese-style panko for that extra crunchy texture. The light, airy flakes fry up beautifully. Regular breadcrumbs don’t have the same bite!
- Parmesan cheese: Opt for freshly grated Parmesan for a richer flavor. Pre-shredded versions often have additives that can affect texture. It adds saltiness and depth.
- Olive oil: Use good quality extra virgin olive oil for frying. It stands up to high heat well and enhances the green beans’ flavor without overpowering them.
- Garlic powder: This adds a savory kick! A good brand will have pure, fine texture. It’s easier to blend into the coating. Don’t skip it; it really boosts flavor!
Recipe Tips
- If green bean fries stick to the baking sheet, use parchment paper instead of foil for better release, which helps maintain crispiness without tearing.
- When the coating falls off during baking, gently press down on each green bean with a fork after rolling in breadcrumbs to ensure it adheres properly.
- If undercooked after 15 minutes, continue baking for an additional 5 minutes, keeping an eye out for a golden-brown color to indicate doneness.
- When the fries appear soggy, allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes post-baking; this helps them crisp up upon standing.
- If you want added flavor, sprinkle an extra teaspoon of paprika or garlic powder over the green bean fries before baking for a flavorful boost.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these crispy green bean fries with a side of homemade hummus or a zesty yogurt dip for added flavor. I recommend pairing them with a fresh garden salad or roasted sweet potatoes for a nutritious meal.
Use crispy green bean fries to make a low-carb green bean stir-fry or as a crunchy topping for a vegetable casserole. Add these fries to a taco salad or use them as a filling for wraps.
Top with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for enhanced richness. You can also pair them with a garlic aioli or spicy chipotle dip for extra punch.
Recipe variations
- You can use fresh green beans as the main ingredient for green bean fries, selecting about 1 pound to yield enough fries for four servings.
- Add 1/3 cup hummus to coat the green beans, then use 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs mixed with 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese for added flavour.
- Either fresh green beans or trimmed frozen ones work; if using frozen, thaw them completely before coating to ensure crispiness during baking.
- If making for more people, double the amounts to 2 pounds green beans, 2/3 cup hummus, and 1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs; bake on multiple sheets without overlap for best results.
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How to Store?
To keep your crispy green bean fries fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:
Room Temperature: Place fries in a single layer inside an airtight container. Store at room temperature up to 2 days only to retain crispness.
Refrigeration: Use an airtight container to keep fries in the refrigerator up to 4 days. Reheat later for a crisp texture.
Freezing: Wrap fries in plastic wrap, then place inside a freezer-safe bag. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.
Other Recipes You’ll Love
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