I generally like to saute green beans lightly, but in winter – when I use the oven more – I love to add this recipe to my rotation.

They are crispy but not oily or greasy. Crispy green beans work great as an appetizer, as a side to grilled meat and cauliflower mash, or as a Game Day snack. No one will even miss the french fries! 

This recipe is really easy to make, which means I can get my kids involved in the preparation. I find that if my kids have a hand in making the recipe, they are always very excited to eat the end result. (And my kids eating more veggies is always a ‘win’ in my books!)

When you’re in the store, look for bright, plump, fresh green beans. Not only will the end result look nicer, but the texture will be better, too. The dull or brown-green beans will end up more ‘woody’ and won’t be as crisp.

Are green beans keto?

As you navigate the world of the ketogenic diet, one question that often arises is whether certain vegetables, particularly green beans, are keto-friendly. The short answer is yes, green beans are indeed keto-friendly, but let’s delve a bit deeper into why.

Understanding Carbs in Green Beans

The keto diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet designed to help your body enter a state of ketosis, where it burns fat for energy instead of carbohydrates. This means that foods consumed should be low in carbs, and green beans fit this criterion.

A cup of raw green beans contains about 7 grams of total carbs and 3.4 grams of fiber. This gives us a net carb count (total carbs minus fiber) of 3.6 grams, which is relatively low compared to many other vegetables. This low net carb count makes fresh green beans an excellent choice for those following a keto diet.

Nutrient Density of Green Beans

In addition to being low in carbs, green beans are also packed with nutrients. They’re a great source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate and manganese. Moreover, green beans contain antioxidants that help your body fight off harmful free radicals.

Incorporating Green Beans into Your Keto Diet

Green beans are versatile and can be incorporated into a wide variety of dishes. You can steam them and top with butter and a sprinkle of salt for a simple side dish, or sauté them with garlic and almonds for a flavorful treat. You could even throw them into a stir-fry with other low-carb veggies and a protein source for a complete keto-friendly meal.

It’s important to note that while fresh green beans are keto-friendly, they should be eaten in moderation like any other food. As with all things on the keto diet, it’s all about balance and variety to ensure you’re getting a wide range of nutrients.

In conclusion, green beans are a fantastic, low-carb, nutrient-dense vegetable to include in your keto diet. They offer a great way to add a pop of color, crunch, and vital nutrients to your meals while keeping your carb intake in check.

Enjoy your green beans and the array of benefits they bring to your keto lifestyle!

Crispy Green Beans recipes normally call for breadcrumbs, but I have a (not so) secret ingredient that makes these keto-friendly. Pork rinds!

Ground-up pork rinds make for an excellent breadcrumb substitute, so you can still get the crispy coating but without the carbs.

Recipe variations

In this recipe, I use ground-up pork rinds for the crispy coating. But you can also use almond flour mixed with spices or even parmesan cheese. 

A fun variation when serving this as a side is to sprinkle some cooked diced bacon on top just before serving or add sliced almonds in the last 5 minutes of cooking time.

Bonus tip: If you drizzle some olive oil on the baking dish first, it will make clean-up a little easier (plus, it will add to your fat count for the day, which is important if you’re following a low-carb lifestyle.)

Mastering the Art of Crispy Baked Green Beans: A Guide to Perfection

Baking green beans is an easy, healthy way to enjoy this nutritious vegetable. But achieving that perfect balance – crispy but not burnt, flavorful but not soggy – can sometimes be challenging. In this post, we’re going to guide you through the process of creating the perfect crispy baked green beans that are sure to be a hit at your next meal.

Preparing Your Green Beans

Start with fresh, firm green beans for the best results. Wash them thoroughly and pat dry. Trim off the ends, and if you prefer, cut the beans into shorter, bite-sized pieces.

The Secret to Crispiness: Oil and Oven Temperature

When it comes to achieving a crispy texture, the type of oil you use and the temperature of your oven are crucial.

• Oil: Toss your green beans in a light coating of oil. Olive oil is a great choice due to its flavor and high smoke point. The oil helps the outside of the beans crisp up in the oven without burning.
• Oven Temperature: Preheat your oven to a higher temperature – around 425°F (220°C). This high heat ensures that the outside of the beans becomes crispy before the inside becomes overcooked.

Seasoning for Flavor

Season your beans before baking to give them a flavor boost. Salt and pepper are a must, but feel free to get creative! Garlic powder, onion powder, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese can add a delicious twist to your crispy baked green beans.

Spread Them Out

When you’re ready to bake, spread the green beans out in a single layer on a baking sheet. This is essential for achieving crispiness. If the beans are piled on top of each other, they will steam rather than roast, resulting in a soggy texture.

Bake to Perfection

Bake your green beans for about 15-20 minutes, depending on their size. Make sure to give them a stir or shake halfway through baking to ensure even roasting. Keep a close eye on them towards the end of the cooking time to prevent burning.

When they’re done, the beans should be slightly shriveled and browned in spots – this is a good sign of crispiness. Remember, it’s better to pull them out a bit early and test for doneness rather than overcook them.

Serve Immediately

Your crispy baked green beans are best enjoyed immediately out of the oven. Serve them as a side dish to complement your main course, or enjoy them as a healthy, crunchy snack.

Creating perfectly crispy baked green beans is more of an art than a science. It might take a bit of experimentation to find the exact timing and temperature that works best with your oven. But once you’ve mastered it, you’ll have a delicious, healthy, and keto-friendly side dish that’s sure to impress. Happy baking!

Can I make these in the air fryer?

An air fryer is a fantastic kitchen gadget that offers a healthier alternative to deep frying. It works by circulating hot air around the food to produce a crispy exterior, mimicking the texture and taste of fried food without the excess oil.

Here’s a simple and delicious way to make crispy green beans in the air fryer.

Instructions:

1. Preparation: Start by washing your green beans and patting them dry. Trim off the ends.
2. Seasoning: In a large bowl, toss the green beans with olive oil until they’re lightly coated. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, adjusting the quantity to suit your taste. Feel free to add other seasonings such as garlic powder or chili flakes for an extra flavor kick.
3. Air Frying: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) if your model requires preheating. Spread the green beans in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding the basket; you might need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
4. Cooking: Cook the green beans for about 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. Keep an eye on the beans during the last few minutes of cooking to prevent them from burning. They should be lightly browned and crispy when done.
5. Serving: Remove the green beans from the air fryer and serve them immediately. They make a delicious side dish or a healthy snack.

Using an air fryer to cook your green beans is quick, easy, and yields a deliciously crispy result. It’s a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods, and the best part is, it requires little to no oil, making it perfect for those keeping an eye on their fat intake.

Macro Breakdown for Green Beans

When it comes to carbohydrates, green beans are relatively low compared to many other vegetables. A cup of raw green beans (about 100 grams) contains approximately 7 grams of total carbohydrates.

However, when counting carbs, we should consider net carbs, which is the amount of carbohydrates that your body can absorb and use for energy.

Net carbs are calculated by subtracting the fiber content from the total carbs. This is important because fiber, a type of carbohydrate that our bodies can’t digest, doesn’t raise blood sugar levels and isn’t used for energy like other carbs.

So, with around 3.4 grams of fiber per cup, green beans have a net carb count of around 3.6 grams, which makes them a great choice for low-carb and ketogenic diets.

Storing and Reheating Keto Green Beans: Maximizing Freshness and Flavor

Cooking a delicious meal is rewarding, but figuring out how to store and reheat leftovers can sometimes be a challenge. Here’s a handy guide on how to store and reheat your keto green beans to ensure they retain their flavor, texture, and nutritional benefits.

Storing Your Keto Green Beans

Once your green beans have cooled to room temperature, transfer them to an airtight container. Storing them in the refrigerator will keep them fresh for about 3-5 days. Make sure not to leave them at room temperature for more than two hours, as this could lead to bacterial growth and spoilage.

If you want to extend the shelf life of your green beans, consider freezing them. To do this, spread the cooled green beans out on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer. Once they’re fully frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. This method, known as flash freezing, prevents the beans from clumping together and allows you to portion out your servings easily. Frozen green beans can last up to 9-12 months.

Reheating Your Keto Green Beans

When you’re ready to enjoy your green beans again, the reheating method you choose will depend on whether your beans are refrigerated or frozen.

For Refrigerated Green Beans: The easiest way to reheat your green beans is in the microwave. Place them in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat on high for 1-2 minutes or until they’re heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat them on the stovetop. Just add a splash of water or oil to a pan, add the green beans, and stir until they’re heated through.

For Frozen Green Beans: If you have a bit more time, it’s best to thaw your green beans in the refrigerator overnight before reheating them using the microwave or stovetop method. If you’re in a rush, you can reheat them directly from frozen. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure they heat through evenly.

By properly storing and reheating your keto green beans, you can enjoy their delightful taste and texture even days after you’ve cooked them.

Remember, the goal is to warm your leftovers without overcooking them, to retain their nutritional benefits and delicious flavor. Enjoy!

More Keto Recipes to try:

1. Garlic Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower
2. The Best Keto Snack Recipes