Deep-Fried Green Beans

By Anna AlleeAug 12, 2024Jump to Recipe

Green Beans: typically inexpensive, simple, and enjoyable. DEEP-FRIED green beans? Now that’s a dish that’ll impress everyone at the cookout.

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Whenever you sit down to enjoy a meal, is there ever a small voice in the back of your mind saying, “This would be better deep-fried”? Oh come on, that cannot just be a me thing. Well, I’m a big believer in this, and no food is safe, not even a classic side dish like green beans. Deep-fried green beans have the ideal crispy texture, and they don’t take very long to make. Some even call this dish “the perfect dippers.” So sorry chip lovers, but deep-fried green beans are in for all your events. Just don’t forget to bring along a fun dipping sauce!

A lot of people online believe the idea of deep-fried green beans comes from the popular US food chain P.F. Chang’s. At P.F. Chang’s, you’ll be served crispy, tempura-battered green beans and a side of delicious, spicy dipping sauce. But if you love to cook at home like me, or are trying to avoid eating out to save your weekly budget, then never fear because the following recipe will surely satisfy your taste buds just as much as the P.F. Chang’s appetizer.

Are Deep-Fried Green Beans Healthy?

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but deep-fried green beans are not particularly healthy. The pesky thing about deep-frying is there is usually a lot of oil involved, which means significant amounts of fat and calories. If you’re looking to improve the health benefits of deep-fried green beans, then I have a few suggestions for you. If you’re not too keen on the amount of oil you need to use in order to deep-fry, why not try lightly battering your green beans and tossing them in an air fryer? Air fryers require significantly less oil, while still succeeding at giving you that crisp you desire.

Gluten-free? Grab your favorite gluten-free flour to use as a substitute! If you need a recommendation, I hear Bob’s Red Mill works rather well and it’s a 1:1 substitution. You’ll also want to look into replacing the panko breadcrumbs with a gluten-free option. Perhaps Kikkoman Gluten-Free Style Bread Crumbs!

Help! Why are my deep-fried green beans not crispy?

Oh no! Soggy, deep-fried green beans are definitely a party killer. But never fear! There are a few tips that can help you achieve the crispiest, deep-fried green beans of your dreams. First off, you definitely have to make sure to blanch your green beans. Blanching is the key to helping vegetables retain their crispiness. After cooking your green beans, simply add them to a large bowl full of cold ice water. This will stop the cooking process and promote a crispy texture.

Next, you want to make sure you’re not allowing your green beans to sit in the batter for too long. Once you batter your green beans, immediately fry them in hot oil. Make sure to only put so many battered green beans in your frying oil at a time as well, as overcrowding can affect crispiness.

INGREDIENTS

1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 large egg
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Vegetable oil for frying

INSTRUCTIONS

Blanch

Prepare green beans by blanching and drying.

Coat

Dredge beans in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs.

Fry

Deep-fry until crispy and golden.

Devour!

FAQs & Tips

How to Make Ahead and Store?

Do you want to make these delicious deep-fried green beans ahead of time for your Friday night event? Well, you’re in luck, because these deep-fried green beans can actually be frozen for up to 6 months. Now that’s ahead of time! Simply allow your deep-fried green beans to cool completely after frying, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet or tray, and freeze them until solid. Once frozen, make sure to transfer the beans to an airtight and freezer-safe container.

Need more flavor in your life?

Bland deep-fried green beans? No thanks! Why not try adding some more flavor by using seasoned bread crumbs instead of plain? Also, please feel free to add as much of your favorite seasonings when breading as your heart desires.

What temperature should the oil be?

When it comes to deep-frying, you really want to maintain a consistent temperature to ensure your deep-fried green beans come out even and crispy. We recommend keeping the oil at 350 degrees F for even frying.

Serving Suggestions

Ranch Dressing, Chipotle Sauce, BBQ Sauce… you can pair your deep-fried green beans with virtually any sauce and they will be just as delicious every time. If you’re attending an event and bringing deep-fried green beans to share with other partygoers, know they pair super well with other classic appetizers. If you have the extra time and want to create something else as well, try spicy Jalapeño Poppers or these cheesy Mozzarella Sticks.

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