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Crispy Air Fryer Butter Beans

Be the first to rate!·Easy·32 min total
By· Updated April 30, 2026
Crispy Air Fryer Butter Beans

These crispy butter beans are a simple, savory, and incredibly addictive snack. Made in under 30 minutes in an air fryer or oven, they are packed with plant-based protein and fiber. Seasoned with garlic, paprika, and herbs, they make a fantastic healthy alternative to chips or a crunchy topping for salads and soups.

This easy crispy butter beans, air fryer recipe recipe comes together in about 32 minutes and serves 2. It's perfect for all-year cooking, weeknight dinners, meal prep, and anyone exploring a more plant-forward kitchen. If you love this style of cooking, you'll also want to try our vegan shawarma rice with garlic yoghurt next.

Prep

7 min

Cook

20 min

Servings

2

Difficulty

Easy

178 kcal / serving
Best in All-Year

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Ingredients you'll need

Here's everything that goes into this crispy air fryer butter beans. Scroll down to the recipe card for exact measurements and a printable version.

  • 1 can (400g, approx. 240g drained weight) Butter beans
  • 2 tsp Olive oil
  • 1 tsp Garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp Onion powder
  • 1 tsp Dried mixed herbs
  • 1/2 tsp Smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp Fine sea salt, or to taste
  • 1/4 tsp Freshly ground black pepper, or to taste

How to make it

Follow these step-by-step instructions. Each step is written so you know exactly what to look, smell, and taste for.

  1. 1

    Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (400°F). If using an oven, preheat it to 220°C (425°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

  2. 2

    Drain the can of butter beans and rinse them well under cold running water.

  3. 3

    Thoroughly dry the beans using paper towels or a clean tea towel. This step is crucial for getting them extra crispy.

  4. 4

    Transfer the dry beans to a bowl. Add the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, dried mixed herbs, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until the beans are evenly coated.

  5. 5

    Place the seasoned beans in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Air fry for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket at the halfway mark for even cooking, until they are golden brown and crisp.

  6. 6

    Alternatively, for the oven method, spread the beans on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, tossing halfway, until golden and crispy.

  7. 7

    Once cooked, allow the beans to cool for a few minutes before serving. They will become even crispier as they cool down. Enjoy!

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Crispy Air Fryer Butter Beans

Crispy Air Fryer Butter Beans

Prep 7m Cook 20m Total 32m 2 servings
EasyVegancrispy butter beansair fryer recipe
5.0 from 1 reviews
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These crispy butter beans are a simple, savory, and incredibly addictive snack. Made in under 30 minutes in an air fryer or oven, they are packed with plant-based protein and fiber. Seasoned with garlic, paprika, and herbs, they make a fantastic healthy alternative to chips or a crunchy topping for salads and soups.

Ingredients

  • 1 can (400g, approx. 240g drained weight) Butter beans
  • 2 tsp Olive oil
  • 1 tsp Garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp Onion powder
  • 1 tsp Dried mixed herbs
  • 1/2 tsp Smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp Fine sea salt, or to taste
  • 1/4 tsp Freshly ground black pepper, or to taste

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (400°F). If using an oven, preheat it to 220°C (425°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

  2. 2

    Drain the can of butter beans and rinse them well under cold running water.

  3. 3

    Thoroughly dry the beans using paper towels or a clean tea towel. This step is crucial for getting them extra crispy.

  4. 4

    Transfer the dry beans to a bowl. Add the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, dried mixed herbs, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until the beans are evenly coated.

  5. 5

    Place the seasoned beans in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Air fry for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket at the halfway mark for even cooking, until they are golden brown and crisp.

  6. 6

    Alternatively, for the oven method, spread the beans on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, tossing halfway, until golden and crispy.

  7. 7

    Once cooked, allow the beans to cool for a few minutes before serving. They will become even crispier as they cool down. Enjoy!

Recipe Notes

Serving Suggestions: Enjoy these crispy beans as a standalone snack, or use them as a crunchy topping for salads, grain bowls, or soups instead of croutons. Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They may lose some of their crispiness; you can reheat them in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes to crisp them up again. Customization: Feel free to experiment with other spices like chili powder, cumin, or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

Nutrition Information

Per serving (estimated)

Calories
178 kcal
Fat
5 g
Carbs
25 g
Protein
9 g
Fiber
8.5 g
Sugar
1 g
Sodium
440 mg

Frequently asked questions

Can I use other types of beans for this recipe?+

Yes, this recipe works wonderfully with chickpeas (garbanzo beans) or cannellini beans following the same instructions.

Why didn't my beans get crispy?+

The most common reason is that the beans were not dried thoroughly enough before seasoning and cooking. Any excess moisture will steam the beans instead of allowing them to roast and crisp up. Ensure they are patted completely dry.

What can I substitute for dried mixed herbs?+

You can use 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, or a single herb like dried oregano, thyme, or rosemary.

Can I make this Crispy Air Fryer Butter Beans ahead of time?+

Yes. You can prep most components a day or two in advance and store them in airtight containers in the fridge. For best texture, assemble or warm just before serving — most elements keep well for 3–4 days refrigerated.

How should I store leftovers?+

Cool leftovers to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave, adding a splash of water or plant milk if it has dried out a little.

Can I freeze Crispy Air Fryer Butter Beans?+

Most components freeze well for up to 2 months in a sealed freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat slowly. Avoid freezing fresh herbs, leafy greens, and creamy dairy-free sauces — add those fresh after thawing.

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