Can I make these ahead for a party?

While these are best served immediately after frying, you can prep everything in advance. Trim the beans, mix the dry batter ingredients, and have your oil ready to go. Then quickly make the wet batter and fry just before serving. This approach gives you fresh-fried beans without the last-minute rush.

Why did my batter slide off during frying?

This usually happens if the beans weren't dry enough before the cornstarch coating or if your oil temperature was too low. Make sure to thoroughly pat dry your beans, coat them well with cornstarch, and maintain that 375°F oil temperature for perfect adhesion.

Can I air-fry these green beans instead?

Traditional deep-frying works best for this recipe since the wet batter needs to set quickly in hot oil. However, you could try a modified version by spraying cornstarch-coated beans with cooking spray and air-frying at 380°F for about 8 minutes. The texture will be different, but still tasty in its own way.

Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for the beer?

Absolutely! Carbonated water or club soda makes an excellent substitute for beer in the batter. The carbonation helps create a light, crispy texture, though you'll miss the subtle flavor that beer provides.

Crispy Fried Green Beans Recipe

Description

This Crispy Fried Green Beans recipe delivers irresistibly crunchy and golden-brown green beans that are perfect as an appetizer or a snack. Coated in a light beer batter and fried to perfection, these green beans pair wonderfully with a side of ranch dressing for dipping. Perfectly seasoned and easy to prepare, they make an ideal crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Green Beans

1 pound fresh green beans, ends trimmed
1 tablespoon cornstarch

Batter

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (plus more for sprinkling)
1 cup cold lager beer
1 large egg, well-beaten

For Frying

Peanut oil or vegetable oil (for frying)

For Serving

Ranch dressing (optional, for dipping)

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Instructions

Preheat the Oil
Preheat your deep fryer or heavy-bottom skillet with 4 inches of oil to 375°F. This is crucial for achieving the right crispiness without making the beans greasy. Use either peanut oil or vegetable oil for optimal frying.
Coat the Green Beans
In a large bowl, toss the green beans with cornstarch. Ensure each bean is lightly coated, as this will help the batter stick evenly to the beans.
Prepare the Batter
Combine the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Whisk them together to ensure even distribution of the dry ingredients.
Mix Wet Ingredients
Add the cold lager beer and beaten egg to the dry ingredients, whisking until the batter is smooth and lump-free.
Coat the Beans
Add the green beans to the bowl with the batter, shaking off any excess cornstarch. Coat them well in the batter so they are entirely submerged and covered.
Start Frying
Carefully add the battered green beans to the hot oil, one at a time, letting the excess batter drip off first. This prevents them from sticking together. If using a deep fryer, shake the basket gently to separate them. If using a skillet, stir occasionally to ensure they don’t clump together.
Monitor and Fry
Fry the green beans in batches for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally to promote even browning. They should turn golden brown and crispy.
Drain Excess Oil
Remove the fried green beans from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain off the excess oil.
Cool and Season
Transfer the beans to a wire rack placed over a baking sheet. Immediately sprinkle with additional kosher salt to enhance the flavor and keep them crisp.
Serve
Serve the crispy fried green beans immediately while hot, paired with ranch dressing for dipping, if desired.

Notes

Always Dry Your Beans: Pat the green beans dry with paper towels before starting to ensure the batter adheres properly.
Fry in Batches: Avoid overcrowding the fryer or skillet, which can cause uneven cooking and soggy beans.
Maintain Oil Temperature: Keep the oil at 375°F for a crispy golden texture without burning the beans.
Shake Off Batter: Remove excess batter before frying for optimal crunchiness.
Drain and Cool: Use paper towels and a wire rack to keep fried beans crispy.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
Calories: 215
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 240mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 27g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 35mg