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These Green Bean Bundles with Bacon are that side dish that makes people say, “Wait, you made these in the air fryer?”
They’re savory, sweet, and wrapped in crispy bacon — need I say more? I first made these for a Friendsgiving and they disappeared before the turkey was carved.
They’re as simple as bundling fresh green beans, wrapping them in bacon, brushing on a brown sugar glaze, and air frying to perfection. The bacon crisps, the beans stay tender, and the flavor is totally next level.
Perfect for holidays, dinner parties, or just a fancy-feeling weeknight.
🥕 Ingredients Overview
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Fresh Green Beans: Trimmed and evenly sized.
- Bacon Strips: Regular cut works best. Thin bacon may over-crisp.
- Brown Sugar: Adds a caramelized sweetness.
- Butter: Melted, to help the sugar stick and brown.
Optional: Garlic powder, black pepper, maple syrup, or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for heat.
Pro Tip: Par-cook the green beans for 2 minutes in boiling water if you prefer them more tender.
🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions
- Trim the Beans: Cut ends and group beans into small bundles (8–10 per bundle).
- Wrap with Bacon: Take 1 strip of bacon and wrap it around each bundle. Secure with a toothpick if needed.
- Brush with Glaze: Mix melted butter and brown sugar. Brush generously over each bundle.
- Air Fry: Preheat air fryer to 380°F. Place bundles seam side down and air fry for 12–15 minutes until bacon is crisp.
- Serve: Let cool slightly. Remove toothpicks before serving.
Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd the basket — work in batches for best crispiness.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using too thick or too thin bacon
- Skipping the glaze step (adds flavor and browning)
- Overcrowding the air fryer basket
- Undercooking bacon (check edges for doneness)
- Not trimming beans evenly (causes uneven cook)
🎨 Variations & Add-Ons
- Turkey Bacon: A lighter version that still crisps well.
- Spicy: Add cayenne or crushed red pepper to the glaze.
- Maple Glazed: Swap brown sugar for maple syrup.
- Low-Carb: Skip the sugar and just use seasoned butter.
- Garlic Butter: Add minced garlic to the melted butter for savory depth.
📦 Make Ahead & Storage
- Make Ahead: Assemble and brush bundles with glaze. Store in fridge, uncooked, for up to 24 hours.
- Fridge: Store cooked bundles in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Air fry at 350°F for 4–6 minutes to re-crisp.
- Freezer: Wrap uncooked bundles in foil and freeze. Air fry from frozen at 360°F for 18–20 minutes.
🥗 Nutrition Highlights
These bundles are naturally gluten-free and easily adapted to low-carb or dairy-free diets.
Air Fryer Green Bean Bundles
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Bundle green beans and wrap each with bacon.
- Mix brown sugar and melted butter. Brush over bundles.
- Air fry at 380°F for 12–15 minutes until bacon is crisp.
- Let cool slightly and serve.
Notes
- Use regular cut bacon for best results.
- Try turkey bacon for a lighter version.
- Add maple syrup or garlic to glaze if desired.
These green bean bundles are the perfect combo of crispy, savory, and sweet. If you give them a try, I’d love to hear how they turn out! They pair beautifully with roasted meats or a classic holiday spread. For another crowd-pleasing side, check out my air fryer baby potatoes next!
