Healthy Green Bean Casserole Recipe

Green Bean Casserole

I’m sure you’ve heard of the classic green bean casserole around the Thanksgiving table and all holiday season long. This fresh green bean casserole recipe is a take on the classic and uses homemade crispy fried onions made in the air fryer and fresh green beans all topped with cheese and a perfect addition to your Thanksgiving dinner. 

What vegetables are used in this dish?

This green bean casserole uses fresh ingredients and vegetables like tender green beans, onions, and mushrooms. 

Can you make this diary free and gluten free?

To make this dairy free use a dairy free alternative to half and half like full fat canned coconut milk and a dairy free parmesan cheese, you could also omit the cheese. To make this fresh green bean casserole recipe gluten free simply use a gluten free flour as tapioca flour is already gluten free. 

I completely respect and understand the desire to keep traditions going and continue to make the traditional version of green bean casserole with canned beans and canned cream soup. However, this fresh and delicious alternative might is a great option if you’re wanting a change at the holidays. 

What air fryer do you use?

I have become slightly obsessed with using my Corosi air fryer for everything. I do find it is pretty loud in the kitchen but it gets the job done and makes perfect fried onions for this fresh green bean casserole recipe. We have had it since Amazon Prime day 2020 without any issues. My basket handle finally broke and I was able to easily replace the basket on Amazon for under $30. 

Here are some of our favorite air fryer recipes: 

• Air Fryer Mini Tacos
• Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders
• Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken
• Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
• Air Fryer Shrimp Tacos
• Air Fryer Blackened Chicken

Can I use store bought crispy onions?

Definitely! Making your own crispy onions is a bit time consuming. It is not hard but does take time to cook. You can use store bought French’s Crispy onions in place of air fried. Use some on the mixture and add some on top similar to directed below in the green bean casserole recipe card. 

Can I make it ahead of time?

If you make this ahead of time do note your onions will start to become soggy as they sit. I would suggest making this without the top onions. Reheat in the oven until warm and fresh onions on top of the green bean casserole before serving. 

Ingredients and Substitutes:

These are the main ingredients and substitutions. See recipe card below for full ingredients list and instructions for this green bean casserole recipe.

Green Beans: this recipe uses one pound of trimmed fresh green beans. You can also use the ready store bag of fresh trimmed beans or canned green beans if you prefer. 

Mushrooms: this recipe is fantastic with fresh mushrooms which give it a lot of texture and flavor. For this recipe I am using 1 8oz. pack of pre sliced baby bella mushrooms. Use any mushrooms. 

Onions: for this recipe you will air fry one full yellow onion cut into thin slices. You can substitute with French Fried Onions. 

Flour and Panko: to make your air fryer onions crispy we are coating them in a mixture of all-purpose flour and tapioca flour. Half the green beans will also be coating with a bit of panko bread crumbs to really add some extra crunch on top. 

Cajun Seasoning: season the onions with cajun seasoning to give them some flavor. You can use store bought seasoning of make the seasoning from the Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage recipe.

Parmesan Cheese: the parmesan cheese adds so much flavor to this dish and just the smallest amount of cheesiness throughout. 

Fat-Free Half and Half: to soak your onions before breading and to make your homemade sauce you will need to use half and half. I am using fat free to cut down on the fat but you could use full fat or heavy cream. To make this dairy free use a full fat canned coconut milk. 

Chicken Broth: the sauce requires some broth. If you have turkey stock that would be a great alternative. 

Worcestershire Sauce: to add a bit of savory and salty flavor to the green bean casserole sauce this sauce uses a bit of  worcestershire sauce. 

How to make this green bean casserole:

Air Fryer Onions

Slice one full yellow onion into thin slices. Place them in a bowl with 1 cup of fat free half and half and let them sit while you prep your air fryer and trim your beans (approximately 5-10 minutes). Note: you will have excess half and half once you remove the onions, this has been considered in the nutrition facts. Transfer the onions to a ziplock bag pre loaded with flour, tapioca flour and cajun seasoning. Shake until completely covered. 

Remove half the onions and place them in the air fryer pan. Air fry at 370 degrees Fahrenheit for 8-10 minutes until crispy. Half way through cooking open the air fryer to give a good shake and separate the onions, be careful not to burn. Set aside for later. This half will go in the casserole mixture. 

Add 1/4 cup of panko breadcrumbs to the remaining half of the onions and shake. Air fry at 370 degrees Fahrenheit for 8-10 minutes until crispy and golden brown. Half way through cooking open the air fryer to give a good shake and separate the onions. Set aside for later. This half will go on top of the green bean casserole. 

Blanch the green beans

Bring a large skillet of water to a rolling boil over high heat and add the green beans. Cook for 5 minutes until bright green, drain and transfer to a large bowl of ice water to stop the cooking. 

Make the sauce

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and make your sauce. This acts as a homemade cream of mushroom soup mix which the classic green bean casserole calls for. To make the homemade mushroom sauce add 2 tbsp. butter to the same pan you cooked the green beans over medium heat. Once melted add the minced garlic and mushrooms. Cook over medium to medium high for 5 minutes until the mushrooms are down brown and soft.

Once soft add 2 tbsp. tapioca flour and mix to fully coat the mushrooms. The tapioca is going to help thicken your sauce. Add chicken broth, half and half, worcestershire sauce, salt and black pepper. Simmer the sauce until it thicken approximately 5-8 minutes stirring often so it does not burn. 

Combine casserole ingredients

Using a slotted spoon remove the green beans from the ice bath and add to the homemade sauce. Add the first batch of onions and stir everything to fully combine evenly throughout. 

Bake

Add the green bean mixture to a 9 x 13 casserole dish, stop with parmesan cheese and bake uncovered for 10 minutes. Remove, add the second batch of onions and cook for an additional 10 minutes uncovered. The casserole is done when the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is melted. 

Serve

Remove from the oven and serve your healthy green bean casserole immediately. Serve with Greek Yogurt Mashed Potatoes, Holiday Stuffing, Sweet Potato Casserole and your favorite holiday protein like turkey, prime rib or Air Fryer Breaded Pork Tenderloin.

What to serve with this recipe?

This green bean casserole is perfect for the any holiday dinner! Serve it at Thanksgiving, Christmas, Friendsgiving, Easter, New Years Eve dinner, you name it and it works!

Serve with turkey, Greek Yogurt Mashed Potatoes, salad, Holiday Stuffing or just make it during the week to go with chicken or steak.

What is a serving size for this casserole?

Nutrition facts are a estimate. As always, for the most accurate measurement per serving weigh your final dish and divide by the serving amount. 

This green bean casserole makes approximately 8 servings. The size is approximately 145 grams or 1 cup. 

If you like this recipe be sure to check out some of our other easy recipes!

• Holiday Stuffing
• Greek Yogurt Mashed Potatoes
• Big Mac Casserole
• Pumpkin French Toast Casserole
• Dairy Free Egg Casserole