Crispy Butter Beans Recipe
Introduction
Crispy Butter Beans are a delicious and easy snack or side dish that brings a satisfying crunch with every bite. These beans are seasoned with a flavorful blend of herbs and spices, then cooked to golden perfection in an air fryer or oven.

Ingredients
- 1 15.5 oz can of butter beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 tablespoon grapeseed oil (see Note 1 for substitutions)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Pre-mix the spices by combining garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Whisk or stir well to blend evenly.
- Step 2: Place the drained and rinsed butter beans in a mixing bowl. Add grapeseed oil and toss to coat the beans evenly.
- Step 3: Sprinkle the spice mixture over the beans, then gently fold or stir them to distribute the seasoning thoroughly.
- Step 4 – Air Fryer method: Transfer the seasoned beans to your air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 15 minutes, shaking or stirring halfway through, until they reach your desired crispness.
- Step 4 – Oven method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the seasoned beans in a single layer on the sheet and bake for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring halfway through. Remove when crispy.
- Step 5: Serve the crispy butter beans warm as a snack or side. They pair wonderfully with vegan garlic aioli or your favorite dipping sauce such as tomato sauce, BBQ sauce, spicy almond butter sauce, or ketchup.
Tips & Variations
- For a nutty flavor, you can substitute grapeseed oil with avocado or sunflower oil.
- Adjust the spices to your preference by adding smoked paprika or cayenne for a smoky or spicy kick.
- Make sure to spread the beans out well to ensure maximum crispness.
Storage
Store any leftover crispy butter beans in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain crunch. Reheat briefly in the air fryer or oven to regain crispness before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use dried butter beans instead of canned?
Yes, but you will need to soak and cook dried beans first until tender before following this recipe.
Is grapeseed oil necessary for this recipe?
No, grapeseed oil is preferred for its neutral flavor and high smoke point, but you can substitute with other neutral oils like avocado or sunflower oil.
