Crispy Butter Beans Recipe
Introduction
Crispy Butter Beans are a simple, flavorful snack or side dish that can be made quickly using an air fryer or oven. This recipe transforms tender butter beans into crunchy bites seasoned with garlic, onion, and thyme, perfect for dipping or enjoying on their own.

Ingredients
- 1 15.5 oz can of butter beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 tablespoon grapeseed oil (see note 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. In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Whisk or stir to blend evenly.
- Step 2: Add the beans to a mixing bowl. Pour in the grapeseed oil and toss the beans gently to coat them.
- Step 3: Sprinkle the spice mixture over the beans, shaking the bowl to distribute the spices evenly. Fold the beans gently to ensure all are coated with the seasoning.
- Step 4: For air frying, place the beans in the air fryer basket and cook at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally until crispy to your liking.
- Step 5: To bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the spiced beans in a single layer on the sheet and bake for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until crispy.
- Step 6: Serve the crispy butter beans warm. They are delicious on their own or with dips such as vegan garlic aioli, tomato sauce, BBQ sauce, or your favorite condiment.
Tips & Variations
- If you don’t have grapeseed oil, you can substitute with avocado or light olive oil for a similar effect.
- For extra crunch, make sure to dry the beans thoroughly before tossing with oil and spices.
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili powder for a smoky or spicy twist.
- Try different herbs like rosemary or oregano to vary the flavor profile.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain crispness. To re-crisp, heat them in the air fryer or oven briefly before serving—avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of beans for this recipe?
Yes, you can use other large beans like cannellini or lima beans. Just adjust cooking times slightly based on size and moisture content.
Is this recipe vegan and gluten-free?
Yes, the recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it suitable for most dietary needs.
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Crispy Butter Beans Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes (air fryer) or 35 minutes (oven)
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Crispy Butter Beans are a simple and delicious snack or side dish made by coating canned butter beans with a blend of garlic, onion, thyme, and seasonings, then cooking them until crisp using either an air fryer or oven. This recipe offers a healthy, protein-packed alternative to traditional crunchy snacks with easy preparation and versatile serving options.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 (15.5 oz) Can of Butter Beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 Tablespoon Grapeseed Oil (can substitute with olive oil or avocado oil)
- 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
- Pre-Mix the Spices: In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Use a whisk or fork to mix the spices evenly.
- Add Beans to Bowl: Place the drained and rinsed butter beans in a mixing bowl. Pour in the grapeseed oil and stir to coat the beans evenly.
- Add The Spices: Sprinkle the mixed spices over the coated beans. Gently fold the beans to ensure an even distribution of the spice mixture on all sides.
- Air Fry: Transfer the seasoned beans to an air fryer basket. Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 15 minutes, shaking or stirring halfway through, until the beans reach your desired level of crispiness.
- Or Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for better crisping. Spread the seasoned beans out in a single layer on the sheet. Bake for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring once halfway through cooking. Remove when beans turn crispy to your liking.
- Serve: Transfer the crispy butter beans to a serving bowl or plate. Enjoy them plain or with your favorite dips such as vegan garlic aioli, tomato sauce, BBQ sauce, spicy almond butter sauce, or ketchup.
Notes
- Grapeseed oil can be replaced with olive oil, avocado oil, or any neutral-tasting oil suitable for high heat.
- Using parchment paper for baking results in a crunchier texture compared to silicone mats.
- Adjust the amount of salt and spices according to your taste preferences.
- These crispy butter beans make a great healthy snack or side dish alternative to fried snacks.
- Store leftover beans in an airtight container and re-crisp in the air fryer or oven before serving.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes (air fryer) or 30 minutes (oven)
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Crispy butter beans, air fryer snack, healthy bean recipe, vegan snack, gluten free snack, easy air fryer recipe

