How Long to Cook Green Beans
Fresh green beans (string beans), trimmed.
The Short Answer
In the oven at 425°F, green beans takes 15–20 minutes. Scroll down for all cooking methods, detailed instructions, and tips from the Professor.
Cooking Methods
🔥 Oven
Temperature: 425°F
Time: 15–20 minutes
Toss with oil, salt, pepper. Spread in a single layer. Roast until blistered and slightly charred.
💨 Air Fryer
Temperature: 400°F
Time: 8–10 minutes
Toss with oil. Shake basket once. Watch for charring at the tips.
🍳 Stovetop
Time: 4–6 minutes
Blanch in boiling salted water until bright green and crisp-tender. Transfer to ice water to stop cooking. For sauteed, skip the ice bath and toss in a hot skillet with butter.
⚡ Instant Pot / Pressure Cooker
Pressure: Low
Time: 1–2 minutes
Release: Quick release
Just 1-2 minutes on low pressure for crisp-tender beans. Quick release immediately to prevent overcooking. Place on trivet with 1 cup water. Be careful not to overcook; pressure cookers work fast on vegetables.
Blanch-and-shock (boiling water then ice water) gives you the brightest green color and crispest texture. This is the restaurant technique for perfect green beans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Blanch quickly (3-4 minutes) and immediately plunge into ice water. Overcooking and slow cooling both turn green beans olive drab.
The Bottom Line
Green Beans is straightforward to cook when you know the time and temperature. Use the method that fits your equipment and schedule, and always let the food rest before cutting or serving. Resting allows juices to redistribute and carryover cooking to finish the job.
Source: Culinary reference | Last verified: March 19, 2026 | Our methodology