# Green beans cooking times

How long to cook green beans: **4–6 min boiled, 5–7 min steamed, 3–5 min in the microwave and 5–7 min pan-fried**. Every way to cook it is below, with the temperature and how to tell it’s done.

Source: https://feastflow.co.uk/green-beans-cooking-times (FeastFlow free cooking-time guides). Last checked 11 November 2026.

## How long to cook green beans

Times are for 300 g, for 4.

Green beans: cooking times by method:

| Method | Time | Heat | How |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Boil](https://feastflow.co.uk/boiling-times) | 4–6 min | in boiling salted water | Fine beans take 3–4 minutes. |
| [Steam](https://feastflow.co.uk/steaming-times) | 5–7 min | over simmering water | – |
| [Microwave](https://feastflow.co.uk/microwave-cooking-times) | 3–5 min | on full power, covered | With 2 tablespoons of water. |
| [Pan-fry](https://feastflow.co.uk/pan-frying-times) | 5–7 min | over a medium-high heat | Stir-fry in a little oil, adding a splash of water for the last couple of minutes. |
| [Oven](https://feastflow.co.uk/oven-cooking-times) | 12–15 min | 220°C (200°C fan), 425°F, gas 7 | Toss in oil and spread out. |
| [Air fryer](https://feastflow.co.uk/air-fryer-cooking-times) | 8–10 min | 200°C (400°F) | Toss in a teaspoon of oil; shake halfway. |

## Before you start

Top the stalk ends; the tails can stay. Frozen beans cook from frozen and take a minute longer.

## How to tell it’s done

Bright green and tender, with a slight snap.

## Questions

### How long to boil green beans?

4–6 min in boiling salted water. Fine beans take 3–4 minutes.

### How long to steam green beans?

5–7 min over simmering water.

### How long to microwave green beans?

3–5 min on full power, covered. With 2 tablespoons of water.

### How long to pan-fry green beans?

5–7 min over a medium-high heat. Stir-fry in a little oil, adding a splash of water for the last couple of minutes.

### How long to cook green beans in the oven?

12–15 min at 220°C (200°C fan), 425°F, gas 7. Toss in oil and spread out.

### How long to cook green beans in an air fryer?

8–10 min at 200°C (400°F). Toss in a teaspoon of oil; shake halfway.

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Times are a guide for typical home portions: ovens, air fryers, microwaves and sizes vary. Check meat, poultry and fish with a thermometer. Safe temperatures follow USDA and UK Food Standards Agency guidance.

FeastFlow also plans a whole meal backwards from serving time, with every dish timed and oven temperatures that don’t clash: https://feastflow.co.uk/