Balsamic Green Bean Almondine

Side | 15 minutes | Serves 4

Thanksgiving is all about the turkey… until this side dish shows up. Balsamic Green Bean Almondine is the sleek, elegant upgrade your holiday table didn’t know it needed. Made with Cabera Whole Green Beans—those perfectly straight, tender-crisp freezer heroes—this dish goes from zero to ooh-la-la in one effortless air-fryer performance. No blanching, no sauté pans, no drama. Just 15 minutes to a side that’s tangy, nutty, and so addictive, the turkey might as well be a backup singer.

Cabera green beans are the secret weapon: frozen at peak freshness, uniformly sized, and ready to crisp up with zero prep. A quick toss in olive oil, a balsamic glaze that caramelizes into sticky-sweet perfection, and toasted almonds for that satisfying crunch—this is French elegance meets American holiday hustle. Let’s make your green beans the talk of the table.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 300 g Cabera Whole Green Beans – Frozen, whole (not cut); no thawing needed.

• 20 ml Balsamic Vinegar – Good-quality for depth; aged if you’re feeling fancy.

• 30 g Sliced Almonds – Pre-sliced for ease; raw or lightly toasted.

• 10 ml Olive Oil – Just enough to crisp, not drown.

Optional glow-up: Pinch of sea salt, cracked black pepper, or a sprinkle of Parmesan at the end.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Air Fry the Beans (The Crisp Foundation – 10 Minutes)

Fire up your air fryer to 200°C (400°F).

1. In a bowl, toss the 300 g frozen Cabera green beans with 10 ml olive oil. No need to thaw—just coat evenly. The oil helps them crisp and prevents sticking.

2. Spread them in a single layer in the air fryer basket (shake it for even coverage). Cook for 10 minutes, shaking halfway through. You want bright green beans with golden-blistered spots and a tender bite. That’s the texture upgrade.

Why this works: Frozen beans release just enough moisture to steam-crisp, locking in freshness without mush.

Step 2: Glaze & Toast (The Flavor Finish – 2 Minutes)

No need to remove the beans—just keep the party going.

1. Add 30 g sliced almonds and drizzle 20 ml balsamic vinegar over everything. Toss gently in the basket.

2. Air fry for 2 more minutes. The balsamic will bubble, reduce, and coat the beans in a glossy, tangy glaze while the almonds toast to golden perfection.

Watch closely: You want sticky, not burnt. Two minutes is the sweet spot.

Air fryer hack: If your basket is small, do this in two batches. Crowding = steaming, not crisping.

Serve It Up: Holiday Glow-Up Complete

Transfer the glistening beans and almonds to a platter. The balsamic glaze will pool slightly—spoon it over for extra shine. Serve warm, ideally in a white dish so the colors pop against mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce.

Pair with roasted turkey (if you must), garlic mashed potatoes, or a simple herb-crusted pork tenderloin. One bite, and your guests will forget the stuffing exists.

Total time? 15 minutes. From freezer to magnifique.

Got an oven instead of an air fryer? Roast at 220°C for 12–15 minutes, tossing at the 10-minute mark. Same magic, different appliance.

Pro tip: Double the batch. Leftovers (if any) are killer tossed into salads or scrambled eggs the next morning.