Start by washing and thoroughly drying your fresh green beans. Trim the ends - this step is crucial for even cooking and better texture. Pat them completely dry with paper towels to ensure they get crispy rather than steamed.

In a large bowl, toss the dried green beans with olive oil until evenly coated. Add the minced garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Mix thoroughly so every bean gets seasoned. For extra flavor, add Parmesan cheese at this stage if using.

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the seasoned green beans in a single layer in the air fryer basket - don't overcrowd! Cook for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. They're ready when tender-crisp with slightly charred edges.

Transfer the crispy air fried beans to a serving bowl. If using, drizzle with fresh lemon juice and toss. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately while hot and crispy!