Description
Air-Fryer Veggie Tempura is a lighter, healthier take on the classic Japanese dish. Featuring a medley of fresh vegetables coated in a delicate, crispy batter and air-fried to golden perfection, this dish is perfect as an appetizer, snack, or side. Enjoy the same crunchy texture without the deep frying!
Ingredients
- Vegetables (choose any or mix):
- 1 small zucchini, sliced into thin sticks
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup cauliflower florets
- 1 small sweet potato, sliced thinly
- 1 small carrot, cut into thin strips
- ½ red bell pepper, sliced
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour (or tempura batter mix)
- ½ cup cornstarch
- ¾ cup cold sparkling water (adjust for consistency)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil spray
Instructions
- Prep the Vegetables:
Wash and pat dry the vegetables. Cut them into thin, bite-sized pieces for even cooking. - Prepare the Batter:
In a mixing bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Slowly add cold sparkling water, whisking until smooth. The batter should be slightly runny but thick enough to coat the vegetables. - Preheat the Air Fryer:
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. - Coat the Vegetables:
Dip each vegetable piece into the batter, shaking off any excess, and place them on a plate. - Air Fry:
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil. Arrange the battered vegetables in a single layer (work in batches to avoid overcrowding). Lightly spray the tops with olive oil for extra crispiness. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. - Serve:
Once golden and crispy, remove from the air fryer and serve immediately with soy sauce, tempura dipping sauce, or spicy mayo.
Time
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes (per batch)
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
Serves
- Makes about 4 servings
Nutritional Breakdown (per serving, approximate)
- Calories: 180-220
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 4g
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Sodium: 250mg
Key Notes
- Vegetable Variety: Feel free to use your favorite vegetables, ensuring they’re cut into uniform sizes for even cooking.
- Crispy Tips: Use cold sparkling water for the batter to ensure it stays light and crispy.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Cook the vegetables in batches for the best results. Overcrowding will make them soggy instead of crisp.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair with tempura dipping sauce, teriyaki sauce, or sweet chili sauce for added flavor.
- Reheating: If you have leftovers, reheat in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes to restore crispiness.
Enjoy the crispy and flavorful Air-Fryer Veggie Tempura guilt-free! It’s a perfect way to elevate simple vegetables into a crunchy delight. 😊