Frying Tempura Batter: Air Fryer Style

Tempura is a Japanese dish that consists of shrimp and/or vegetables dipped in a batter and then deep-fried. But can you fry tempura batter in an air fryer? The answer is yes, it is possible to make tempura in an air fryer. However, it can be tricky as the batter is usually thin and can drip off the food or stick to the basket. Some tips to make tempura in an air fryer include using a thicker batter, dusting the battered food with flour, and making sure the basket is not overcrowded.

Air fryer tempura: a healthier alternative to deep frying

Tempura is a Japanese dish that typically involves deep frying battered shrimp or vegetables. However, with the rise in popularity of air fryers, many people are now looking for alternative ways to cook this dish in a healthier way.

Yes, it is possible to make tempura in an air fryer. Air fryers circulate hot air to cook food, which means less oil is required compared to traditional deep frying. This makes air-fried tempura a healthier alternative to the traditional deep-fried version.

Tips for Making Air Fryer Tempura

One of the challenges of making tempura in an air fryer is that the batter can drip off the food or fly away when the air starts circulating. To prevent this, it is recommended to use a batter that is not too liquidy. You can also dip your battered food in flour to create a breaded coating that will help the batter stay in place.

When preparing shrimp for tempura, it is important to score the underside of the shrimp and straighten them out before cooking to achieve the traditional straight presentation.

Air Fryer Tempura Recipes

There are several recipes available online for air fryer tempura, offering different variations and tips for achieving the best results. Some recipes suggest using ice-cold water or sparkling water in the batter, while others recommend adding ingredients like Japanese mayonnaise, lemon juice, or baking powder to help create a light and crispy texture.

Air fryer tempura is a healthier and less greasy alternative to traditional deep-fried tempura. While it may not achieve the same level of crispness as deep frying, it is a convenient and healthier option for enjoying this Japanese dish at home.

The best vegetables for tempura

Tempura is a Japanese dish of battered and deep-fried vegetables, fish, or shellfish. The batter is light and delicate, resulting in a thin, crispy, and crunchy coating.

While you can use any vegetable, some common choices for tempura include:

• Broccoli
• Cauliflower
• Sweet potatoes
• Green beans
• Kale leaves
• Peppers
• Zucchini
• Onions
• Eggplant
• Mushrooms (shiitake or king oyster)
• Kabocha squash
• Lotus root
• Japanese sweet potatoes
• Bell peppers
• Carrots
• Broccoli
• Squash

When preparing vegetables for tempura, it is important to slice them thinly, especially for root vegetables, to ensure they cook through by the time the batter is done frying.

Additionally, make sure your ingredients are dry as any excess moisture will make the tempura soggy. You can also soak root vegetables in water for a few minutes to remove excess starch, then pat them dry before cooking.

The best shrimp for tempura

When it comes to making shrimp tempura, the most important thing is to use uncooked shrimp. Precooked shrimp will not work for tempura. Frozen shrimp is a good option, as it is usually sold with the tail on, deveined, and with the shell removed, which saves some preparation time.

In terms of size, technically, any size shrimp will work for tempura. However, it is recommended to use slightly larger shrimp, around the 21/25 size. This is because, as you go smaller, the batter-to-shrimp ratio becomes disproportionate, and you want to avoid having too much batter. Going bigger is generally better than going smaller, but only to a certain point, as larger shrimp tend to be tougher and less tender.

When preparing the shrimp for tempura, it is important to remove the head and shell (except for the tail), devein, pat dry, and straighten the shrimp. The tail should be left on, as it creates a beautiful presentation and adds a tasty, crispy element when fried. To straighten the shrimp, make 4-6 shallow slits on the underside of the shrimp, then use your fingers to press against the back of the shrimp and break the muscles. This will make the shrimp about 1.5 times longer.

Once the shrimp is prepared, it is important to dust it lightly with flour or cornstarch before dipping it in the batter. This will help the batter adhere to the shrimp and create a crispy coating.

When frying, hold the shrimp by the tail, dip it in the batter, and allow the excess to drip off before carefully lowering it into the hot oil. The shrimp should immediately float to the top. You can also try drizzling some batter across the length of the shrimp in a zig-zag pattern to create a bubbly crust. Fry the shrimp until it is golden brown, then remove it from the oil and place it on a wire rack or paper towels to drain the excess oil.

By following these tips and techniques, you can create delicious and crispy shrimp tempura with a light and airy coating that your family and friends will surely enjoy!

The best dipping sauces for tempura

Tempura is a Japanese dish that consists of shrimp and/or vegetables dipped in a batter and then deep-fried. It is typically served with a dipping sauce called tentsuyu. Here are some of the best dipping sauces for tempura:

Tentsuyu

This is the traditional and essential Japanese dipping sauce for tempura, made with just four ingredients: dashi (Japanese soup stock), soy sauce, mirin (sweet rice wine), and sugar. The sauce is light and refreshing, with a delicate yet complex flavour. It can be made in less than 5 minutes by simply whisking together the ingredients and warming them in a small saucepan.

Curry Powder and Peanut Sauce

For a more creative sauce, try a combination of curry powder and peanut sauce. This sauce will add a spicy and savoury kick to your tempura.

Wasabi Sauce

Wasabi sauce is another option for those who like a little extra kick. It is perfect for those who enjoy the distinctive flavour of wasabi, which has a sharp, pungent taste.

Sweet Chili Sauce

Sweet chili sauce is a classic choice for a reason—it has the perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavours that complement the crispy texture of tempura.

Eel Sauce

For a unique and savoury option, try eel sauce. It has a thick, sweet, and salty flavour that will elevate your tempura to the next level.

Tips for preparing tempura in an air fryer

Preparing tempura in an air fryer is a healthier alternative to deep frying. Here are some tips to help you achieve the best results:

Prepare the Ingredients:

• Choose your preferred protein and vegetables. Common options include shrimp, squid, sweet potato, carrot, lotus root, bell pepper, broccoli, zucchini, and shiitake mushrooms.
• Ensure your ingredients are dry by patting them with paper towels. This will help the batter adhere better.
• If using shrimp, make small notches on the "belly" of each shrimp and stretch them out to straighten them. You can skip this step if you don't mind the curled shape.
• Slice root vegetables thinly, aiming for less than 1/4 inch thickness, to ensure even cooking.

Make the Tempura Batter:

• The key to a good tempura batter is getting the right consistency. It should be thin but not too watery.
• Combine flour, ice-cold water, and egg whites in a bowl. You can also add a little Japanese mayonnaise to help emulsify the oils and prevent sogginess.
• Some recipes suggest using carbonated water or sparkling water instead of regular water to add fluffiness to the batter.
• Add a little salt to the batter to enhance the flavour, especially if you're not deep frying.

Coat the Ingredients:

• Dip your ingredients in the batter, allowing any excess to drip off.
• For a crispier texture, dip the battered ingredients in flour or panko bread crumbs before placing them in the air fryer.
• Make sure the coated ingredients are not overcrowded in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and proper air circulation.

Cooking Instructions:

• Preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature, typically around 350-400°F (175-200°C).
• Spray the air fryer basket generously with cooking oil spray to prevent sticking.
• Place the coated ingredients in a single layer in the basket, working in batches if needed.
• Cook until the tempura is lightly golden, typically around 7-10 minutes for shrimp and 8-15 minutes for vegetables.
• Serve your air fryer tempura hot with your choice of dipping sauce, such as tentsuyu or sweet chili sauce.

Additional Tips:

• To make ahead and freeze, flash-freeze the battered ingredients on a plate or baking sheet before storing them in a plastic zipper bag.
• When reheating leftover tempura in the air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 370°F and cook for 3-5 minutes until crispy and heated through.

Frequently asked questions