Air-Fryer Asian Tempura: Can It Be Done?

Tempura is a Japanese dish typically made by deep frying battered shrimp or vegetables. However, it is possible to make tempura in an air fryer, which is a healthier alternative to deep frying. To make tempura in an air fryer, a slightly thicker batter is required to prevent it from flying off the food or dripping to the bottom of the basket. The air fryer should be preheated to a temperature between 350°F and 400°F, and the food should not be overcrowded in the basket to ensure even cooking.

How to make the batter

Making the batter for tempura is a delicate art, and there are many different methods and ingredients you can use. Here is a guide on how to make the batter, with some tips and tricks included.

Firstly, gather your ingredients. Most traditional tempura batters consist of flour, water, and eggs. However, some recipes suggest adding Japanese mayonnaise to the mix, which helps emulsify the oils in the batter and prevents sogginess. You can also add a little salt to your batter to enhance the flavour. If you want to make your batter vegan, you can replace the egg with a mixture of unsweetened almond milk and apple cider vinegar.

Now, it's time to make the batter. In a large bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together your wet ingredients: egg and ice-cold water. The water must be ice-cold as this slows down the gluten formation process, resulting in a lighter and puffier batter. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, whisking until just combined. The batter should be slightly thick and smooth.

If you want to get really fancy, you can use carbonated water or even chopsticks to whip air into the batter. However, these techniques can be a bit fiddly and are not necessary for a delicious homemade tempura.

Once your batter is ready, it's time to dip your desired ingredients—vegetables, seafood, or meat—ensuring they are fully coated. Shake off any excess batter, as this can cause clumping in the air fryer.

Finally, a crucial step to achieving crispy tempura is to preheat your air fryer. Set it to 350°F (175°C) to 400°F (200°C) and preheat for about 5 minutes. This ensures even cooking and prevents sogginess.

Now you're ready to air fry your tempura to crispy perfection! Place your coated ingredients in the air fryer basket in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the basket. Air fry for 5-10 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

Enjoy your homemade air-fried tempura, and don't forget your favourite dipping sauces!

How to coat the shrimp/veggies

To make tempura shrimp and vegetables, you'll need to prepare your ingredients, make the tempura batter, and then fry them. Here's a detailed guide:

Preparing the Shrimp and Vegetables:

Before you start, it's important to note that the ingredients need to be very cold when you dip them into the batter. This temperature shock is what makes tempura light and crisp. So, prepare your shrimp and vegetables in advance and store them in the refrigerator until you're ready to fry.

For the shrimp, you'll need to peel and devein them, leaving the tails on. You can also make shallow cuts along the underside of the shrimp and use your fingers to straighten them out, which is a common technique to ensure the shrimp stay straight during frying. For vegetables, choose from options like sweet potatoes, carrots, broccoli, zucchini, or bell peppers. Cut your vegetables into thin slices or strips, no thicker than 1/4 inch, to ensure they cook through properly.

Making the Tempura Batter:

The key to a good tempura batter is in its preparation and temperature. Here's a basic recipe:

• In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 egg yolk and gradually add iced water (some recipes suggest using sparkling water for a fluffier batter). You can also add Japanese mayonnaise to the wet ingredients, as it helps emulsify the oils in the batter and prevents sogginess.
• Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, whisking until just combined. The batter should be slightly thick but still runny, and it's okay to have some lumps.
• Place the bowl of batter in an ice water bath to keep it cold while you're frying.

Coating the Shrimp and Vegetables:

Take your chilled shrimp and vegetables and dip them into the batter, ensuring they are fully coated. You can also dust them lightly with potato starch or cornstarch before battering, as this helps the batter adhere better. Shake off any excess batter.

Frying the Tempura:

Preheat your air fryer to 350-375°F (170-190°C) for about 5 minutes. Carefully place the coated shrimp and vegetables into the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd the basket. Air fry for about 2-8 minutes, depending on the ingredient, until they are golden brown and crispy.

Remove the tempura from the air fryer and drain them on paper towels to remove any excess oil. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as tempura dipping sauce (tentsuyu), ponzu sauce, or wasabi.

Enjoy your homemade tempura, and feel free to experiment with different ingredients and sauces!

How to cook in the air fryer

How to Cook in an Air Fryer

Air fryers are a great alternative to deep-frying, as they use hot air to cook food, resulting in a crispy texture with less fat and calories. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cook tempura in an air fryer.

Ingredients and Equipment:

Firstly, gather your ingredients. For the tempura batter, you will need flour, egg, and ice water. You can also add baking powder, cornstarch, or Japanese mayonnaise to enhance the texture. For the tempura fillings, choose from a variety of vegetables, seafood, or meat. Popular vegetables include sweet potatoes, carrots, broccoli, zucchini, and mushrooms. Shrimp, fish, and calamari are commonly used seafood options.

In addition to the ingredients, you will need an air fryer, cooking spray or oil, and parchment paper.

Step 1: Prepare the Tempura Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, and optionally, baking powder. In a separate bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: egg and ice water. You can also add Japanese mayonnaise to the wet mixture. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, whisking until just combined. The batter should be slightly thick and smooth.

Step 2: Prepare the Tempura Fillings

If using shrimp, remove the shell and devein them. Make small notches on the underside of the shrimp and stretch them out to straighten them. This is an optional step for presentation. You can also soak the shrimp in sake to remove any fishy smell. For vegetables, peel and slice them into uniform, thin slices, about 1/4 inch thick. Soak root vegetables in water to remove excess starch.

Step 3: Coat the Tempura Ingredients

Dip your desired ingredients into the batter, ensuring they are fully coated. Shake off any excess batter. You can also dip the battered ingredients in flour or panko breadcrumbs for a crispier texture.

Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to between 350-400°F (175-200°C) for about 5 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Air Fry the Tempura

Place the coated tempura ingredients in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the basket. Air fry for 5-10 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. You may need to cook the tempura in batches.

Step 6: Drain and Serve

Remove the tempura from the air fryer and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as tempura dipping sauce, ponzu sauce, or wasabi.

Tips for Crispy Tempura:

• Use ice water in the batter for a crispier texture.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow for proper air circulation.
• Preheat the air fryer to ensure even cooking and prevent sogginess.
• Shake off excess batter before air frying to prevent clumping.
• Serve tempura immediately, as it is best enjoyed hot and crispy.

Reheating and Storing:

You can reheat air-fried tempura in a preheated air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 2-3 minutes. Air-fried tempura is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Now you're ready to cook delicious and crispy tempura in your air fryer!

How to reheat

Reheating tempura in an air fryer is an excellent way to restore its crispy texture and taste. Here is a detailed guide on how to do it:

Preheat the Air Fryer

Set the temperature of your air fryer to around 350°F (175°C) and let it preheat for about 3 to 5 minutes. Preheating ensures that your tempura cooks evenly and crisps up properly.

Arrange the Tempura

Place the leftover tempura pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between them to allow for proper airflow and even cooking. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can lead to uneven heating and sogginess.

Spray with Oil

Lightly coat the tempura with cooking spray or brush a small amount of oil over them. This step helps enhance the crispiness of the tempura as it reheats.

Reheat

Carefully place the air fryer basket with the tempura into the preheated air fryer. Reheat for about 3 to 5 minutes, flipping the pieces halfway through the cooking time. Keep a close eye on the tempura to prevent overcooking or burning.

Check for Crispiness

After the allotted cooking time, check if the tempura has reached your desired level of crispiness. If not, cook for an additional minute or two, being cautious not to overcook.

Remove and Serve

Once the tempura is crisp and heated through, carefully remove it from the air fryer basket and transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Serve immediately while it's still hot and crispy.

Tips for Optimal Results:

• Preheat the air fryer before placing the tempura inside.
• Place the tempura in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding.
• Use a lower temperature of around 320°F (160°C) to reheat.
• Reheat in short intervals of 2 to 3 minutes to avoid overcooking.
• Flip the tempura halfway through for even heating and crispiness.
• Cover with foil for extra crispness if needed.
• Serve immediately for the best texture and taste.

What to serve with tempura

Tempura is a popular Japanese dish that is typically served with a variety of dipping sauces and side dishes. While it can be enjoyed on its own, pairing it with complementary flavours and textures can enhance your dining experience. Here are some ideas on what to serve with tempura to elevate your meal:

Dipping Sauces

• Tentsuyu (Tsuyu): A traditional Japanese dipping sauce made with soy sauce, mirin, and dashi stock. It has a savoury and umami flavour that complements the sweetness of the tempura.
• Tempura Dipping Sauce: A variation of tentsuyu that includes grated daikon radish and grated ginger.
• Ponzu Sauce: A citrus-based sauce made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and mirin.
• Spicy Chili Sauce: A combination of chili, brown sugar, lemon juice, and ginger creates a zesty contrast to the crispy tempura.
• Honey Mustard: For a sweet and tangy flavour profile.
• Mayonnaise and Sriracha: A creamy and spicy duo.

Side Dishes

• Rice: Sticky Japanese-style rice is a classic accompaniment to tempura. It can be served plain or with Japanese seasonings or pickles.
• Noodles: Soba noodles, either boiled or chilled (zaru soba), are a typical pairing with tempura. Ramen noodles with sesame seeds or ginger noodles are also excellent choices.
• Vegetables: Japanese fried vegetables, steamed vegetables, or a crisp salad with a vinegar soy sauce dressing can add a refreshing crunch to your meal. Blanched broccoli with sesame oil is another tasty option.
• Potatoes: Kofuki imo, or Japanese powdered potatoes, are a unique and savoury side dish.
• Ajitsuke tamago (Ramen Egg): A creamy, savoury, and silky egg dish that is perfect for snacking or as a side.
• Stir-fried Veggies: A colourful and nutritious stir-fry with peppers, onions, mushrooms, ginger, garlic, and chillies is a vibrant addition to your plate.
• Roasted Miso Garlic Cauliflower: A flavourful and conversation-starting side dish that pairs well with tempura.

Frequently asked questions