Air-Fryer Tempura Vegetables: A Healthy, Crispy Delight

Air fryers are a healthier alternative to deep frying, but can you make tempura vegetables in one? The answer is yes! Air fryer tempura is a quick, easy, and healthier way to make this Japanese dish without the oil. You can use a variety of vegetables, such as broccoli, bell peppers, zucchini, and sweet potato, and simply coat them in a light batter before placing them in the air fryer. The result is a crispy, golden-brown treat that can be served as a side or a snack.

Best vegetables for tempura

There are many different vegetables that work well for tempura. Here are some of the most popular choices and some tips on preparing them:

Bell peppers

Bell peppers are a versatile vegetable that can be used in tempura. They can be cut into strips or quarters and are commonly paired with curry powder and peanut sauce.

Eggplant

Eggplant is another popular choice for tempura. It is recommended to dust the eggplant with flour before dipping it in the batter. This will help the batter stick to the vegetable and prevent it from getting soggy.

Sweet potato

Sweet potatoes are a common ingredient in tempura. They can be cut into thin slices or rounds and soaked in water before cooking to remove excess starch.

Kabocha squash

Kabocha squash is also used in tempura. It is recommended to slice the squash thinly before dipping it in batter and frying.

Lotus root

Lotus root is a unique vegetable that can be used in tempura. It is recommended to precook the lotus root before frying, and it pairs well with a dipping sauce.

Green beans

Green beans are a great choice for tempura as they can be fried directly without any precooking. They are usually paired with wasabi sauce.

Broccoli

Broccoli is another vegetable that can be used in tempura. It is recommended to cut the broccoli into small florets before frying.

Zucchini

Zucchini is a versatile vegetable that works well in tempura. It can be cut into slices or fries and is a good choice for those who want a healthier option.

Avocado

Avocado is a unique choice for tempura. It is recommended to cut the avocado into wedges and sprinkle with salt before dipping in the batter.

When making tempura, it is important to remember that the batter should be thin and not too liquidy. The vegetables should also be cut into small, even pieces to ensure even cooking. Additionally, do not overcrowd the air fryer or frying pan to maintain the oil temperature and prevent the vegetables from getting soggy.

How to make tempura in an air fryer

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/2
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 teaspoons vegetable oil, or canola oil
• Assorted Vegetables: You will need 3 cups
• 1/2 cup green beans, whole
• 1/2 cup asparagus spears, whole
• 1/2 cup red onions, rings
• 1/2 cup bell peppers, cut
• 1/2 cup avocado, wedges
• 1/2 cup zucchini slices
• 1 cup water, chilled with ice (optional)
• 1 cup panko (Japanese) breadcrumbs (optional)
• Olive oil (to drizzle or spray) (optional)
• 1 egg (optional)
• Smoked paprika (optional)
• 1/4 cup seltzer water (optional)

Method

• Cut your vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
• Dry the vegetables with a paper towel.
• Mix together the dry ingredients (flour, salt, and black pepper) in a shallow dish.
• In another large bowl, whisk together eggs and water.
• Stir together panko and oil in a third shallow dish.
• Dip the vegetables in the flour mixture, then in the egg mixture, and finally in the panko mixture to coat. Allow any excess batter to drip off.
• Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F for 3-5 minutes.
• Transfer vegetables to the air fryer basket in a single layer, and set the cooking time for 8-10 minutes; remove when golden brown.
• Serve with a sprinkle of additional salt, a soy sauce dipping sauce, and sliced green onions.

Tips

• For best results, do not overmix the tempura batter. As you mix the batter, gluten will develop, which will make for a thicker batter. Tempura is a light batter, so once it’s mixed, stop mixing.
• Use cold water or ice water to make your tempura batter light and airy.
• Dry your vegetables before cooking to avoid soggy tempura.
• You can use garlic powder, onion powder, shiso leaves, or fresh herbs to season the tempura batter.
• You will need to cook your vegetables in batches. You can keep the cooked vegetables in a preheated oven at 200 degrees F while you cook the rest.
• Let your tempura rest before serving.
• When cooking wet batters in an air fryer, use a light oil or cooking spray coating first. This will help the batter stick and hold its shape during cooking.
• Preheat your air fryer before adding the wet batter to ensure even cooking.

Tips for cooking wet batters in an air fryer

When cooking wet batters in an air fryer, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure your food comes out crispy and delicious. Here are some tips to help you achieve the best results:

Use a Light Oil or Cooking Spray

Coat the air fryer basket with a light oil or cooking spray before adding your battered food. This will help the batter stick to the basket and hold its shape during cooking, preventing it from dripping to the bottom. It also helps to achieve a crispy texture.

Preheat Your Air Fryer

Always preheat your air fryer before adding the wet batter. This is crucial for ensuring that your food cooks evenly. A preheated air fryer will give you a nice, even cook on your battered food, helping to create a crispy exterior.

Choose the Right Vegetables

Not all vegetables are created equal when it comes to air frying. For the best results, choose vegetables that hold up well to air frying and will come out crispy and flavorful. Broccoli, mushrooms, bell peppers, lotus roots, sweet potatoes, cauliflower, zucchini, and squash are excellent options.

Slice Your Vegetables Thinly

When preparing root vegetables or other dense veggies, be sure to slice them thinly. Aim for a thickness of just under 1/4 inch. This will ensure that your vegetables cook through by the time your batter is done frying, resulting in a crispy exterior and tender interior.

Don't Overcrowd the Air Fryer Basket

It's important to work in batches and avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. This will ensure that your vegetables cook evenly and have enough space to get nice and crispy. If you crowd the basket, your vegetables may end up steaming instead of crisping.

Experiment with Different Batters

While a traditional tempura batter typically includes flour, water, and egg, you can experiment with different ingredients to find what works best for you. Some people use carbonated water or ice-cold water to create a lighter, crispier batter. Others omit the egg and use Japanese mayonnaise instead, which helps emulsify the oils and prevents sogginess.

Dry Your Vegetables

Before coating your vegetables in batter, be sure to dry them thoroughly with a kitchen towel or paper towels. This is an important step to ensure your tempura comes out crispy. If your vegetables are wet, the batter may become soggy and not adhere properly.

Rest the Batter

Once you've mixed your batter, it's best to use it right away. However, if you do make it ahead of time, let it rest before using. This will allow the gluten in the flour to relax, resulting in a lighter and crispier batter.

Season Generously

Don't be shy with the seasonings! Tempura batter is a great carrier for flavours, so experiment with different spices and herbs. You can try garlic powder, onion powder, shiso leaves, or fresh herbs. You can also add salt directly to the batter to enhance the flavour.

Serve with Dipping Sauces

Tempura vegetables are typically served with a dipping sauce. You can offer a variety of sauces to elevate the dish, such as classic soy sauce, sesame oil, sweet and sour sauce, teriyaki sauce, or honey garlic sauce. For a lighter option, a simple dip made of lemon juice and olive oil is also delicious.

Serving suggestions

Air fryer tempura vegetables are a delicious and healthy alternative to deep-fried tempura. They can be served as an appetizer, side dish, or even a main course. Here are some ideas on how to serve them:

• On their own: Pile them on a plate and dig right in. The veggies have never tasted this good.
• With rice: Serve the tempura vegetables with a bowl of steamed rice for a simple yet satisfying meal.
• In a wrap: Stuff them in a tortilla with some greens and a drizzle of your favourite sauce for a quick and tasty lunch.
• With a salad: A light salad can accompany the tempura vegetables as a main course or a side dish.
• With steamed vegetables: For extra fibre, serve the tempura with steamed vegetables like broccoli or carrots.
• Toppings: To complete your meal, top the tempura with black sesame seeds, chopped scallions, or grated daikon radish.

There are also many different dipping sauces that go well with veggie tempura. Some popular choices include classic soy sauce, sesame oil, sweet and sour sauce, teriyaki sauce, and honey garlic sauce. For a lighter option, try a simple dip made with lemon juice and olive oil. If you prefer something spicier, go for Japanese mayonnaise or chili-garlic paste.

Storing air-fried tempura

Air-fried tempura can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. If you want to keep it for longer, you can store it in the freezer for up to three months.

To store in the refrigerator, let the tempura cool completely before transferring it to the container.

To store in the freezer, let the tempura cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you're ready to eat it, let the frozen tempura thaw, then reheat it in the air fryer for a few minutes.

This way, you can enjoy your delicious and crispy tempura even if you've made a big batch!

Frequently asked questions