Use your air fryer to create a healthy snack with your favorite vegetables. These perfectly crispy tempura veggies are an absolute delight and come with less oil and fewer calories than traditional fried versions. Enjoy them with your favorite dipping sauce for a delightful treat that’s quick and easy to make.
Ⅰ. Time Overview
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes per batch
Total Time: 25 minutes
Ⅱ. Ingredients Needed
To make these delicious air fryer tempura veggies, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 large egg whites: Helps create a light, crispy batter.
- 1/4 cup soda water: Adds a bubbly texture to the batter.
- 1/2 cup flour: Forms the base of the tempura batter.
- 1/4 teaspoon seasoning (see variations below): Adds extra flavor to the batter.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a bit of spice.
- 2 cups vegetables (see variations below): Choose your favorite veggies.
- 1/2 cup store-bought dipping sauce (see variations below): Complements the tempura veggies perfectly.
Ⅲ. Equipment Needed
Before you start cooking, make sure you have the following tools:
- Air fryer: The key appliance for this recipe.
- Mixing bowls: For preparing the tempura batter and coating the vegetables.
- Whisk or fork: To beat the egg whites and mix the batter.
- Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
- Tongs: To handle the veggies in the air fryer.
- Baking sheet (optional): For use if you need to prepare batches of veggies.
Ⅳ. Air Fryer Cooking Process
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
In a mixing bowl, whisk the egg whites until they form soft peaks. Gently fold in the soda water, flour, seasoning, salt, and black pepper until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as you want to keep the batter light and airy.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
Wash and cut your chosen vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Some great options include broccoli florets, bell pepper strips, zucchini slices, and carrot sticks. Pat the vegetables dry with a paper towel to ensure the batter adheres properly.
Step 3: Coat the Vegetables
Dip each piece of vegetable into the batter, ensuring it is well-coated. Let any excess batter drip off before placing the veggies in the air fryer basket.
Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for a few minutes. Preheating ensures that the tempura cooks evenly and achieves that perfect golden brown color.
Step 5: Air Fry the Tempura Veggies
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush it with a little oil. Place the battered veggies in a single layer in the basket, making sure they don’t overlap. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. You may need to cook the veggies in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
Step 6: Serve
Remove the tempura veggies from the air fryer using tongs. Let them cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce. Some great options include soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, or a simple sriracha mayo.
Ⅴ. Perfect Tips for Making This Recipe
1.Choose the Right Vegetables:
Select vegetables that are firm and not too watery. Some great options include broccoli, bell peppers, zucchini, carrots, and green beans. Avoid vegetables like tomatoes or cucumbers, which can become too mushy when cooked.
2.Keep the Batter Cold:
Keeping the batter cold helps achieve a light and crispy texture. You can even place the mixing bowl in a larger bowl filled with ice to keep it chilled while you work.
3.Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer:
Cook the vegetables in batches if necessary. Overcrowding the basket can result in uneven cooking and less crispy tempura.
4.Serve Immediately:
Tempura is best served fresh and hot. The crispiness diminishes as it cools, so enjoy it right out of the air fryer.
Ⅵ. Frequently Asked Questions
1.What vegetables work best for air fryer tempura?
Firm vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, zucchini, carrots, and green beans are ideal for air fryer tempura. They hold their shape well and become wonderfully crispy. Avoid overly watery vegetables like tomatoes or cucumbers as they can become too soft and mushy when cooked.
2.Can I make the batter ahead of time?
It’s best to prepare the batter just before you start cooking. The cold batter helps create a light, crispy texture. If you need to prepare it ahead of time, keep the batter chilled and give it a gentle stir before using.
3.Why isn’t my tempura crispy?
If your tempura isn’t crispy, it could be due to several factors. Make sure the batter is cold and not overmixed. Also, ensure the air fryer is preheated properly, and avoid overcrowding the basket. Cook the veggies in a single layer to ensure even and crispy cooking.