Air Fryer Recipes

A Delicious and Easy-to-Make Crispy Tempura Vegetables Recipe, Perfect for Air Frying

Tempura is a popular Japanese dish known for its light and crispy texture. Traditionally, tempura vegetables are deep-fried to achieve that perfect crunch. However, using an air fryer can provide a healthier alternative without compromising on taste or texture. In this article, we'll walk you through an easy and delicious crispy tempura vegetables recipe, perfect for your air fryer.

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup cold sparkling water
• 1 egg
• Assorted vegetables: e.g., courgettes, sweet potatoes, red and green peppers, aubergines, mushrooms, carrots
• Salt, to taste
• Optional: Soy sauce or tempura dipping sauce

Instructions

1. Begin by preparing your vegetables. Wash them thoroughly and cut them into bite-sized pieces. Thicker vegetables, like sweet potatoes and carrots, should be sliced thinly to ensure they cook evenly.
2. Set aside a large bowl and add the flour. Crack the egg into the flour and pour in the cold sparkling water. Mix lightly until combined. It’s important not to over-mix; a lumpy batter is ideal for tempura as it results in a lighter texture.
3. Preheat your air fryer to 190°C (about 375°F) for around five minutes.
4. Dip the prepared vegetables into the batter, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Shake off excess batter before placing them in the air fryer basket. Be careful not to overcrowd, as this may affect the crispiness.



5. Cook in batches if necessary. Air fry at 190°C (375°F) for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking.
6. Once cooked, remove the vegetables from the air fryer and place on a wire rack to keep them crispy while you finish cooking the remaining batches.
7. Season the tempura vegetables with a sprinkle of salt to taste.



8. Serve hot, accompanied by soy sauce or a traditional tempura dipping sauce.

Tips and Tricks

To ensure your tempura vegetables turn out perfect each time, consider the following tips:

• Keep it Cold: Using cold sparkling water in your batter keeps the batter lighter, which is crucial for achieving that signature tempura crispiness.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Overcrowding the air fryer basket can lead to steaming instead of frying, which results in a soggy texture.
• Mix and Match: Feel free to experiment with different vegetables and even seafood for a tempura twist.

Conclusion

With this easy-to-follow recipe, you can savour delicious crispy tempura vegetables right from your air fryer. It's a fantastic way to enjoy your vegetables, bringing a touch of Japanese cuisine to your home. Enjoy experimenting with different vegetable combinations and dipping sauces to suit your taste. Whether as a side dish or a main, these air-fried tempura vegetables are sure to impress your family and friends.