Vegetable Tempura Air Fryer Recipe: Crispy, Light, and Healthy

Vegetable tempura is a popular Japanese dish, known for its light, crispy batter and a variety of vegetables. Traditionally, tempura is deep-fried, but with the rise of healthier cooking methods, the air fryer has become a go-to kitchen appliance. The Vegetable Tempura Air Fryer Recipe allows you to enjoy all the crispy, crunchy goodness of traditional tempura, without the extra calories and oil. This air-fried version provides a deliciously light and healthier alternative, making it perfect for those looking to indulge without the guilt. Whether you’re preparing a light snack, side dish, or appetizer, this vegetable tempura will impress with its flavor and texture.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 150 kcal
• Protein: 2g
• Carbs: 30g
• Fat: 3g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Sugar: 3g

(Note: The nutritional values may vary depending on the specific vegetables and batter used.)

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Active Time: 20 minutes

Resting Time: None

Total Time: 35 minutes

Cuisines: Japanese, Asian, Fusion

Course: Appetizer, Snack, Side Dish

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 150 kcal per serving

Equipment Needed:

• Air fryer
• Mixing bowls
• Tongs or spatula
• Knife and cutting board
• Baking sheet or plate for resting

Ingredients:

For the Vegetable Tempura:

• 1 small zucchini, sliced into thin rounds or strips
• 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cut into thin rounds or strips
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into strips
• 1 small eggplant, sliced into rounds
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cornstarch
• 1 large egg
• ¾ cup cold sparkling water (or ice-cold water)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• ½ teaspoon onion powder (optional)
• Olive oil spray (or any cooking spray)

For the Dipping Sauce:

• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon honey or sugar
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

• Begin by preparing your vegetables. Wash and peel (if necessary) the sweet potato, zucchini, eggplant, and bell pepper. Cut them into thin strips or rounds, ensuring they are of similar size for even cooking. Place them in a bowl and set them aside.

Step 2: Make the Tempura Batter

• In a separate bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix the dry ingredients together until well combined.
• Crack the egg into the mixture and begin to stir. Gradually add in the sparkling water (or ice-cold water), and continue mixing until the batter forms. It’s important that the batter stays lumpy, as this will give it a crispier texture when fried. Do not over-mix; it should have a slightly thick yet still pourable consistency.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

• Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. Make sure the basket is clean and ready for use.

Step 4: Coat the Vegetables

• Dip each vegetable piece into the tempura batter, coating it thoroughly. Gently shake off any excess batter to avoid clumping.

Step 5: Air Fry the Tempura

• Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking.
• Arrange the battered vegetables in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd them. If needed, cook in batches.
• Air fry the vegetables at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes, or until golden and crispy. Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even crisping on all sides. You can also use tongs to flip the pieces if necessary.

Step 6: Prepare the Dipping Sauce

• While the tempura is cooking, prepare the dipping sauce by mixing the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, and ginger in a small bowl. Stir well until the honey dissolves completely. Garnish with sesame seeds if desired.

Step 7: Serve

• Once the vegetable tempura is done, remove them from the air fryer and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess moisture. Serve immediately with the dipping sauce on the side.

Additional Tips:

• To keep the tempura crispy, avoid covering it after cooking, as it may lose its crunch.
• You can experiment with different vegetables, such as mushrooms, carrots, or broccoli. Just ensure they’re cut into even sizes to ensure even cooking.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Why Choose the Vegetable Tempura Air Fryer Recipe?

The Vegetable Tempura Air Fryer Recipe offers numerous benefits that make it a great choice for those who love tempura but want to skip the deep frying. Here are some reasons to try this air-fried alternative:

1. Healthier Option: Traditional deep frying can add significant calories and fat. By using an air fryer, you reduce the amount of oil needed, resulting in a lighter dish with fewer calories.
2. Crispy Texture: The air fryer circulates hot air around the batter, creating a golden, crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender. The result is a texture similar to traditional deep-fried tempura but with far less oil.
3. Versatility: You can mix and match vegetables depending on what’s in season or what you have in your kitchen. The batter is versatile and works well with various vegetables, allowing you to create your own signature veggie tempura.
4. Time-Saving: Cooking vegetable tempura in the air fryer is faster than deep-frying. You don’t need to deal with hot oil splattering or preheating a large pot of oil, making this method quick and safe.
5. Less Mess: Traditional deep-frying can be messy, with oil splattering all over your kitchen. Using an air fryer eliminates this problem, reducing cleanup time and effort.

Conclusion:

The Vegetable Tempura Air Fryer Recipe is the perfect solution for anyone craving the crunchy, light texture of traditional tempura without the added calories from deep frying. It’s simple to make, versatile, and healthier. By using an air fryer, you can enjoy a variety of vegetables coated in a crispy tempura batter with much less oil. Whether you’re serving it as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, this vegetable tempura is sure to impress and satisfy.