Air Fryer Sweet Potato Tempura

If you love sweet potato tempura but don’t want to fry it deep, this easy Air Fryer Sweet Potato Tempura recipe is for you. The best part of the whole process is that it only takes less than 10 minutes and requires minimal prep work.

I love Japanese food, I can eat it almost every day. When we get a nice Japanese dinner out, we always get tempura for an appetizer. They are light and airy, and they make an amazing treat.

This is a base recipe for any tempura you want to make, today we are using sweet potatoes, but any vegetable will work. It’s also a great way to get the kids to eat vegetables.

Some of my favorite Air Fryer Vegetable Recipes are Air Fryer Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus, Air Fryer Steakhouse Potatoes, or Air Fryer Potatoes and Onion.

Why You Will Love Sweet Potato Tempura Air Fryer !

• Healthier Option: Air frying tempura vegetables significantly reduces the oil needed compared to deep frying, making it a healthier choice. 
• Crispy Texture: The air fryer excels at circulating hot air around the food, ensuring that your tempura vegetables achieve a beautifully crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy.  
• Fast: Air frying is incredibly convenient and often faster than traditional frying methods.  
• Easy Clean Up: Without the splattering oil of deep frying, air frying tempura vegetables keeps your kitchen cleaner. 
• Large Batch or Small Batch: Cooking in an air fryer enables easy portion control.
• Great Flavor: Air frying can intensify the natural flavors of the vegetables, giving your tempura an extra flavor boost.  

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Sweet Potato Tempura

• All-Purpose Flour: Serves as the base of the tempura batter.
• Cornstarch: Helps to lighten the batter’s texture.
• Egg: Binds the batter together.
• Club soda: It must be club soda.
• Sweet Potatoes: Choose medium-sized sweet potatoes for their natural sweetness and soft texture.
• Panko breadcrumbs: Or use crushed pork rinds for a low-carb or keto version.
• Cooking Spray: A light spray of cooking oil on the air fryer basket and the battered sweet potatoes ensures they don’t stick and helps achieve an even golden-brown crispness without deep frying.

How To Make Air Fryer Sweet Potato Tempura

Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Start peeling the sweet potatoes and slicing them into ¼-inch thick rounds. This thickness ensures they cook through evenly without becoming too soft or mushy.

Make the Tempura Batter: In a large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and baking powder. This helps to combine the ingredients evenly and prevents lumps in the batter. In another bowl, mix the ice water and the lightly beaten egg. Gradually add the wet and dry ingredients, stirring gently until combined. It’s important not to overmix; the batter should be lumpy. A pinch of salt can be added to enhance the flavor.

Coat the Sweet Potatoes: Dip each sweet potato slice into the batter, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Allow the excess batter to drip off to avoid a too-thick layer that might not crisp up as desired.

Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 390 degrees F (200°C). This step is crucial for achieving a crispy exterior on the tempura. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. 

Set Cook Time: Set cook time for10-12 minutes or until golden and crispy. Halfway through the cooking time, gently flip the slices.

 

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Tempura Recipe Tips

• Choose the Right Sweet Potatoes: Use sweet potatoes that are firm and free of blemishes.
• Slice for Success: Cut the sweet potatoes into uniform thickness to ensure they cook evenly.
• Cold Batter is Key: Use ice-cold water to make the tempura batter.
• Avoid Overmixing: Mix the batter until just combined; lumps are okay.
• Preheat Your Air Fryer: Always preheat the air fryer for a few minutes before adding the sweet potatoes.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Cook in batches if necessary to prevent the slices from touching.
• Shake or Flip Halfway Through Shaking the basket or flipping the tempura halfway through cooking promotes even browning and crispiness on all sides.
• Batter Consistency Matters: If the batter is too thick, it won’t coat evenly; too thin, and it won’t stick properly.
• Lightly Oil for Extra Crispness: A light oil spray on the battered sweet potatoes before air frying can enhance crispiness without making them greasy.
• Season Immediately After Cooking: Sprinkle with a little salt or your preferred seasoning blend when they come out of the air fryer.
• Serve Immediately: Tempura is best enjoyed fresh from the air fryer when it’s crispy.
• Experiment with Dips: Sweet potato tempura pairs wonderfully with various dips, from classic tempura sauce to spicy mayo or a sweet-and-sour dip.

Sweet Potato Tempura Air Fryer Recipe Faqs

Can I make sweet potato tempura in the air fryer without it getting soggy? Yes, you can achieve a crispy texture by ensuring the batter is not too thick, the sweet potato slices are not overcrowded in the air fryer basket, and by flipping them halfway through cooking.

Do I need to peel the sweet potatoes before making tempura? Peeling sweet potatoes is recommended to ensure a smooth batter coating and consistent texture.

How thick should I slice the sweet potatoes for tempura? Sweet potatoes should be sliced about ¼-inch thick.

What’s the best dipping sauce for sweet potato tempura? Sweet potato tempura pairs well with a variety of sauces. Traditional tempura dipping sauce, spicy mayo, or a simple mix of soy sauce and mirin are great options. Experiment to find your favorite.

Can I use frozen sweet potatoes for making tempura? Yes, you can use frozen sweet potato slices. Thaw them first to ensure the batter adheres properly and to achieve a crispy texture.

Is it necessary to preheat the air fryer? Yes, preheating the air fryer ensures that the sweet potato tempura starts cooking at the right temperature as soon as it’s placed in the basket, contributing to a crispy texture.

Can I make the tempura batter ahead of time? It’s best to make the tempura batter before you use it.

How do I store and reheat leftover sweet potato tempura? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes to re-crisp. Microwaving is not recommended as it can make the tempura soggy.

Can I make sweet potato tempura gluten-free? Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure any additional ingredients, like baking powder, are also gluten-free.

How can I ensure my tempura batter is the right consistency? The batter should resemble a thin pancake batter. If it’s too thick, add more ice water; if too thin, add more flour. Aim for a batter that coats the back of a spoon but drips off easily.

What other vegetables can I use for making tempura in the air fryer? Air fryer tempura can be made with various vegetables, such as broccoli, bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini.

More Easy Air Fryer Recipes

• AIR FRYER BOSTON BROWN BREAD
• AIR FRYER HOMEMADE PIZZA ROLLS
• EASY AIR FRYER LATKES
• AIR FRYER FRIED GREEN TOMATOES
• AIR FRYER TWICE-BAKED SWEET POTATOES
• EASY AIR FRYER LOADED POTATO CHIPS

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