Air Fryer Vegetable Tempura

Air Fryer Vegetable Tempura has always been one of my favorite go-to dishes to enjoy. Whether served as an appetizer or a side dish, it’s full of flavor and sure to please the palate.

Now, with the help of an air fryer, those same delicious vegetable tempura pieces can be cooked in a fraction of the time! With easy prep steps and virtually no extra kitchen mess, you can quickly whip up this crunchy and tasty treat. Today, I’m showing you my favorite air fryer vegetable tempura recipe.

What Is Tempura?

Tempura is one of the most popular items served at Japanese restaurants; with a few twists, you can make homemade tempura in your air fryer.

Tempura is a Japanese style of deep frying. It involves dipping food such as seafood, meat, or vegetables in a batter made from egg yolks, flour, and cold water, then frying it in hot oil. The batter forms a light and crispy coating on the food while protecting the flavor inside. Tempura is usually served with soy sauce and grated daikon radish.

Can You Air Fry Tempura Batter?

Yes, you can air fry tempura batter. To do this, prepare the tempura batter as normal and dip your desired food item into it. Then place the food into the air fryer basket and let it cook for a few minutes at medium-high heat until cooked through and golden brown. The result will be a light, crispy tempura that is just as delicious as deep-fried tempura!

Why You Will Love Making Tempura In Air Fryer

• Hot air is perfect for getting the same flavor and texture as a deep fryer
• Japanese dish made in minutes
• Great way to get crispy foods
• The best cooking method for tempura recipes
• Healthier than deep fry vegetables

Watch How To Make Tempura Vegetables In Air Fryer

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Vegetable Tempura

Air Fyrer Vegetable Tempura is a delicious and savory delicacy. It requires minimal effort to prepare, and the result will leave you salivating for more! Whether you’re looking for a restaurant-style starter for dinner or just something to snack on during an evening with friends, this dish will not disappoint.

In order to make sure your tempura comes out crispy and perfect every time, certain key ingredients are necessary. Read on to find out what they are so that you can create the ultimate vegetable tempura!

Remember all of the details and step-by-step directions below in the printable recipe card and the nutritional information.

• Flour: Use all-purpose flour for the coating. You can also use gluten-free, rice flour, or cake flour.
• Eggs: Binds the batter to the vegetables; you can also use flax eggs
• Bread crumbs: Traditionally, Panko Breadcrumbs are used.
• Oil: Use canola oil or vegetable oil
• Fresh Veggies: Some great options are green beans, asparagus, onions, sweet bell peppers, avocados, zucchini
• Seasonings and Spices: Kosher Salt, Black Pepper
• Oil Spray: Olive OIl or non-stick cooking spray

How To Make Air Fryer Tempura

Are you looking for a delicious and healthy alternative to deep-fried tempura? Well, you’re in luck! With an air fryer, you can whip up a batch of crispy tempura without all the added oil usually used in deep frying. Below are the step-by-step directions for making this recipe for the whole family!

Step One: Prepare The Wet Batter

Cut your vegetables up, then use a paper towel to dry the vegetables. 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. 

Step Two: Prepare The Vegetables

Dip in flour mixture, then in egg mixture, and finally in panko mixture to coat. Allow any excess batter to drip off—the vegetable piece.

Step Three: Air Fry The Tempura

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.

Step Four: Serving

Serve with a sprinkle of additional salt, serve with a soy sauce dipping sauce, and sliced green onions.

Pro Tips:

• Overmixing: 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.
• Cold Water: Use cold water or ice water. This will make your tempura batter light and airy, which is usually a cold batter.
• Dry Your Vegetables: Use a kitchen towel or paper towels to try your vegetables fully; otherwise, use them, and you will get a soggy tempura. You want the crispies tempura, so dry your vegetables off fully.
• Seasonings: You can use garlic powder, onion powder, shiso leaves, or fresh herbs to season the tempura batter.
• Batches: You will need to cook your vegetables in batches. You can keep the vegetables that you air-fried in a preheated 200 degrees F oven while you cook the remaining vegetables.
• Rest: Let your tempura rest before serving.

Tips For Cooking Wet Batters In Air Fryer

When cooking wet batters in an air fryer, it is important to use a light oil or cooking spray coating first. This will help the batter stick and hold its shape during cooking. Be sure to preheat your air fryer before adding the wet batter, as this will ensure that your food cooks evenly.

What To Serve With Vegetable Tempura

Vegetable tempura is a delicious and versatile dish that can be served with various sides. A light salad or rice is an excellent accompaniment for a main course of veggie tempura. You could also serve it with steamed vegetables like broccoli or carrots for extra fiber. Top the tempura with black sesame seeds, chopped scallions, or grated daikon radish to complete your meal. Whatever you choose to serve it with, your guests will surely enjoy this tasty side dish!

Best Vegetables For Air Fryer Tempura Vegetables

The best vegetables for air fryer tempura are broccoli, mushrooms, bell peppers, lotus roots, sweet potatoes, cauliflower, zucchini, and squash. These vegetables hold up well to air frying and come out crispy and flavorful. Additionally, they can be cooked quickly in the air fryer and given an extra crunch with a light coating of tempura batter.

Can I Make Chicken Tempura With The Same Recipe?

Yes, you can easily make tempura chicken, a popular dish in Japanese food.

Best Dipping Sauces For Veggie Tempura

Many different dipping sauces go well with veggie tempura. Some of the most popular sauces include classic soy sauce, sesame oil, sweet and sour sauce, teriyaki sauce, and honey garlic sauce. Try a simple lemon juice and olive oil dip for a lighter option. Japanese mayonnaise or chili-garlic paste are excellent choices if you want something spicier. No matter what you choose, it’s sure to be a delicious accompaniment to your air-fried tempura vegetables!

How To Store Air-Fried Tempura

Air-fried tempura can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. When storing in the refrigerator, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. To freeze air-fried tempura, first, let it cool completely and transfer it to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to eat, let the frozen tempura thaw first and then reheat in an air fryer for a few minutes before serving.

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