Tempura vegetables are a beloved classic, known for their light, crispy batter and fresh, flavorful veggies inside. Traditionally deep-fried, tempura can sometimes feel heavy or oily, but with the advent of air fryers, you can now enjoy this delicious treat with a fraction of the oil and calories.
The air fryer crisps up the batter perfectly, delivering the satisfying crunch tempura is famous for, while keeping the vegetables tender and vibrant. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen beginner, this air fryer tempura vegetable recipe is simple, quick, and impressively tasty—ideal for a healthy snack, appetizer, or side dish.
In this post, I’ll guide you through the best temperature settings and techniques for air-frying tempura vegetables, ensuring a golden, crispy finish every time. Plus, I’ll share handy tips for choosing your vegetables and offer variations to keep this recipe fresh and exciting.
Ready to dive into guilt-free, crunchy goodness? Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This air fryer tempura vegetable recipe combines the best of both worlds: the irresistible crunch and light batter of traditional tempura with the health benefits and convenience of air frying. Using minimal oil, it’s perfect for those looking to indulge without the guilt.
The air fryer cooks the vegetables evenly and quickly, preserving their natural sweetness and nutrients.
Not only is this recipe easy to prepare, but it’s also incredibly versatile. You can mix and match your favorite vegetables or even try some lesser-known options to keep your palate intrigued.
Whether you’re making a quick snack or an elegant appetizer for guests, this recipe is sure to impress with its perfect texture and vibrant flavors.
Plus, it’s a wonderful way to introduce more veggies into your diet in a fun, delicious way. If you love experimenting with different cooking methods, don’t miss out on our Air Fryer Frozen Vegetable Recipes for Quick Healthy Meals for more inspiration!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Assorted vegetables | 3 cups | Broccoli florets, green beans, sweet potato slices, bell pepper strips, zucchini slices |
| All-purpose flour | 1 cup | For the batter |
| Cornstarch | ¼ cup | Helps make the batter crispier |
| Ice-cold sparkling water | 1 cup | Maintains the batter’s light texture |
| Baking powder | 1 tsp | Optional, for extra crispiness |
| Salt | ½ tsp | For seasoning the batter |
| Vegetable oil spray | As needed | For air fryer basket and on coated vegetables |
Equipment
- Air fryer – preferably with a basket large enough for a single layer of vegetables
- Mixing bowls – for batter and vegetables
- Whisk or fork – to mix batter
- Tongs – for turning vegetables in the air fryer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Paper towels – to pat vegetables dry
- Baking tray or plate – for holding battered vegetables before frying
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: Wash and thoroughly dry your chosen vegetables. Cut them into bite-sized pieces or strips, ensuring they are relatively uniform in size for even cooking. Pat them dry with paper towels to help the batter adhere better.
- Make the tempura batter: In a mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder (if using), and salt. Slowly pour in the ice-cold sparkling water and gently whisk just until combined. The batter should be slightly lumpy and very light—avoid overmixing to keep it airy.
- Preheat your air fryer: Set the air fryer temperature to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to preheat for 3-5 minutes. This temperature is ideal for crisping up the tempura batter without burning it.
- Coat the vegetables: Dip each vegetable piece into the batter, allowing excess to drip off. Place the battered vegetables on a plate or tray in a single layer.
- Prepare the air fryer basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with vegetable oil spray to prevent sticking.
- Arrange and air fry: Place the battered vegetables in a single layer in the basket, making sure not to overcrowd. Lightly spray the top of the vegetables with oil spray to encourage crisping.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes: Air fry at 400°F, shaking the basket or flipping the vegetables halfway through. This ensures even cooking and a golden, crispy finish on all sides.
- Check and finish: If needed, cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the desired crispiness is achieved. Remove the tempura vegetables and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Serve immediately: Tempura is best enjoyed fresh and hot with dipping sauces of your choice.
Tips & Variations
“For the crispiest tempura, make sure your batter and sparkling water are ice-cold before mixing. This keeps the batter light and prevents it from absorbing too much oil.”
Vegetable choices: While classic options like sweet potato, green beans, and bell peppers work wonderfully, try experimenting with asparagus, mushrooms, or even thinly sliced eggplant. Avoid watery vegetables like cucumber which might not hold up well.
Batter variations: For gluten-free tempura, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. You can also add a pinch of paprika or garlic powder to the batter for a subtle flavor twist.
Dipping sauces: Try a simple soy sauce and grated ginger dip, or mix equal parts soy sauce and rice vinegar with a touch of sesame oil for an authentic experience. For something creamy, a vegan mayo-based dipping sauce works beautifully.
Batch cooking: Cook tempura in small batches to avoid overcrowding your air fryer, which can lead to soggy results. Keep finished batches warm in a low oven while you cook the rest.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per Serving (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150-180 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 25 g |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Fat | 5 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sodium | 200 mg |
These numbers vary based on the vegetables chosen and the amount of oil used, but overall, air frying tempura is a lighter alternative to traditional frying methods.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your air fryer tempura vegetables immediately with a variety of dipping sauces like spicy mayo, ponzu, or classic soy sauce. They make a fantastic appetizer for dinner parties or a crunchy side dish alongside rice bowls or noodle dishes.
For a complete meal, pair with steamed rice and a refreshing cucumber salad. If you enjoy exploring different cuisines, you might appreciate our Vegetarian Middle Eastern Recipes for Easy, Flavorful Meals or Vegetarian Tex Mex Recipes for Easy Weeknight Dinners as complementary dishes.
Looking for something sweet to finish? Try the Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious for a perfect dessert pairing.
Conclusion
Air fryer tempura vegetables offer a delightful twist on a traditional favorite, combining health-conscious cooking with authentic flavor and texture. This recipe is perfect for those who want the crispy satisfaction of tempura without the heaviness of deep frying.
With a simple batter, a handful of fresh vegetables, and the magic of your air fryer, you can create a snack or side dish that’s both delicious and easy to prepare.
Experiment with different vegetables and dips to keep this recipe exciting and versatile. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, these crispy tempura veggies will become a go-to favorite.
Don’t forget to check out other creative vegetable recipes like our Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas to keep your meals fresh and flavorful.
Happy cooking and enjoy your crunchy, guilt-free tempura!
📖 Recipe Card: Air Fryer Best Tempura Vegetable Recipe
Description: A light and crispy tempura batter coats fresh vegetables, perfect for a healthy snack or side dish. Air frying ensures a crunchy texture without excess oil.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT10M
Total Time: PT25M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup ice-cold sparkling water
- 1 large egg
- 1 medium carrot, sliced into sticks
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced into sticks
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup green beans, trimmed
- Cooking spray
- Salt to taste
- Optional: dipping sauce
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, and baking powder.
- Beat the egg and add to ice-cold sparkling water.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients gently to form batter.
- Dip vegetables into batter, ensuring even coating.
- Lightly spray air fryer basket with cooking spray.
- Place battered vegetables in a single layer in the basket.
- Air fry for 8-10 minutes until golden and crispy, shaking halfway.
- Season with salt and serve immediately with dipping sauce.
Nutrition: Calories: 180 | Protein: 4g | Fat: 5g | Carbs: 30g
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