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Indulge in Air Fryer Tempura Green Beans: A Delightful Treat

If you’re looking for a delicious way to elevate your snacking game, then air fryer tempura green beans might just be your answer. This crispy and flavour-packed dish combines the traditional appeal of tempura with the modern convenience of an air fryer, resulting in a healthier take on a beloved recipe. Perfect for serving at gatherings or simply enjoying as a healthy snack, air fryer tempura green beans are sure to impress.

The Allure of Tempura

Tempura is a Japanese cooking technique that involves coating vegetables and seafood in a light batter, then deep-frying them to achieve a crispy texture. Traditionally, this frying method can be quite oily, leaving the final dish heavy and indulgent. However, with the rise of air fryers, it’s now possible to enjoy this classic dish with significantly less oil, making it a guilt-free pleasure.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To prepare air fryer tempura green beans, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 250g fresh green beans, trimmed
• 1 cup plain flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup iced water (or as needed)
• Panko breadcrumbs (optional, for added crunch)
• Dipping sauce: Soy sauce, ponzu sauce, or a sweet chilli dip work well

Directions

1. Prep the Green Beans: Rinse and trim the ends of the green beans, ensuring they’re evenly sized for a uniform cooking process.

2. Make the Batter: In a mixing bowl, combine the plain flour, baking powder, and salt. Lightly beat the egg and mix it into the flour mixture. Gradually add the iced water, whisking until the batter is smooth but still somewhat thick. If you prefer a crunchier texture, you can fold in some panko breadcrumbs at this stage.

3. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 200°C (around 390°F) and allow it to preheat for about 3-5 minutes.

4. Coat the Beans: Dip each green bean into the batter, ensuring it is well-coated. Allow any excess batter to drip off before placing it in the air fryer.

5. Fry the Green Beans: Arrange the battered beans in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding, as this will hinder the cooking process. You may need to work in batches. Spray the beans lightly with cooking oil to enhance crisping.

6. Cooking Time: Cook the green beans at 200°C for about 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking. Keep an eye on them to ensure they reach your preferred level of golden-brown crispness.

7. Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked, remove the tempura green beans from the air fryer and serve them hot with your choice of dipping sauce. They make a fantastic accompaniment to cocktails, a side dish for meals, or even a standalone snack.

Tips for Perfect Tempura Green Beans

• Use Ice-Cold Water: The secret to a lighter batter is to use iced water. This keeps the batter cold, helping it to create that desirable crispy texture when cooked.

• Adjust the Batter: Feel free to experiment with the batter by adding spices or herbs to adapt the flavour to your liking.

• Other Vegetables: Tempura isn’t just for green beans! Try it with other vegetables like sweet potatoes, courgettes, or even mushrooms for a delightful variety.

Conclusion

Air fryer tempura green beans offer a unique blend of crunch and flavour that is sure to tantalise your tastebuds. With a fraction of the oil used in traditional frying methods, this dish is not only healthier but also remarkably simple to make. Whether you are looking to impress guests or simply whip up a quick snack, these crispy delights are a fantastic addition to any kitchen repertoire. Enjoy your guilt-free indulgence!