Air Fryer Tempura Delight

Easy Air Fryer Tempura Recipe for Shrimp and Vegetables

The inspiration for this Air Fryer Tempura Delight came during a family gathering last summer. My relatives and I have always had a soft spot for Japanese cuisine, especially tempura. However, deep frying at home often felt like a hassle, not to mention the health concerns that come with it. So, when I finally got my hands on an air fryer, I knew I had to give air fryer tempura a try.

It all started on a sunny Saturday afternoon when my nieces and nephews were over. They love shrimp and crunchy snacks, so I thought tempura would be perfect. But instead of reaching for the deep fryer, I decided to experiment with my air fryer to see if I could achieve the same delicious results without all the oil.

How to Make Your Own Air Fryer Tempura

We began by prepping the ingredients together. The kids helped peel the sweet potatoes and devein the shrimp, which turned out to be a fun and educational activity. I explained how important it was to keep the batter ice-cold to achieve that perfect crispiness, a tip I picked up from watching numerous Japanese cooking shows.

As we mixed the batter, I decided to add a bit of Japanese-style mayonnaise to the mixture, hoping it would lend a richer texture. The kids were curious about the odd addition, but they were game for the experiment. We dipped each piece of shrimp and sweet potato into the batter, then into the flour mixture before arranging them in the air fryer basket.

The real magic happened when we started cooking. Watching the tempura transform into golden brown pieces through the air fryer window was exciting. The kitchen filled with the delightful aroma of cooking shrimp and sweet potatoes, and the kids couldn’t wait to taste the results.

When we finally sat down to eat, the air fryer tempura was an instant hit. It was crispy, light, and perfectly cooked. Paired with a simple soy-based dipping sauce, it felt just like the tempura we loved from our favorite Japanese restaurant but without the guilt of deep frying. Now, this Air Fryer Tempura Delight has become a staple at our family gatherings, reminding us that sometimes, healthier alternatives can be just as satisfying.

Chef’s Notes – Air Fryer Tempura Delight

Keep the batter ice-cold by placing the mixing bowl over a larger bowl filled with ice while dipping the shrimp and vegetables.
Ensure each piece is evenly coated in the wet batter and then in the dry flour mixture for a uniform crispy texture.
Arrange tempura pieces in a single layer without overcrowding to allow hot air to circulate and cook evenly.
For an extra crunch, add a tablespoon of cornstarch to the dry flour mixture.
Set up your dipping stations in a row for a streamlined process and less mess.
Serve this with our Okonomiyaki with Corn and Cabbage and our Authentic Naruto Ramen recipe

0.0 from 0 votes

Course: Main Course, Side DishCuisine: Asian American, JapaneseDifficulty: Medium

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Calories

250

kcal

Total time

minutes

Get ready to indulge in crispy, golden tempura without the guilt of deep frying! This air fryer tempura recipe is a game-changer, offering a quick and easy way to enjoy both shrimp and vegetable tempura. Perfect for a light main course or a delightful side dish, this recipe will have you feeling like a pro in the kitchen. Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients

Tempura Batter
1 cup all-purpose flour divided into two halves
3/4 cup ice-cold water
2 tbsp Japanese-style mayonnaise
1/2 tsp sea salt
Tempura Fillings
1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
1 medium sweet potato peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
Additional
Canola oil spray
Alternative Ingredients:
Flour substitute: Gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free option
Mayonnaise substitute: Vegan mayonnaise for vegan option
Shrimp substitute: Tofu or mushrooms for vegetarian option

Directions

Peel the sweet potato and slice it into rounds no thicker than 1/4 inch. Soak the slices in water to remove excess starch while you prepare the other ingredients. For the shrimp, make shallow cuts along the underside to keep them straight if desired.
Soak the prepared shrimp in sake for a few minutes to eliminate any fishy odor.
In one bowl, combine the ice-cold water, Japanese mayonnaise, and half of the flour (1/2 cup). In another bowl, mix the remaining flour (1/2 cup) with sea salt.
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F. Dip each piece of shrimp or vegetable into the wet batter first, then coat it lightly with the dry flour mixture. Arrange the battered pieces in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Spray with canola oil spray.
Air fry at 350°F for about 8 minutes for shrimp and 10 minutes for root vegetables. Serve immediately with tempura dipping sauce and rice or as a side to noodle dishes.

Equipment

air fryer
chef’s knife
cutting board
Mixing bowls
measuring cups and spoons

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 250kcal
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 100mg
Sodium: 400mg
Potassium: 300mg
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 2g
Protein: 15g
Vitamin A: 120IU
Vitamin C: 10mg
Calcium: 4mg
Iron: 8mg

Okonomiyaki with Corn and Cabbage: Japanese Savory Pancake
Cooks in 25 minutesDifficulty: Easy
Dive into the delightful world of Japanese cuisine with this easy-to-make Okonomiyaki savory pancake! Packed with fresh cabbage and spring onions, this crispy and crunchy dish is topped with creamy Kewpie Mayo and a sweet, tangy Okonomiyaki sauce. Perfect for a quick meal or a side dish, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Let’s get cooking!

Cuisine: Japanese
Classic Naruto Ramen (Ichiraku)
Cooks in 50 minutesDifficulty: Medium
Dive into the world of Naruto with this authentic Naruto Ramen recipe or also known as Ichiraku Ramen! Bursting with savory flavors, tender chashu pork, and perfectly cooked noodles, this dish is a must-try for any ramen enthusiast. Customize it with your favorite toppings and enjoy a bowl of comfort that transports you straight to Japan. Perfect for a cozy night in or impressing guests at a dinner party!

3 votes 5.0 Cuisine: Japanese