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Crispy Air Fryer Tempura Green Beans: A Delightful Snack

If you’re looking for a light and crunchy snack that doesn’t compromise on flavour, air fryer tempura green beans are a fantastic choice. This dish balances the whimsical crispness of tempura batter with the delightful freshness of green beans, making it a perfect accompaniment to any meal or a delicious treat for a movie night. With the convenience of the air fryer, you can enjoy this tasty delight with minimal fuss and without the guilt of traditional frying.

The Allure of Tempura

Tempura is a Japanese style of cooking that involves coating vegetables or seafood in a light batter and frying until golden. The beauty of this technique is that it preserves the natural flavours of the ingredients while adding an appealing crunch. Traditionally, tempura can be quite heavy, but using an air fryer transforms it into a lighter version without sacrificing taste.

Why Choose an Air Fryer?

Air fryers have become increasingly popular in British kitchens for good reason. They offer a healthier alternative to deep frying, using hot air circulation to cook food evenly and achieve that coveted crispy texture. The result is deliciously golden snacks with significantly less oil, allowing you to enjoy your favourite treats guilt-free.

Ingredients

To make air fryer tempura green beans, you will need:

• 250g green beans (trimmed)
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cornflour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 egg (lightly beaten)
• ¾ cup cold sparkling water
• Cooking spray or a little oil for greasing

Optional for Serving:

• Soy sauce
• Sweet chilli dipping sauce
• A sprinkle of sea salt or sesame seeds

Instructions

1. Prepare the Green Beans

Start by washing and trimming the ends off your green beans. Pat them dry with a kitchen towel to ensure the batter adheres properly.

2. Make the Tempura Batter

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornflour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually stir in the cold sparkling water and beaten egg until the mixture is smooth. The key to a perfect tempura batter is to keep it cold and not overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine.

3. Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (about 392°F) for 3 to 5 minutes. This step ensures that your tempura will cook evenly and achieve that crispy texture.

4. Coat the Green Beans

Dip each green bean into the tempura batter, allowing any excess to drip off. Place them carefully in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded.

5. Air Fry the Green Beans

Spray the coated green beans lightly with cooking spray or brush them with a bit of oil. Cook in the preheated air fryer for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. They should be golden and crispy when done.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Once cooked, transfer the tempura green beans to a serving plate. You can sprinkle them with sea salt or sesame seeds for added flavour. Serve alongside soy sauce or sweet chilli dipping sauce for a delightful snacking experience.

Conclusion

Air fryer tempura green beans are not only simple to make but also offer a deliciously crunchy snack that can be enjoyed any time of the day. Whether you’re serving them at a gathering, as a side dish, or simply indulging in a guilty pleasure, this recipe is sure to impress. With the ease of preparation and the healthier aspect of air frying, there’s no reason not to give this tasty treat a try!