Air Fryer Tempura-Inspired Green Beans Recipe

Introduction

These Air Fryer Tempura-Inspired Green Beans offer a crispy, light coating that makes for a delicious and healthier snack or side dish. With a simple dipping sauce and quick cooking time, they’re perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

• 1/2 lb. green beans, trimmed
• 2 tbsp. all-purpose flour
• 1 cup panko bread crumbs
• 2 large eggs
• Olive oil cooking spray
• 1 scallion, very thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp. water
• 1 tbsp. low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tbsp. mirin
• 1 1/2 tsp. fresh lemon juice

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, toss the green beans with flour until they are evenly coated. In a shallow bowl, break up the panko breadcrumbs into smaller pieces by hand to help them stick better. In another shallow bowl, beat the eggs until well blended.
2. Step 2: Shake off any excess flour from the beans. Dip each bean first into the beaten eggs, then press into the panko breadcrumbs so they adhere well.
3. Step 3: Working in batches, spray the air fryer basket with olive oil cooking spray. Arrange the coated beans in a single layer, spacing them about 1/4 inch apart. Lightly spray the beans with cooking spray.
4. Step 4: Cook the beans in the air fryer at 350°F, flipping halfway through, until the coating is golden and the beans are tender, about 7 to 9 minutes.
5. Step 5: While the beans cook, whisk together the scallion, water, soy sauce, mirin, and lemon juice in a medium bowl to make the dipping sauce.
6. Step 6: Serve the crispy green beans hot with the dipping sauce on the side.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crunch, use panko mixed with a small amount of finely grated Parmesan cheese.
• If you don’t have mirin, substitute with a little honey or sugar mixed into the soy sauce for a touch of sweetness.
• Try adding a pinch of garlic powder or smoked paprika to the flour for a flavor boost.
• You can use the same coating method on other vegetables like asparagus, zucchini sticks, or snap peas.

Storage

Store any leftover green beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 4 minutes to regain crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these green beans gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs to keep the coating crisp and safe for gluten-sensitive diets.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

You can bake these green beans in a preheated oven at 400°F on a lined baking sheet for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden and crispy.

Air Fryer Tempura-Inspired Green Beans Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 52 reviews

Crispy and flavorful Air Fryer Tempura-Inspired Green Beans are coated in a light panko crust and served with a tangy soy-mirin dipping sauce. A healthier twist on traditional tempura that is quick to prepare and perfect for a tasty appetizer or side dish.

• Author: Dana
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 9 minutes
• Total Time: 19 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: Japanese-inspired
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Green Beans and Coating

• 1/2 lb. green beans, trimmed
• 2 tbsp. all-purpose flour
• 1 cup panko bread crumbs
• 2 large eggs
• Olive oil cooking spray

Dipping Sauce

• 1 scallion, very thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp. water
• 1 tbsp. low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tbsp. mirin
• 1 1/2 tsp. fresh lemon juice

Instructions

1. Coat the Green Beans: In a large bowl, toss the trimmed green beans with all-purpose flour until all beans are evenly coated. This helps the egg and panko crumbs adhere better during the breading process.
2. Prepare Breading Stations: In one shallow bowl, use your hands to break up the panko bread crumbs into smaller bits to ensure a crisp texture and better adhesion. In another shallow bowl, beat the two eggs until well blended for dipping.
3. Bread the Beans: Shake off any excess flour from the green beans. Dip each bean first into the beaten eggs, then roll it in the panko crumbs, gently pressing so the crumbs stick well and form a nice crust.
4. Air Fry the Beans: Working in batches, spray the air-fryer basket with olive oil cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the breaded green beans in a single layer with a little space between them (about 1/4 inch). Spray the top of the beans lightly with cooking spray. Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 7 to 9 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the coating is golden brown and the green beans are tender.
5. Make the Dipping Sauce: While the beans cook, whisk together the thinly sliced scallion, water, low-sodium soy sauce, mirin, and fresh lemon juice in a medium bowl to combine.
6. Serve: Plate the crispy tempura-style green beans and serve them hot alongside the tangy scallion dipping sauce for a delicious appetizer or side dish.

Notes

• You can substitute panko bread crumbs with gluten-free alternatives for a gluten-free version.
• Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow even cooking and crisping.
• If you prefer spicier flavor, add a pinch of chili flakes to the dipping sauce.
• For an extra crisp texture, you may double dip the beans in egg and panko before air frying.
• Use fresh green beans for the best texture and flavor.

Keywords: air fryer green beans, tempura green beans, crispy green bean appetizer, Japanese-inspired snack, healthy tempura recipe