Vegetable Tempura Bites

1.Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.

2.In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt.

3.Add the lightly beaten egg to the dry ingredients, then slowly pour in the ice-cold sparkling water while whisking gently to create a smooth, slightly lumpy batter. Do not overmix; the batter should be light and airy.

4.Toss the prepared vegetables (carrot sticks, zucchini sticks, green beans, and cauliflower florets) with 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil, salt, and pepper to lightly coat them.

5.Dip each vegetable piece into the tempura batter, allowing excess batter to drip off gently.

6.Lightly spray or brush the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking.

7.Place the battered vegetable pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they do not touch to allow even cooking. You may need to cook in batches.

8.Air fry the vegetables at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.

9.Carefully remove the tempura bites from the air fryer and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.

10.Serve immediately with a dipping sauce of your choice, such as soy sauce or a light ponzu, for a delicious, light, and crunchy vegetarian snack or appetizer.