Ingredients
1/2 lb. green beans, trimmed
2 tbsp. all-purpose flour
1 c. 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
Preparation
Step 1In a large bowl, toss beans with flour until coated. In a shallow bowl, break up panko with your hands into smaller bits to help adhere to beans. In another shallow bowl, beat eggs to blend.Step 2 Shake off excess flour from beans. Dip into eggs, then into panko, gently pressing to adhere.Step 3Working in batches, spray an air-fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange beans in a single layer in basket, spacing about 1/4" apart; spray beans with cooking spray. Cook at 350°, flipping halfway through, until crust is golden and beans are tender, 7 to 9 minutes.Step 4In a medium bowl, whisk scallion, water, soy sauce, mirin, and lemon juice. Serve beans with sauce alongside.
Tempura is a classic Japanese dish featuring battered fish, shellfish, and vegetables that are quickly fried. Though it’s associated with Japanese cuisine, the method of battering and frying ingredients was introduced to Japan in the 16th century by Portuguese traders. It began with green beans and evolved into the dish known today, which features a batter made with wheat and/or rice flours, eggs, and water. A platter of mixed tempura often features shrimp, green beans, zucchini, winter squash, eggplant, and sweet potatoes. To fast-track the snacking, start breading the second batch while the first is in the air fryer so no one has to wait. If you’re craving other tempura classics like shrimp or zucchini, check out Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp and Air Fryer Squash.
