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Coating your veggie sticks with panko breadcrumbs is a key step to achieving that delightful crunch that everyone loves. Here’s how to ensure you get the best results:

Crunchy Air-Fried Veggie Sticks

Discover a healthier snack with Crunchy Air-Fried Veggie Sticks! This simple recipe takes advantage of air frying to create crispy, delicious vegetable sticks using minimal oil, making them a nutritious option for all ages. Packed with vibrant carrots, zucchini, bell peppers, and green beans, these veggie sticks are easy to customize and perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side dish. Enjoy a satisfying crunch while boosting your vegetable intake effortlessly!

Ingredients
  

1 cup carrots, julienned

1 cup zucchini, julienned

1 cup bell peppers, julienned (a colorful mix of red, yellow, and green)

1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces

1/2 cup all-purpose flour (substitute with gluten-free flour if desired)

1 cup panko breadcrumbs, for extra crunch

2 large eggs, beaten

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, to elevate the flavor

Salt and pepper to taste

Olive oil spray, for air frying

Instructions
 

Prepare the Vegetables: Thoroughly wash all vegetables. Julienne the carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers carefully into uniform sticks to ensure even cooking. Trim and cut the green beans into 2-inch pieces.

    Set Up Dipping Stations: Organize your dredging stations in three medium-sized bowls. In the first bowl, mix the all-purpose flour with a generous pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. In the second bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning until well combined. In the third bowl, add the panko breadcrumbs and season with a light pinch of salt.

      Dredge the Veggie Sticks: Take one vegetable stick at a time. Start by coating it in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the egg mixture, allowing any excess egg to drip off. Finally, roll the stick in the panko breadcrumbs, ensuring it is fully coated. Repeat this process for all the veggie sticks, placing them on a plate once coated.

        Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for approximately 5 minutes, allowing it to reach the optimal cooking temperature.

          Arrange in the Air Fryer: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking. Arrange the coated veggie sticks in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they are spaced apart and not overcrowded. You may need to cook in batches if your air fryer has a small capacity.

            Air Fry the Veggie Sticks: Lightly spray the tops of the veggie sticks with olive oil for added crispiness. Air fry them at 400°F (200°C) for about 10 to 12 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. The veggie sticks should turn golden brown and become crispy on the outside.

              Serve and Enjoy: Carefully remove the veggie sticks from the air fryer and let them cool for a couple of minutes. Serve immediately with your choice of dipping sauces such as ranch dressing, creamy hummus, or a zesty spicy aioli for an extra kick.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 25 minutes | Serves 4