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In the realm of healthy cooking, air frying has emerged as a transformative method that allows food enthusiasts to enjoy their favorite dishes with far less fat than traditional frying methods. This revolutionary kitchen appliance circulates hot air around food, creating a crispy exterior while retaining moisture within, making it a popular choice for those seeking healthier alternatives without sacrificing taste. The air fryer has opened up a world of culinary possibilities, especially for vegetable-based recipes that might otherwise lack the crunch and satisfaction of their fried counterparts.

Crunchy Air-Fried Veggie Sticks

Discover the joy of healthy snacking with crispy rainbow crunch air-fried veggie sticks! Packed with vibrant vegetables like zucchini, carrots, bell peppers, and green beans, this recipe offers a flavorful and fun way to enjoy your greens. Lightly seasoned and air-fried to perfection, these veggie sticks are crunchy, nutritious, and make a great appetizer or midday snack. Perfect for both kids and adults, they provide a satisfying crunch without the guilt. Plus, dip them in hummus or tzatziki for an extra flavor boost!
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Ingredients
  

1 medium zucchini, sliced into thin sticks

1 medium carrot, sliced into thin sticks

1 red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips

1 yellow bell pepper, sliced into thin strips

1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut in half

3 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

¾ cup whole-wheat breadcrumbs (or panko for extra crunch)

¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Prep the Veggies: Start by rinsing all the vegetables under cold water until clean. Slice the zucchini and carrot into thin sticks, and cut the red and yellow bell peppers into thin strips. For the green beans, trim the ends and cut them in half.

    Make the Coating: In a large mixing bowl, pour in the olive oil, and add the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk these together until well combined, forming a flavorful marinade for the vegetables.

      Coat the Veggies: Add all the prepared veggie sticks to the bowl with the marinade. Toss the vegetables gently with your hands or utensils until every piece is evenly coated in the seasoning mixture.

        Prepare the Breading: In a separate bowl, combine the whole-wheat breadcrumbs with the grated Parmesan cheese, if you're using it. Stir until the breadcrumbs and cheese are well mixed.

          Bread the Veggies: Take each marinated veggie stick and dip it into the breadcrumb mixture. Press the stick lightly to ensure it’s well-coated in the crumbs. Place the breaded sticks onto a clean plate or tray, arranging them in a single layer.

            Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to preheat at 400°F (200°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This step is crucial to achieve that desirable crispy texture on your veggie sticks.

              Air Fry the Veggies: Carefully place the coated veggie sticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring there is some space between them to allow for even cooking. If necessary, cook them in batches. Air fry the veggie sticks for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to guarantee even browning.

                Check for Doneness: The veggie sticks should come out golden brown and crispy. If you want extra crunch, you can cook them for an additional 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.

                  Serve: Once the cooking time is complete, carefully transfer the veggie sticks from the air fryer to a serving dish. Garnish the sticks with freshly chopped parsley for added vibrancy. Enjoy them immediately with your favorite dipping sauces, like hummus or tzatziki.

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