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Instructions:
- Prepare the Vegetables
Start by finely chopping the broccoli and cauliflower florets. You can use a food processor for a quicker and more uniform chop. Grate the carrot and measure out the corn kernels. If you’re using frozen corn, be sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture. - Cook the Vegetables
Steam the broccoli, cauliflower, and carrot for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are tender. Once cooked, drain them thoroughly and pat them dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This step helps ensure that the nuggets don’t become soggy. - Mash the Potatoes
If you don’t have leftover mashed potatoes, you can quickly boil a medium potato, mash it, and let it cool. The mashed potatoes add creaminess to the veggie mixture and help bind everything together. - Combine the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, and corn. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, black pepper, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese (if using). Mix well. Next, add the beaten egg to bind everything together. If the mixture feels too dry, you can add a little bit of water or vegetable broth to help it come together. If it feels too wet, add more breadcrumbs. - Form the Nuggets
Scoop out small portions of the vegetable mixture and form them into nugget shapes, such as small patties or oval balls. The size of the nuggets can vary based on your preference, but smaller nuggets tend to cook more evenly and are easier to handle. - Coat the Nuggets
To give your veggie nuggets a crunchy exterior, roll each nugget in flour, then dip it into the beaten egg (or flax egg for a vegan version), and finally coat it in panko breadcrumbs. Press lightly to make sure the breadcrumbs stick well. - Cook the Nuggets
There are two ways to cook these crispy vegetable nuggets:- In the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat and arrange the nuggets in a single layer. Lightly spray them with olive oil or cooking spray to help them crisp up in the oven. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy on both sides.
- In the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the nuggets in the basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded. Lightly spray them with cooking spray. Air fry for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- Serve and Enjoy
Once your crispy vegetable nuggets are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the oven or air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving. These nuggets are great on their own, but they can also be served with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ketchup, ranch, or a spicy sriracha mayo.
Tips for Perfect Crispy Vegetable Nuggets:
- Customize the Veggies: Feel free to swap out the vegetables based on what you have on hand. Zucchini, sweet potatoes, peas, or spinach can all work well in this recipe.
- Make it Vegan: To make these veggie nuggets vegan, simply use a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water) and skip the Parmesan cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
- Add Protein: If you’d like to increase the protein content of your veggie nuggets, consider adding cooked quinoa, chickpeas, or tofu to the mixture.
- Use Panko for Extra Crunch: Panko breadcrumbs provide the best crunch, but you can also use regular breadcrumbs if that’s all you have. For a gluten-free option, try using gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour.
- Meal Prep: These veggie nuggets are perfect for meal prepping. Make a large batch, store them in an airtight container, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the oven or air fryer for a quick snack.
Why You’ll Love Crispy Vegetable Nuggets:
Crispy Vegetable Nuggets are not only healthy but also packed with flavor. The combination of tender, flavorful vegetables with the crunchy coating creates the perfect bite. They’re an excellent option for picky eaters who may not be fond of eating vegetables on their own. Plus, they’re versatile — you can add your favorite spices and ingredients to make them truly your own.
These nuggets are great for a quick snack, a satisfying appetizer, or even as a light main dish when paired with a side salad. By cooking them in the air fryer or oven, you can enjoy that crispy, crunchy texture without the added fat of deep frying, making them a healthier alternative to traditional nuggets.
Whether you’re looking for a healthy snack for yourself, your kids, or a fun appetizer to serve at your next gathering, these crispy vegetable nuggets are sure to be a hit!
