Air-Fryer Pakora: A Tasty, Healthy Treat?

Pakora is a popular Indian and Pakistani snack, commonly sold by street vendors. It is a type of fritter made with chickpea flour and vegetables. Traditionally, pakora is deep-fried, but it can also be made in an air fryer for a healthier alternative. Air-fried pakora has all the flavour of the traditional dish but with less oil and fewer calories. It is also safer, less messy, and easier to cook.

Pakora batter ingredients

The ingredients for pakora batter vary depending on the type of pakora being made, but there are some common elements.

The main ingredient is a type of flour, which can be gram flour (also known as besan), chickpea flour, or rice flour. Gram flour is made from skinned and split kala chana (chana dal), whereas chickpea flour is made from white chickpeas (garbanzo beans). Rice flour is more commonly used in South India and gives the pakora a crunchier texture.

Other dry ingredients include spices such as ajwain (carom seeds), garam masala, ground coriander, turmeric, and chili powder. Some recipes also include cumin powder, curry powder, or cayenne pepper.

For wet ingredients, water is added to the dry ingredients to form a batter. The amount of water added will vary depending on the desired consistency of the batter, which should be thick and not too runny. Some recipes also include lemon juice or olive oil in the batter.

The vegetables used in pakoras can vary, but common choices include onions, potatoes, cauliflower, cabbage, carrots, and bell peppers. These vegetables are usually cut into thin slices or small pieces before being coated in the batter.

• Gram flour (besan) or chickpea flour
• Rice flour or corn starch
• Spices (ajwain, garam masala, ground coriander, turmeric, chili powder, etc.)
• Water
• Lemon juice (optional)
• Oil (olive oil or vegetable oil)
• Vegetables of choice (onions, potatoes, cauliflower, etc.)

How to make the batter

To make the batter for your pakora in an air fryer, you will need the following ingredients:

• Chickpea flour (also known as gram flour or besan)
• Vegetables of your choice (e.g. onion, potato, spinach, cauliflower)
• Spices (e.g. coriander powder, turmeric, red chilli powder, garam masala, ajwain)
• Salt to taste
• Water
• Oil (optional)

• Wash and slice/chop your chosen vegetables. For onions, it is recommended to slice them thinly, but not too thin to prevent burning. For potatoes, slice them thinly or finely so they cook through.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the chickpea flour, vegetables, spices, and salt. You can use your hands to mix and ensure the batter is well combined.
• Squeeze the vegetables to release their moisture and form a clumpy dough. This step is especially important for onion pakoras to achieve the right texture.
• (Optional) Add a teaspoon of oil to the batter to make the pakoras softer on the inside.
• Gradually add water to the mixture while stirring. The batter should be thick and not runny, so add just enough water to achieve the desired consistency.
• Mix until the vegetables are fully coated with the batter.

Now your batter is ready to be cooked in the air fryer!

Air fryer temperature and cooking time

The cooking temperature and time for pakoras in an air fryer vary depending on the recipe and the type of air fryer being used. Here is a guide to help you get perfect results:

Air Fryer Temperature:

• Preheat your air fryer according to the manufacturer's instructions. Most recipes recommend preheating the air fryer between 350°F to 400°F (175°C to 205°C) for about 5 minutes.
• For the best results, ensure your air fryer has reached the desired temperature before placing the pakora batter in the air fryer basket.

Air Frying Time:

• The cooking time will depend on the size and thickness of your pakoras. Smaller, thinner pakoras will cook faster, while larger, thicker ones may need a few extra minutes.
• On average, cook the pakoras for about 8 to 15 minutes at the set temperature.
• For even cooking and browning, it is recommended to flip the pakoras halfway through the cooking time.

Tips for Optimal Results:

• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Place the pakoras in a single layer, leaving some space between each piece.
• Spray the basket with cooking oil spray or brush a thin layer of oil to prevent sticking and ensure even browning.
• For crispier pakoras, consider air frying at a lower temperature first, then increase the temperature for the last few minutes of cooking.
• Always ensure your air fryer is preheated to the desired temperature before adding the batter.
• Some recipes suggest using mini baking molds or parchment paper with holes to contain the batter and prevent sticking.

By following these guidelines, you should be able to achieve perfectly cooked, crispy, and golden pakoras using your air fryer!

How to store leftovers

Pakoras are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. However, they will likely lose their crispiness, so it is recommended to eat them on the same day. Here are some tips to store leftover pakoras:

• Place them on a wire rack in a single layer and cover them loosely with foil. This allows the pakoras to breathe and prevents them from getting soggy.
• Put them in an airtight container with a layer of paper towel at the bottom. The paper towel absorbs any excess moisture and helps retain crispiness.
• Store them in the freezer for up to two weeks. Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze for 2-3 hours. Then, transfer them to an airtight container and keep them in the freezer.

When you are ready to eat the leftover pakoras, reheat them in the air fryer or oven at 350°F for 12 to 15 minutes until they are heated through and crispy. Avoid using a microwave, as it can make the pakoras soggy.

What to serve with pakora

Pakoras are a versatile food that can be served as a snack, appetiser, side dish, or even a main course. They can be served with a variety of dips and sides, depending on the occasion and your personal preference. Here are some suggestions for what to serve with pakora:

Dips and Sauces

• Mint chutney—A refreshing dip that pairs well with the heat and spice of pakoras. It is made with fresh mint leaves, yogurt, and various spices.
• Tamarind chutney—A sweet and tangy dip with hints of acidity, often made from boiled tamarind pulp, sugar, and seasoning.
• Coriander mint sauce—A fresh and zesty dip made with mint, coriander, lime juice, and spices.
• Minted yogurt sauce—A cooling and tangy dip that pairs well with the heat of the pakoras.
• Tomato ketchup—A classic condiment that adds a sweet and tangy flavour.

Sides and Accompaniments

• Sliced onions and lemon wedges—A simple yet effective combination that adds a crisp texture and a tangy flavour to the pakoras.
• Cucumber raita—A creamy yogurt-based dip with grated cucumber and spices, which helps balance the heat of spicier pakoras.
• Naan or roti—Indian flatbread that can be served alongside pakoras for a more filling meal.
• Basmati rice—A fragrant and aromatic rice variety that pairs well with the spices in the pakoras, creating a fulfilling meal.
• Masala chai—A spiced tea made with black tea leaves, warm spices like cardamom and cinnamon, and milk. It provides a refreshing and delicious counterpoint to the spicy taste of pakoras.

Main Course Options

If you're serving pakoras as a starter or side dish, you can pair them with a main course such as:

• Rice and vegetable curry
• Kadi pakora—A classic combination where pakoras are served with a thick yoghurt-based sauce flavoured with spices.
• Cholay—Chickpeas often served with samosas but can also be enjoyed with pakoras.

Weather-Dependent Options

Depending on the weather, you could serve pakoras with:

• A big salad, such as kachumber, in warmer weather.
• A soup, such as rasam, in colder weather.

Frequently asked questions