Air-Fryer Pakoras: A Healthy, Guilt-Free Treat?

Pakoras are a popular Indian and Pakistani snack, commonly sold by street vendors. They are traditionally deep-fried, but can pakoras be made in an air fryer?

The short answer is yes. Air fryer pakoras are a healthier alternative to the traditional deep-fried version, with less oil and fewer calories. They are also safer and less messy to make. While the taste may differ slightly, air fryer pakoras still deliver on the crunch and flavour.

So, if you're looking for a healthier, easier way to enjoy pakoras, the air fryer is a great option.

Pakora batter ingredients

The batter for pakoras is typically made with gram flour (also known as besan) and rice flour or corn starch/corn flour. Spices and seasonings are added for flavour, and water is added to achieve the desired consistency.

The gram flour (or chickpea flour) is the main component of the batter, acting as a binder for the other ingredients. It is combined with rice flour or corn starch to create a crispy texture. The ratio of gram flour to rice flour or corn starch varies, but generally, more gram flour is used—for example, 1 cup of gram flour to 3 tablespoons of rice flour, or 1 1/4 cup of gram flour to 3 tablespoons of corn flour.

For spices and seasonings, you can include ajwain (carom seeds), turmeric, red chilli powder, Kashmiri red chilli powder, coriander powder, garam masala, hing (asafoetida), and salt. You can also add fresh herbs like cilantro and green chillies to boost the flavour.

The amount of water added to the batter depends on the desired consistency. The batter should be thick and not runny to ensure crispy pakoras. Too much water will result in a batter that is too liquid, which will affect the texture of the pakoras.

• 1 cup gram flour (besan)
• 2-3 tablespoons rice flour or corn starch
• Spices and seasonings (adjust to taste): ajwain, turmeric, red chilli powder, coriander powder, garam masala, hing
• Salt to taste
• Fresh herbs (optional): cilantro, green chillies
• Water, as needed, to achieve a thick batter consistency

Air fryer settings

Preheating the Air Fryer:

• Preheat your air fryer according to the manufacturer's instructions. The preheating temperature can vary, but most recipes suggest preheating between 350°F to 400°F for about 5 minutes.
• It is important to ensure that your air fryer is preheated to the desired temperature before placing the pakora batter in the basket or tray.

Preparing the Air Fryer Basket or Tray:

• Grease the basket or tray of your air fryer with cooking spray or oil to prevent the pakoras from sticking. You can use a non-stick spray, vegetable oil, or avocado oil for this step.
• If you prefer not to use oil, you can line the basket or tray with parchment paper, ensuring that the paper has holes to allow proper air circulation.

Cooking Temperature and Time:

• The cooking temperature for pakoras in an air fryer typically ranges from 350°F to 400°F. However, some recipes suggest starting at a lower temperature of around 340°F and then increasing to 400°F for the second half of the cooking time.
• The cooking time can vary depending on the size of your pakoras and the model of your air fryer. On average, pakoras take between 12 to 18 minutes to cook.
• It is important to flip the pakoras halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking and browning on both sides.

Tips for Crispy Pakoras:

• To achieve crispier pakoras, it is recommended to add a small amount of rice flour or cornstarch to the batter. This helps give the pakoras a crunchy texture.
• Make sure that the batter is not too thin or runny. A thick batter will result in crispier pakoras.
• Spraying the pakoras with oil during the cooking process can also enhance crispness and browning.
• If your pakoras are not crispy enough, try adding more sliced onions and spraying them with oil before continuing to cook.

Reheating Pakoras:

To reheat pakoras, simply place them back in the air fryer and air fry at 350°F to 400°F for 1 to 2 minutes. There is no need to use baking molds or parchment paper when reheating.

Health benefits

Air-fried pakoras are a healthier alternative to traditionally deep-fried pakoras. Here are some health benefits of using an air fryer to make pakoras:

Reduced Oil Consumption

Deep frying pakoras requires a significant amount of oil, which contributes to a higher fat and calorie content. Air fryers use minimal oil, resulting in pakoras that are lighter, crispier, and healthier. This reduction in oil also means less hassle in storing leftover oil.

Safety

Deep frying involves dealing with a pan of hot oil, which can be unsafe, especially with young children around. It also carries the risk of hot oil splattering and causing burns. Air fryers eliminate these risks, offering a safer alternative.

Mess-Free

Deep frying pakoras can be a messy affair, with oil splattering around the stove and kitchen counters. It can also lead to batter stains. Air fryers provide a mess-free option, making them a more convenient choice.

Continuous Monitoring

When deep frying, one needs to constantly monitor the pakoras and adjust the flame to prevent over-darkening. Air fryers offer a more hands-off approach, allowing you to set the temperature and timer, freeing you up to focus on other tasks.

Healthier Option

Air-fried pakoras are a healthier choice, containing up to 80% less fat and 70% fewer calories than their deep-fried counterparts. This makes them a guilt-free snack option, especially when coupled with a hot cup of masala chai, as is traditionally enjoyed in India.

Nutritional Benefits of Ingredients

The ingredients used in pakoras also offer nutritional benefits. For example, gram flour (besan) is a good source of protein, while rice flour adds a crispy texture. Additionally, pakoras are often packed with vegetables like onions, potatoes, cauliflower, spinach, and carrots, providing a nutritious boost.

Gluten-Free and Vegan

Air-fried pakoras are naturally gluten-free and vegan, making them inclusive options for individuals with dietary restrictions or preferences.

By opting for an air fryer to make pakoras, you can enjoy a healthier, safer, and more convenient way to indulge in this traditional South Asian snack without compromising on taste and texture.

Safety benefits

Making pakoras in an air fryer has several safety benefits over deep frying them in oil.

Deep frying involves heating a large amount of oil in a pan on the stove. This can be dangerous, especially if you have children in the house, as the hot oil can splatter and cause burns. It also requires constant monitoring to ensure the oil doesn't get too hot, whereas an air fryer can be set to the required temperature and timer.

Deep frying also creates a lot of mess, with oil droplets splattering around the stove and kitchen counter. It can also be a hassle to store the leftover oil, which needs to be cooled, strained, and stored in an oil jar. By using an air fryer, you avoid all of this mess and hassle.

Pakora dipping sauces

Pakoras are a popular snack in India and can be served with a variety of dipping sauces. Here are some ideas for pakora dipping sauces:

Red Pakora Sauce

This is the most popular variety of pakora sauce and is often served with Indian rice crackers or crisps. It is typically made with ketchup, yoghurt, mint sauce and chilli powder. The addition of lemon juice or lime juice can also enhance the flavour. This sauce is commonly served with poppadoms and other Indian starters.

Pink Sauce (Glasgow or Scottish Pink Pakora Sauce)

This sauce is made by adding yoghurt to the red pakora sauce, resulting in a gorgeous pink colour.

Green Pakora Sauce

This sauce can be made with spinach, garlic, onions, mint sauce, or a combination of coriander, chilli, mint and yoghurt. It is often served as a dip for vegetable pakoras or samosas.

Tamarind Chutney

Sweet and tangy, tamarind chutney is a perfect pairing for pakoras. It is commonly served with bhajiyas, a type of pakora made with onions.

Coriander Chutney (Dhania Ki Chutney)

A coriander-based chutney is another popular choice for dipping pakoras.

Coconut Chutney (Nariyal Ki Chutney)

Coconut chutney is also a great option for those who want to try something different.

Raita Yogurt Sauce

A raita yogurt sauce is a perfect pairing for chicken pakora, offering a cooling contrast to the spicy dish. It is made with plain Greek-style yogurt, onion, lemon juice, cilantro and spices such as cumin and salt.

Green Chutney

A green chutney made with cilantro, onion, mint leaves, lemon juice, Greek yogurt, serrano pepper and spices is another delicious option for dipping chicken pakora.

Frequently asked questions