Air Fryer Pakoda: A Healthy, Crispy Treat?

Pakora is a traditional Indian and Pakistani snack, or fritter, that is usually deep-fried. However, it is possible to make pakora in an air fryer, which is a healthier alternative to deep-frying. Air-fried pakora can be made with a fraction of the oil used in traditional pakora, and has fewer calories.

Air fryer pakora recipe

Pakora is a delicious vegetable fritter that is commonly sold by street vendors in India and can be served with a variety of sauces. It is usually deep-fried, but this air fryer version is healthier and easier to make.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of vegetables (cauliflower, potatoes, onions, spinach, etc.)
• 1 ¼ cups chickpea flour (besan)
• 1 teaspoon of spices (coriander, cumin, turmeric, carom seeds, etc.)
• ½ teaspoon red chilli powder
• ¼-½ cup water for the batter
• 1-2 teaspoons oil
• Salt to taste

Optional Ingredients:

• Rice flour for extra crispiness
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Cilantro
• Lemon juice
• Yogurt dipping sauce

Method:

• Preheat your air fryer to 200°C/350°F for 7-10 minutes.
• In a large bowl, mix the vegetables, chickpea flour, spices, and salt.
• Slowly add the water and mix well until a thick and sticky batter forms.
• Add 1 teaspoon of oil to the batter and mix well.
• Take small portions of the batter and place them on the air fryer mesh. Brush the pakoras lightly with oil.
• Air fry at 200°C/350°F for 10 minutes.
• Flip the pakoras, brush with oil, and air fry for another 7-10 minutes until golden and crispy.
• Serve hot with your choice of dipping sauce.

Tips:

• The batter should be thick and not runny to avoid sticking to the air fryer mesh.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer mesh by placing too many pakoras at once.
• Leftover pakoras can be reheated in the air fryer for 3-5 minutes with a light brush of oil.

Pakora batter ingredients

Pakoras are made with a variety of vegetables, including onions, potatoes, cauliflower, cabbage, eggplant, spinach, paneer, and more. The batter is typically made with gram flour (also known as besan or chickpea flour) and spices. Here is a list of common ingredients used in pakora batter:

• Gram flour or chickpea flour (besan) is the main ingredient and gives the pakoras their distinct flavour and texture.
• Rice flour or cornstarch is often added to give the pakoras a crunchy texture and reduce oil absorption.
• Spices like ajwain (carom seeds), cumin, coriander powder, red chilli powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, and curry leaves add flavour and aroma to the pakoras.
• Vegetables are typically shredded, sliced, or chopped into thin, long pieces to ensure even frying. Onion, cabbage, French beans, bell peppers, and carrots are commonly used.
• Water is added to the dry ingredients to form a thick batter. The consistency should be sticky but not too wet, as this can ruin the air fryer mesh and make the pakoras stick.
• A small amount of oil is added to the batter to make the pakoras crispy.
• Fresh herbs like coriander leaves, mint leaves, and green chillies can be added for extra flavour and aroma.
• Salt is added to taste.

Air fryer temperature and timing

The temperature and timing for making pakoda in an air fryer can vary depending on the type of pakoda and the model of the air fryer. Here are some general guidelines and tips for achieving the best results:

• Preheat the air fryer before adding the pakoda to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
• For onion pakoda, a common temperature setting is around 340-350°F (176°C) for 10-12 minutes. Then, increase the temperature to 400°F for an additional 4-5 minutes to get a nice golden colour and crispiness.
• For bread pakoda, a lower temperature of 180°C is recommended for about 12 minutes.
• For vegetable pakora, a temperature of 355°F for 10 minutes, followed by 4 minutes at 325°F, is suggested.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation and even cooking. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Flip or turn the pakoda halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning and crispiness on all sides.
• Spray or brush the pakoda with oil before and during the cooking process to enhance crispiness and colour.
• Every air fryer is different, so adjust the time and temperature accordingly. Experimentation may be needed to find the perfect settings for your desired outcome.

Pakora serving suggestions

Pakoras are a popular snack and street food from the Indian subcontinent. They are often served with a cup of hot masala chai or ginger milk tea. In restaurants, they are served with a variety of condiments, such as coriander chutney, mint chutney, green chutney, schezwan sauce, ketchup, or even kabab mint chutney.

• Chutneys: Pakoras are commonly served with chutneys, such as coriander chutney, mint chutney, green chutney, or tamarind chutney. These chutneys provide a refreshing and tangy contrast to the crispy and spicy pakoras.
• Onions and Lemon: Serving pakoras with sliced onions and lemon wedges is a simple yet effective combination. The crispy and pungent bite of the onions complement the tender chicken pakoras, while a squeeze of lemon adds a unique tang.
• Cucumber Raita: For a creamy and cooling option, pair pakoras with cucumber raita, a yogurt-based dip made with coarsely grated cucumber and various spices. The softness of the cucumbers and yogurt balances the crispiness of the pakoras.
• Naan or Roti: For a more filling meal, serve pakoras with Indian bread such as naan or roti. These chewy accompaniments can turn pakoras into a satisfying main course.
• Basmati Rice: Fragrant basmati rice pairs well with the spices in pakoras, making for an enjoyable and filling meal. Adding aromatic spices like saffron, cardamom, or cinnamon to the rice enhances the dining experience.
• Masala Chai: A cup of spiced tea, such as masala chai, is a perfect beverage to accompany pakoras. The warm spices and milk in masala chai provide a refreshing and delicious counterpoint to the bold flavours of the pakoras.

Pakora health benefits

Yes, you can make pakora in an air fryer! This method uses less oil than traditional deep-frying methods, resulting in a healthier version of this popular Indian and Pakistani snack.

Despite being a deep-fried snack, pakora is considered healthier than junk food served in fast-food restaurants. Here are some of the health benefits of this delicious treat:

Boosts Your Energy Source

Pakora is made from vegetables and chickpea flour (also known as besan), making it a good source of fibre. Fibre is essential for keeping you full, preventing constipation, and providing important minerals like calcium and iron. It also helps regulate digestion and increases feelings of satiety, reducing the urge to overeat. Besan contains soluble fibre, which keeps cholesterol levels in check and supports heart health.

Aids in Weight Loss

Adding a few pieces of pakora to your diet can help maintain a healthy weight. This snack is rich in fibre and low in calories, fat, and carbohydrates. The vegetables in pakora are filling, making you less likely to reach for other snacks.

Contains Antioxidants

Pakora contains vitamins A and C, which act as antioxidants, preventing the oxidation of cells. These vitamins also help fight off infections and protect against the development of cancerous cells.

Nutritious Ingredients

The main ingredients in pakora are vegetables and spices, with onions, potatoes, chillies, coriander leaves, cauliflower, and spinach being the most common. Chicken and fish can be added for extra flavour. Pakora is also often served with bread.

Healthy Alternatives

If you're looking for an even healthier version of pakora, there are some simple swaps you can make. For example, you can bake pakora in the oven instead of frying it. You can also experiment with different vegetables, such as broccoli, capsicum, and peas.

So, go ahead and enjoy some pakora without any guilt! This tasty treat is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients and health benefits.

Frequently asked questions