Tillie Doyle
Pakora is a popular Indian and Pakistani snack, commonly sold by street vendors. It is traditionally deep-fried, but an air fryer can be used to make a healthier version. Pakora is made with chickpea flour and vegetables, and can be served with a variety of sauces. It is also known as bhaji or bhajiya. There are many kinds of pakora, including aloo pakora (potato fritters), spinach pakoras (palak pakora), and onion pakoras (piyaaz pakoras).
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Health | Pakoras made in an air fryer are a healthier alternative to deep-fried pakoras |
| Safety | Air fryers reduce the risk of burns from hot oil |
| Mess | Air fryers are less messy than deep frying |
| Monitoring | Air fryers require less monitoring than deep frying |
| Oil storage | Air fryers use less oil, reducing the need for storing leftover oil |
| Stove use | Air fryers do not require the use of a stove |
What You'll Learn
Pakora batter ingredients
The batter for pakoras is typically made from gram flour (also known as besan) and water. However, some recipes suggest adding rice flour or corn starch to the mix, as this can help to create a crunchier texture.
In addition to the flour and water, a number of spices are often added to the batter to create a unique flavour. These might include:
- Garam masala
- Carom seeds (ajwain)
- Ground coriander
- Ground turmeric
- Chilli powder
- Ginger
- Garlic
- Salt
The batter should be thick and sticky, rather than runny. This will help to ensure that the pakoras are crispy.
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Air fryer settings
Preparation:
Before you begin cooking, it is important to prepare the air fryer by preheating it and applying a coating of oil. Set your air fryer to preheat at a temperature of around 350-400°F (175-205°C). This step is essential for achieving the desired crispiness in your pakoras. While the air fryer is preheating, you can grease the air fryer basket or tray with cooking spray or brush on a thin layer of oil to prevent sticking.
Cooking:
Once your air fryer is preheated and prepared, it's time to cook the pakoras. Place the batter into the air fryer in small portions, forming them into patties or desired shapes. Make sure they don't touch each other and that there is enough space between them for even cooking. Depending on the recipe, you may want to spray or brush the tops of the pakoras with a little oil to ensure crispiness.
Close the air fryer and let the pakoras cook for the recommended time, which can vary from 8 to 18 minutes. Keep in mind that cooking times may differ depending on the model of your air fryer and the size of your pakoras. For best results, follow the recipe instructions for cooking time and temperature.
Flipping and Cooking Again:
After the initial cooking time, open the air fryer and flip the pakoras. This step ensures even cooking and browning on both sides. Close the air fryer and cook the pakoras for an additional 4 to 10 minutes, depending on the recipe and your desired level of crispiness.
Serving:
Once the pakoras are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Serve them hot with your favorite chutney, dip, or sauce. They go well with mint cilantro chutney, tamarind chutney, or even ketchup.
Reheating:
If you have any leftover pakoras, you can easily reheat them in the air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 375-400°F (190-205°C) and place the pakoras inside. Reheat for 12 to 15 minutes or until they are warmed through and crispy again.
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Pakora cooking time
The cooking time for pakoras in an air fryer varies depending on the recipe and the type of air fryer being used. Here is a step-by-step guide on the cooking time for pakora in an air fryer:
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
The first step is to prepare the batter for the pakoras. This typically involves mixing chickpea flour (besan), spices, and water to form a thick batter. Some recipes also suggest adding vegetables such as onions, potatoes, or spinach to the batter. It is important to let the batter rest for a few minutes before cooking.
Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature, which is usually between 350-400°F (175-205°C). It is important to refer to the specific instructions for your air fryer model. Greasing the air fryer basket or tray with cooking spray or oil is also recommended to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Form the Pakoras
Take small portions of the batter and drop them into the air fryer basket or tray, forming small pakora shapes. It is important to leave some space between each pakora to avoid overcrowding, which can lead to uneven cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the pakoras in batches.
Step 4: Air Fry the Pakoras
Place the basket or tray into the preheated air fryer and cook the pakoras. The cooking time will vary depending on the recipe and the type of air fryer. For example, some recipes suggest cooking at 350°F for 8 minutes, flipping the pakoras, and then cooking for an additional 8 minutes. Other recipes suggest cooking at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. It is important to monitor the pakoras to ensure they don't burn and adjust the cooking time as needed.
Step 5: Serve the Pakoras
Once the pakoras are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Serve the pakoras hot with your favorite chutney, dip, or sauce.
Tips for Cooking Pakoras in an Air Fryer:
- The batter should be thick and not too runny for crispy pakoras.
- Preheating the air fryer helps to cook the pakoras evenly.
- Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket or tray to ensure even cooking.
- Spraying the pakoras with oil during cooking can help achieve a golden brown color and crispness.
- Some recipes suggest using baking molds or parchment paper to contain the batter and prevent mess.
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Pakora serving suggestions
Pakoras are a popular snack and street food from the Indian subcontinent, often served with a hot cup of chai. They are also served with a variety of dips and sides, including:
- Mint chutney
- Coriander chutney
- Green chutney
- Tamarind chutney
- Ketchup
- Raita
- Sliced onions
- Lemon wedges
- Naan or roti
- Basmati rice
- Masala chai
Pakoras can also be served as a side dish with any meal.
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Pakora health benefits
Yes, you can make pakora in an air fryer. This cooking method uses much less oil than deep frying, resulting in a lighter, healthier version of the traditional Indian snack.
Despite being fried, pakora is considered healthier than junk food and has several health benefits.
Energy Boost
The main ingredients in pakora, such as besan (chickpea flour), cornstarch, and vegetables, are good sources of carbohydrates, fibre, and vitamins, which provide a boost of energy. Besan, for example, is a good source of protein, while zucchini, another common ingredient, is also known to boost energy levels.
Weight Loss
Pakora is rich in fibre and low in calories, fat, and carbohydrates, making it a guilt-free snack that can help maintain a healthy weight. The fibre content also promotes a feeling of fullness, reducing the desire to overeat.
Antioxidant Properties
Onions, a key ingredient in pakora, are known for their antioxidant properties, which help prevent cellular damage and reduce the risk of diseases like cancer.
Heart Health
Besan, or chickpea flour, contains soluble fibre, which is beneficial for heart health as it helps keep cholesterol levels under control.
Nutritional Value
Pakora is a good source of vitamins, including vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, and niacin. These vitamins are important for maintaining skin health and energy levels.
Vegetable Intake
For those who struggle to eat enough vegetables, pakora is a tasty way to incorporate more veggies into your diet.
Overall, while deep-fried foods may typically be considered unhealthy, pakora made in an air fryer can be a nutritious and delicious treat, especially when enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can use any type of air fryer to make pakoda. Whether you have the classic basket style, spaceship style, or oven style model, you can still make pakoda.
You will need gram flour (also known as chickpea flour or besan), vegetables (such as potatoes, onions, spinach, cauliflower, or carrots), and spices (like turmeric, coriander, garam masala, and chili powder). You will also need a small amount of oil, such as olive oil or avocado oil, to grease the air fryer basket and add to the batter.
First, make the batter by mixing the gram flour, spices, and water. You can also add baking soda to make the pakoda fluffier. Next, add the vegetables to the batter. Then, grease the air fryer basket with oil and add the batter to the basket in small batches. Air fry the pakoda at 350-400°F for 8-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
Making pakoda in an air fryer is healthier than deep frying, as it uses less oil. It is also safer, mess-free, and more hands-off than traditional frying methods.
