Air-Fried Pakora: A Healthy Twist On A Classic

Pakora is a popular Indian and Pakistani snack, commonly sold by street vendors. It is a fritter made with chickpea flour and vegetables. Traditionally, pakora is deep-fried, but it can also be made in an air fryer, which is a healthier alternative. Air-fried pakora has all the flavour of the traditional dish but with fewer calories and less mess. It is also safer, as there is no hot oil to deal with.

Pakora batter ingredients

The batter is the key component in making pakoras, and the ingredients used can vary depending on the type of pakora being made. Here is a detailed list of ingredients that can be used to make the batter for pakoras in an air fryer:

Gram Flour or Chickpea Flour (Besan):

The main ingredient in pakora batter is typically gram flour, also known as besan. It acts as a binding agent for the other ingredients and gives the pakoras their distinctive texture. Besan is made from chickpeas and is a good source of protein. It is easily available in Indian or Asian grocery stores and is crucial to achieving the authentic flavour of pakoras.

Rice Flour:

Rice flour is often added to the batter to give the pakoras a crunchier texture. It also helps reduce oil absorption, resulting in lighter and crispier fritters. If you don't have rice flour, cornstarch or corn flour can be used as a substitute.

Spices:

Various spices are used to flavour the pakora batter, and the specific combination can be adjusted to personal preference. Commonly used spices include ajwain (carom seeds), which aid in digestion and add a subtle heat; garam masala, a spice blend that adds depth of flavour; red chilli powder or green chillies for a spicy kick; turmeric powder, which provides colour and a subtle earthy flavour; coriander powder, which adds a citrusy, nutty aroma; and cumin powder.

Vegetables:

The beauty of pakoras is that they can be made with a variety of vegetables, allowing for creativity and flexibility. Commonly used vegetables include onions (red or yellow), potatoes, cauliflower, cabbage, carrots, bell peppers, French beans, spinach, and coriander leaves. It's important to cut the vegetables into thin, uniform pieces to ensure even frying.

Other Ingredients:

In addition to the main ingredients, other components can be added to enhance the flavour and texture of the pakora batter. These include salt, water (added gradually until the desired consistency is achieved), lemon juice or mango powder for a tangy note, and baking powder (optional) for fluffier pakoras.

Remember, the key to achieving crispy pakoras is to avoid adding too much water to the batter, as this can affect the final texture. The moisture from the vegetables will also release over time, so it's important to adjust the amount of water accordingly.

Air fryer temperature and cooking time

The temperature and cooking time for pakoras in an air fryer will vary depending on the type of pakora and the model of the air fryer. However, there are some general guidelines that can be followed for cooking pakoras in an air fryer.

Firstly, it is important to preheat the air fryer. Most recipes recommend preheating the air fryer between 350-400°F for about 5 minutes. This helps to ensure even cooking and a crispy texture.

When cooking the pakoras, the temperature can be set between 180-200°C for 10-15 minutes. For example, one recipe for classic onion pakora suggests air frying at 180°C for 12-15 minutes, while another recipe for potato pakora recommends air frying at 200°C for 15-18 minutes. It is important to note that higher temperatures will yield a crispier texture. Flipping the pakoras halfway through the cooking process can also help to ensure even cooking.

For a crispier texture, some recipes suggest increasing the temperature to 200°C for the final few minutes of cooking. This additional step can help to ensure that the pakoras are golden brown and crispy.

It is worth noting that the cooking time may vary depending on the size of the pakoras. Smaller pakoras may take less time to cook, while larger pakoras may require a few extra minutes. Therefore, it is important to keep an eye on the pakoras to ensure they are cooking properly and not burning.

Overall, cooking pakoras in an air fryer is a healthier alternative to deep frying, as it requires less oil and active time. By following the above guidelines and adjusting the temperature and cooking time as needed, you can achieve crispy and delicious pakoras.

Air fryer basket preparation

Preparing the air fryer basket is an important step in making pakora in an air fryer. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Firstly, it is essential to grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or oil. This step ensures that the pakora batter does not stick to the surface of the basket. You can use a brush to apply a thin layer of oil or use cooking spray to coat the basket evenly. This step should not be skipped, as it will make it difficult to remove the pakoras from the basket once they are cooked.

After greasing the basket, it is time to fill it with the pakora batter. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the pakoras in batches to avoid overcrowding. Take some batter in your fingers and flatten it into a patty-like shape. Place the flattened batter carefully into the greased air fryer basket, making sure that the pakoras do not touch each other. Leave some space between each pakora to allow for even cooking.

Once the basket is filled, lightly spray or brush the tops of the pakoras with a small amount of cooking oil. This step will help ensure that the pakoras cook evenly and achieve a crispy texture.

After preparing the basket, it is time to place it into the preheated air fryer and cook the pakoras according to the recipe instructions. The cooking time and temperature may vary depending on the specific air fryer model and the type of pakora being made. Be sure to refer to your air fryer's instruction manual for the best results.

When the pakoras are cooked to a golden brown and crispy texture, carefully remove them from the air fryer basket and place them on a serving plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. If you are cooking multiple batches, repeat the process until all the batter is used.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your air fryer basket is properly prepared and ready for making delicious and crispy pakoras!

Pakora ingredients and preparation

Pakoras are fritters made with vegetables, spices, and herbs. They are a popular snack and street food from the Indian subcontinent. Here is a list of ingredients and preparation steps to make pakora in an air fryer:

Ingredients:

• Vegetables: Onions, potatoes, cauliflower, cabbage, carrots, bell peppers, spinach, eggplant, baby corn, etc.
• Spices: Curry powder, coriander, cayenne pepper, ajwain (carom seeds), garam masala, chili powder, turmeric, cumin, etc.
• Herbs: Mint leaves, coriander leaves, dill, etc.
• Flours: Gram flour (besan), rice flour, corn starch, or wheat flour. Gram flour is made from chickpeas and is the most commonly used flour for pakoras.
• Other: Cooking oil or cooking spray, water, salt, and yogurt for dipping.

Preparation:

• Wash and chop the vegetables into thin slices or small pieces.
• In a large bowl, mix the vegetables with the spices, herbs, and flour. You can also add water to the mixture, but ensure that the batter is not too runny. The batter should be thick and sticky.
• Preheat the air fryer to 350-400°F (175-205°C) for about 5 minutes. Grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush with a thin layer of oil.
• Take small portions of the batter and shape them into flat, uneven patties. Place them in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each pakora.
• Lightly spray or brush the tops of the pakoras with oil.
• Air fry the pakoras at 350-375°F (175-190°C) for 8-14 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
• Once golden and crispy, remove the pakoras from the air fryer and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
• Serve hot with a dipping sauce such as yogurt, mint chutney, tamarind chutney, or ketchup.

Pakora serving suggestions

Pakoras are a popular snack and street food from the Indian subcontinent. They are often served with a hot cup of masala chai, especially on rainy days. They are also enjoyed with a variety of dips and sides, such as:

• Coriander/Cilantro Chutney
• Mint Chutney
• Tamarind Chutney
• Schezwan Sauce/Chutney
• Yogurt Dipping Sauce
• Tomato Ketchup
• Roti/Phulka
• Punjabi Kadhi
• Naan or Roti
• Basmati Rice
• Masala Chai

Frequently asked questions