Reheating Pakora: Air Fryer To The Rescue

Pakora is a popular Indian and Pakistani snack, often served during Ramadan and the monsoon season. It is traditionally deep-fried, but can also be made in an air fryer with less oil for a healthier option. Air-fried pakora is also less messy and safer than the traditional method, as it does not involve a pan of hot oil.

How to make the batter for pakora in an air fryer

Making pakoras in an air fryer is a convenient, healthy, and tasty way to enjoy this Indian snack. Here is a detailed guide on how to make the batter for crispy and delicious pakoras in your air fryer:

Ingredients:

• Chickpea flour/ Gram flour/ Besan: This is the main ingredient for the batter. Use the finer version, and avoid coarse or ladu besan.
• Rice flour or corn flour: This is optional but adds crunch to the pakoras. You can replace rice flour with corn flour if preferred.
• Vegetables: You can use red onions, potatoes, cauliflower, spinach, paneer, eggplant, mushrooms, or any vegetables of your choice. Chop or thinly slice the vegetables into small pieces.
• Spices: Basic spices include turmeric, cumin powder, amchur (dry mango powder), salt, and pepper. You can also add chili powder, garam masala, chaat masala, or heeng (asafetida).
• Oil: Choose your preferred vegetable oil. Adding a small amount to the batter and spraying it on the air fryer basket are essential steps.
• Water: This is added to the batter to achieve the right consistency.
• Baking powder: A small amount of baking powder (about 1/4 teaspoon) can be added to make the pakoras lighter and crispier.

Instructions:

• Prep the veggies: Chop or thinly slice your chosen vegetables.
• Prepare the batter: In a bowl, add the chickpea flour/besan, rice flour (or corn flour), and all the spices. Then, add the vegetable oil and combine everything. Let the mixture rest for 3-5 minutes, as the salt will draw out moisture from the vegetables. Next, add water gradually (1 tablespoon at a time) and mix until you have a thick batter. Do not add too much water, as a runny batter will affect the crispiness of the pakoras.
• Preheat the air fryer: Set the temperature to 400°F and let it run with an empty basket for about 5 minutes.
• Air fry the pakoras: Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place spoonfuls of batter into the basket, leaving some space between each pakora. Spray the batter with cooking spray and close the basket. Air fry at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping the pakoras halfway through, until they are golden brown.

Your pakoras are now ready to be served! Enjoy them as a snack or a side dish with your favourite chutney or dipping sauce.

How to cook the pakora in an air fryer

How to Cook Pakora in an Air Fryer

Pakora is a popular Indian and Pakistani snack, usually deep-fried. However, you can use an air fryer to make a healthier version with less oil and fewer calories. Here is a step-by-step guide to making delicious air-fried pakora:

Ingredients:

• Chickpea flour (also known as gram flour or besan)
• Vegetables of your choice (commonly used options include onions, potatoes, cauliflower, spinach, and eggplant)
• Spices (such as turmeric, coriander powder, chili powder, cumin, and garam masala)
• Water
• Oil (for greasing and adding to the batter)
• Salt to taste
• Optional ingredients: baking soda, rice flour, or cornflour for added crunch

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Chop or slice your chosen vegetables into thin pieces. You can use a variety of vegetables or focus on just one type, such as onion pakora or potato pakora.

Step 2: Make the Batter

In a large bowl, combine the chickpea flour, spices, salt, and any optional ingredients. Then, add the vegetables and oil to the dry mixture. Gradually add water and mix until you have a thick batter. Let the batter rest for a few minutes to allow the vegetables to release moisture and create a clumpy dough.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 350-400°F and let it preheat for about 5 minutes. Grease the air fryer basket or tray with oil to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Form and Cook the Pakora

Take small portions of the batter and shape them into small patties or fritters. Place them in the air fryer in a single layer, leaving some space between each pakora. Spray or brush the tops of the pakora with a little oil.

Air fry the pakora for 8-15 minutes at the set temperature. For even cooking, flip the pakora or shake the basket halfway through the cooking time. The pakora is ready when it is golden brown and crispy.

Step 5: Serve and Store

Serve the air-fried pakora hot with your favourite chutney, dip, or sauce. You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze them for up to 3 months. Reheat in the air fryer at 350-375°F until crispy and warm.

How to store pakora

If you want to store pakora for a few hours before serving, wrap each batch in aluminium foil and warm them in the oven at 140°C for 20 minutes to an hour. If you want to store pakora for longer, you can freeze them. They will last for months in the freezer and 3-5 days in the fridge.

How to reheat pakora in an air fryer

If you have leftover pakora, you can reheat them in an air fryer and enjoy a hot and crispy snack. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare the Air Fryer

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This is a good temperature to ensure your pakora gets crispy again without burning.

Step 2: Place the Pakora in the Air Fryer

Place the pakora in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving some space between each piece. Overcrowding the basket can lead to uneven cooking, so you may need to reheat in batches.

Step 3: Reheat the Pakora

Once the air fryer is preheated, place the basket with the pakora inside and reheat for 3-5 minutes at 375°F (190°C). You can also spritz or brush a little oil on the pakora before reheating to help them crisp up.

Step 4: Serve

Once the pakora are heated through and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and serve.

Tips:

• If your pakora has been in the fridge, bring it to room temperature before reheating.
• You can also reheat pakora in the oven or microwave, but they may not get as crispy.
• For best results, eat pakora fresh as they are typically fried foods and are at their crispiest straight after cooking.

Enjoy your crispy, hot pakora!

The health benefits of air-fried pakora

Air fryers are a healthier alternative to deep-fat frying, and this is true for pakora too. Here are some of the health benefits of air-fried pakora:

Reduced Fat and Calories

Air fryers use significantly less oil than deep-fat frying methods. This means that air-fried pakora has a lower fat content and fewer calories.

Weight Management

Deep-fried foods are high in fat and calories, so swapping to air-fried pakora may help lower your calorie intake, aiding weight management.

Safety

Deep-fat frying involves heating a large container of oil to a high temperature, which can pose safety risks. Hot oil may spill, splash, or catch fire. Air fryers, when used correctly, do not pose the same hazards.

Reduced Acrylamide

Deep-frying starchy foods like potatoes can create a compound called acrylamide, which is a known carcinogen. Air fryers reduce the formation of acrylamide by up to 90%.

Preserve Nutrients

Convection heat, such as that used in an air fryer, may help preserve certain nutrients during the cooking process, including vitamin C and protective plant compounds called polyphenols.

Less Mess

Air fryers are also mess-free, creating less of a mess in the kitchen than deep-fat frying.

Continuous Monitoring

With deep-fat frying, you have to constantly monitor the food and adjust the flame. Air fryers allow you to set the temperature and timer, freeing you up to do other things.

Easier Leftover Oil Storage

Deep-frying uses a lot of oil, and storing leftover oil can be a hassle. Air fryers use minimal oil, so there's less waste and less storage required.

Healthier Option

Air-fried pakora is a healthier option, especially for those with young children. The reduced use of oil means less risk of burns from hot oil splatters.

Versatility

Air fryers offer a versatile cooking method, allowing you to make different varieties of pakora according to your preferences. You can also make them gluten-free and vegan.

Frequently asked questions