Air-Fried Chicken Pakora: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Chicken pakora is a popular Indian snack or appetizer, especially during the winter and monsoon seasons. The dish consists of bite-sized pieces of chicken that are marinated, coated in a batter, and then deep-fried or air-fried to golden perfection. The chicken is tender and juicy on the inside, with a crispy exterior. Chicken pakora is often served with a variety of dips and chutneys, such as mint chutney, tamarind chutney, or a yogurt dip. It also pairs well with a cup of masala chai.

Chicken marinade ingredients

• Boneless chicken thighs or breasts cut into bite-sized pieces.
• Ginger and garlic paste or crushed ginger and garlic.
• Cumin powder.
• Kashmiri red chilli powder.
• Black pepper.
• Turmeric.
• Garam masala.
• Lemon juice or vinegar.
• Cilantro leaves.
• Green chilli pepper.
• Greek yogurt or thick yogurt.
• Salt.

Mix all the ingredients for the chicken marinade in a bowl and let it sit for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight.

Coating ingredients

Chicken pakora is a popular Indian snack or appetizer. The coating ingredients for chicken pakora are as follows:

To make the outer layer of chicken pakora crunchy and crispy, you will need the following coating ingredients:

• Chickpea flour (besan flour, gram flour)
• Rice flour
• Cornstarch (corn flour)
• Egg whites

Chickpea flour, rice flour, and cornstarch are all gluten-free, so this chicken pakora recipe is suitable for gluten-free diets.

To prepare the coating, add the chickpea flour, rice flour, and cornstarch to the marinated chicken. You can also add an egg white to the marinade to help bind the ingredients and keep the chicken moist. However, this is optional. Mix the chicken and coating ingredients well, ensuring the chicken is evenly coated. The mixture should be stiff and dough-like, not too moist, as this can make the pakora soft.

If you are air-frying the chicken pakora, there is no need to add oil to the coating. However, if you are deep-frying, you will need to heat oil in a pan or kadai to a moderate temperature before carefully adding the chicken pieces one by one.

Air fryer settings

Air fryers are a great alternative to deep-frying chicken pakora, producing a crisp, juicy, and flavorful snack without the guilt of consuming deep-fried food. Here are some general guidelines and settings to follow when making chicken pakora in an air fryer:

• Preheat your air fryer to around 360-375°F (180-190°C) for 2-5 minutes. This temperature range is ideal for getting that golden, crispy exterior without overcooking the chicken.
• Grease the air fryer basket or rack with oil. This will help prevent the chicken from sticking and ensure even cooking. You can use a cooking spray or brush on some oil.
• Place the chicken pieces in a single layer in the basket or on the rack, making sure they are not crowded together. Leave some space around each piece for the hot air to circulate.
• Depending on the size of your air fryer and the chicken pieces, you might need to cook the chicken pakora in batches.
• Lightly spray or brush the top of the chicken pieces with oil. This will help them brown and get that crispy texture.
• Air fry the chicken pakora for 8-10 minutes on one side, then flip them over and air fry for another 5-6 minutes, or until they are golden and cooked through.
• If you like your chicken pakora extra crispy, you can increase the temperature to 375°F (190°C) for the last few minutes of cooking.
• Once done, remove the chicken pakora from the air fryer and serve immediately. They are best enjoyed hot and crispy!

Note: The exact settings and timing may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model and the size of your chicken pieces, so keep an eye on them while cooking and adjust the timing as needed.

Cooking time

The cooking time for chicken pakora in an air fryer varies depending on the recipe and the number of pakoras being cooked.

For instance, one recipe suggests preheating the air fryer at 180 degrees Celsius or 360 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes. Then, place the chicken pieces in the basket, ensuring they are spaced apart. Brush or spray the chicken with oil and air fry for 5 to 6 minutes. Turn the chicken pieces over and repeat for another 5 to 6 minutes.

Another recipe recommends preheating the air fryer to 360 degrees Fahrenheit for 2 to 3 minutes. Place the chicken pakoras in a single layer in the basket and spray with oil. Cook for 8 minutes, then flip the chicken and increase the temperature to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Cook for another 3 to 4 minutes.

A third recipe suggests preheating the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and greasing the basket with cooking spray. Spoon 2-tablespoon mounds of the pakora batter into the basket and flatten them. Repeat this process, ensuring the pakoras do not touch. Mist the top of each pakora with cooking spray and cook for 8 minutes. Flip the pakoras and cook for another 8 minutes.

A fourth recipe suggests preheating the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes. Brush the baking rack with oil or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Place the chicken pieces in the basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Brush the chicken with oil, add curry leaves and green chilli, and cook for 5 minutes. Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 1 minute. Repeat this process for the next batch of chicken.

It is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the brand and model of your air fryer, so adjust the timing accordingly.

Serving suggestions

Chicken pakora is a popular Indian snack or appetizer that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions:

As a Snack or Appetizer

Chicken pakora is often served as a snack or appetizer and can be enjoyed on its own. However, if you want to elevate the dish, here are some condiments and sides that pair well:

• Green chutney or coriander mint chutney
• Tamarind chutney
• Ketchup
• Masala chai
• Spicy garlic chutney
• Kabab mint chutney
• Cilantro chutney
• Yogurt dip
• Ranch dip

As a Side Dish

Chicken pakora can also be served as a side dish with Indian meals, such as:

• Vegetable biryani or pulao
• Dal-chawal
• Parathas with kachumber salad and chutney
• Rice pilaf dishes like egg pulao or mushroom pulao

In a Wrap

For a tasty and convenient option, you can also serve chicken pakora in a wrap with:

• Onion salad or kachumber salad
• Mint chutney or sweet tamarind chutney

For a Party or Get-Together

If you're serving chicken pakora at a party or get-together, consider making it ahead of time to save time. You can fry the pakoras in advance and then do a quick second frying just before serving to ensure they are hot and crispy.

Frequently asked questions