Air-Fryer Pakoda: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Pakora is a traditional Indian and Pakistani snack, also known as bhaji or bhajiya. It is a fritter made with chickpea flour and vegetables, usually deep-fried. However, this recipe will show you how to make a healthier version of pakora in an air fryer, with minimal oil and less mess. This recipe will also include some tips and tricks to ensure your pakora turns out crispy and golden brown.

Choosing your ingredients and preparing your batter

Choosing the right ingredients and preparing your batter is key to making delicious pakoras in an air fryer. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you with the process:

Choosing Your Ingredients:

• Vegetables: Onions are a popular choice for pakoras, with red or white onions being the most commonly used. You can slice or chop them according to your preference. Other vegetables like potatoes, cauliflower, spinach, cabbage, and green chillies can also be added to the mix.
• Flour: Chickpea flour (besan) is the traditional choice for pakora batter. It acts as a binding agent and gives the pakoras their distinct flavour. Rice flour is often added to give the pakoras a crispy texture. You can also use red lentil flour or cornflour as alternatives.
• Spices and Seasonings: Turmeric, coriander powder, red chilli powder, ajwain (carom seeds), garam masala, and chaat masala are commonly used spices. Freshly chopped coriander or mint leaves add a refreshing touch. You can adjust the spice levels to your preference.
• Other Ingredients: Baking soda is sometimes added to give the pakoras a fluffy texture. A few drops of lemon juice can also be included as it reacts with the baking soda. Oil is essential for frying, and you can choose an oil that suits your taste and health preferences.

Preparing Your Batter:

• Prepare the Vegetables: Slice or chop your chosen vegetables. If using onions, add salt and gently massage them to release moisture. Let them sit for 5-10 minutes. This step helps in ensuring that the pakoras are not soggy.
• Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the chickpea flour, rice flour, and spices. You can dry roast the chickpea flour on a pan for a few minutes to enhance its flavour and get rid of any raw smell.
• Combine Vegetables and Flour Mixture: After the vegetables have rested, combine them with the flour and spice mixture. Add chopped coriander or mint leaves at this stage if you're using them.
• Add Liquid Ingredients: Start adding water gradually to the mixture. You want the batter to be thick, so add just enough water to coat the vegetables. You can also add a teaspoon of oil to the batter to make the pakoras softer and lighter.
• Consistency Check: The batter should be thick but not too dry. If it's too thick, add a splash of water. If it's too thin, add a little more chickpea flour. The consistency is crucial for getting the right texture in your pakoras.

Now that your batter is ready, you can move on to the next steps of frying your pakoras in the air fryer. Remember to preheat your air fryer and use oil spray or a brush to ensure the pakoras don't stick to the basket or tray. Enjoy the delicious, crispy treat!

Cooking spray and temperature settings

When it comes to cooking spray and temperature settings, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure your pakoras turn out crispy and delicious.

First, it is important to use a cooking spray to grease the air fryer basket or tray before adding the pakora batter. This will help to prevent sticking and ensure the pakoras can be easily removed once cooked. You can use a non-stick cooking spray or brush the air fryer surface with oil. If you are using an oil spray, it is recommended to use it generously to ensure the pakoras do not stick.

Second, the temperature settings you use will depend on the type of air fryer you have and your desired level of crispness. Most recipes suggest preheating the air fryer between 340-355°F (170-176°C) for 5 minutes. Then, air fry the pakoras for 10-12 minutes at this temperature, before increasing the temperature to 325-400°F (176°C) for an additional 4-5 minutes to achieve a golden brown colour and crispy texture. It is important to note that every air fryer is different, so you may need to adjust the time and temperature accordingly.

Additionally, it is recommended to shake the basket or tray halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking. Spraying or brushing the pakoras with oil at this point will also help to achieve a nice golden colour and crispy texture.

Cooking time and flipping

When it comes to cooking time and flipping, there are a few key things to keep in mind to ensure your pakoras turn out perfectly. Firstly, preheating your air fryer is crucial. Set your air fryer to around 340-355°F (170-176°C) and allow it to heat up for about 5 minutes. This step is important as it ensures even cooking and helps the pakoras get crispy.

Once your air fryer is preheated, it's time to cook the pakoras. Place the pakora batter or dough into the air fryer basket, ensuring they are spaced out evenly and not overcrowded. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the pakoras in batches. Cook the pakoras at 340-355°F (170-176°C) for about 10 minutes. Then, open the air fryer and spray the pakoras with oil. This step is important as it helps to crisp up the pakoras and gives them a nice golden colour.

After spraying with oil, increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C) and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes, or until the pakoras are golden brown and crispy. The total cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer, so keep an eye on them to ensure they don't burn.

It's important to flip the pakoras halfway through the cooking process. This ensures even cooking and helps to crisp up both sides. When flipping, be careful as the air fryer basket will be hot. Once the pakoras are golden brown and crispy on both sides, they are ready to be served.

If you are reheating pakoras, simply place them in the air fryer and heat at 300-350°F (150-176°C) for 2-3 minutes, or until they are heated through. There is no need to use a baking mold when reheating.

Serving suggestions

Pakoras are a popular snack and appetiser in Indian and Pakistani cuisine. They are typically served with a cup of chai and are often accompanied by chutney, such as coriander, mint, tamarind, or sweet tamarind chutney.

Pakoras are also a must-have item during the month of Ramadan, served as a snack at Iftar, and during the monsoon season.

• Serve hot with a chutney of your choice, such as coriander, mint, or tamarind chutney.
• Enjoy with a cup of hot masala chai.
• Serve with a yogurt dipping sauce.
• Sprinkle some chaat masala on top before serving.
• Serve with a side of ketchup.
• For a delightful twist, include the pakoras in Punjabi kadhi.
• Enjoy with a variety of dipping sauces, such as coriander mint chutney, tamarind chutney, or ketchup, alongside a cup of masala chai.

Remember, pakoras are a versatile dish, so feel free to get creative with your serving options!

Storing and reheating

Air-fried pakoras can be stored in an airtight container and will remain crisp until the next day. If you have leftovers or want to make a large batch, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

To reheat, simply place the pakoras back into the air fryer and heat at 160°C for 2-3 minutes. You can also reheat them in the oven at 180°C for around 10 minutes. If you're in a hurry, a microwave will also do the trick, though they may lose some of their crispness.

For frozen pakoras, preheat the air fryer and cook at 180°C/355°F for 7-8 minutes to achieve that desired crispness.

And there you have it! Pakoras that can be enjoyed at any time.

Frequently asked questions