Air Fryer Pakoras Recipe

Name: Air Fryer Pakoras
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 8
Ingredients: 2 cups chopped cauliflower; 1.25 cups chickpea flour (besan); 1 cup diced yellow potatoes; 0.75 cup water; 0.5 red onion, chopped; 1 tablespoon salt; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon curry powder; 1 teaspoon coriander; 0.5 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper, or more to taste; 0.5 teaspoon cumin; cooking spray

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

2 cups chopped cauliflower
1 cups chickpea flour (besan)
1 cup diced yellow potatoes
cup water
red onion, chopped
1 tablespoon salt
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon curry powder
1 teaspoon coriander
teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (or more to taste)
teaspoon cumin
Cooking spray

Directions

In a large bowl, combine chopped cauliflower, chickpea flour, diced potatoes, water, red onion, salt, minced garlic, curry powder, coriander, cayenne pepper, and cumin. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated. Set the batter aside to rest for 10 minutes.
Preheat your air fryer to 350F (175C). Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
Spoon 2 tablespoons of the prepared batter into the basket, flattening it out gently. Repeat this step, making sure that the pakoras do not touch each other. Mist the top of each pakora with cooking spray.
Air fry the pakoras for 8 minutes. After 8 minutes, flip them over and cook for an additional 8 minutes.
Once done, transfer the pakoras to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. Repeat steps 3 and 4 with the remaining batter until all pakoras are cooked.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories	81
Total Fat	1g (2% Daily Value)
Saturated Fat	0g (1% Daily Value)
Sodium	891mg (39% Daily Value)
Total Carbohydrate	14g (5% Daily Value)
Dietary Fiber	3g (10% Daily Value)
Total Sugars	1g
Protein	4g (9% Daily Value)
Vitamin C	12mg (14% Daily Value)
Calcium	20mg (2% Daily Value)
Iron	1mg (6% Daily Value)
Potassium	218mg (5% Daily Value)

Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Please consult a doctor or dietitian before making any dietary changes.

Air Fryer Pakoras

History and Origin

Pakoras, also known as bhajis or fritters, have their roots deeply embedded in the culinary traditions of India. These crispy, flavorful bites are popular across the Indian subcontinent, especially during festivals or as street food. The origin of pakoras dates back to ancient India, where they were likely created as a way to use up leftover vegetables. The dish gained widespread popularity in both India and Pakistan, with regional variations influenced by local ingredients and spices. Traditionally deep-fried, pakoras have now been reinvented with healthier alternatives, like air frying, without sacrificing their signature crispy texture and spicy kick.

Regional Variations and Unique Characteristics

Pakoras vary significantly depending on the region. In Northern India, they are often made with potatoes, cauliflower, or paneer, while in South India, they might include ingredients like spinach or even fish. The batter for pakoras is usually made from chickpea flour (besan), which gives them a distinct texture and flavor. In many parts of India, pakoras are served as a snack with tamarind or mint chutney, offering a perfect balance of spicy, tangy, and sweet flavors. The air fryer version, as in this recipe, provides a healthier option by reducing the oil content, making it a popular choice for modern health-conscious cooks.

How Air Fryer Pakoras Stand Out

While traditional pakoras are deep-fried, the air fryer version is a game-changer. Using far less oil, the air fryer creates a crispy exterior without the excess grease. This not only makes the dish lighter but also retains the original texture and flavor that people love about pakoras. Air frying allows for even cooking, resulting in a golden-brown exterior with a tender interior that melts in your mouth. The use of chickpea flour and spices remains the same, ensuring the authenticity of the taste while offering a healthier alternative to frying in oil.

Where Are Pakoras Usually Served?

Pakoras are commonly served as appetizers or snacks during gatherings, celebrations, and festivals in India. They are often enjoyed with a hot cup of chai, making them a perfect choice for rainy days or chilly evenings. In restaurants and street food stalls, pakoras are frequently offered as a quick bite to hungry passersby. They are also a popular item in Indian buffets and casual dining spots. With the rise of health-conscious eating, air fryer pakoras are now being embraced by home cooks around the world, making this iconic snack accessible to a wider audience.

Interesting Facts About Pakoras

The word "pakora" comes from the Sanskrit word "pakvavata," which means "cooked." This indicates the deep-fried nature of the dish.
Pakoras are believed to have been first made during the reign of the Mughal Empire in India, where cooks experimented with frying vegetables in batter.
Although pakoras are often vegetarian, they can also be made with meat, such as chicken, lamb, or even fish, providing a variety of flavors to suit different tastes.
In some regions, pakoras are offered as a part of traditional wedding meals, symbolizing prosperity and good fortune.
With the growing popularity of the air fryer, pakoras have become a go-to snack for those looking to reduce their calorie intake without sacrificing flavor.

Whether youre making them for a casual family gathering or a special occasion, air fryer pakoras are sure to be a hit. Their unique texture, coupled with a burst of spices, makes them a perfect addition to any meal or a delicious standalone snack!

FAQ about Air Fryer Pakoras Recipe

Store leftover pakoras in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For best results, reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain their crispiness.

Yes, you can freeze pakoras. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready to eat, reheat them in the air fryer or oven for 5-7 minutes at 350°F.

Yes, you can substitute other vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or even sweet potatoes. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the vegetable used.

If the pakoras are too salty, you can adjust the amount of salt in future batches. Alternatively, you can serve them with a cooling dip such as yogurt or chutney to balance the flavor.

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free because it uses chickpea flour (besan). Just ensure that all other ingredients, such as spices and cooking spray, are also gluten-free.

The ideal texture of pakoras should be crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. If your pakoras are too dense, you might want to add a little more water to the batter or adjust the cooking time slightly.

Yes, you can adjust the spiciness by increasing or decreasing the amount of cayenne pepper and curry powder. If you prefer milder pakoras, you can reduce or omit the cayenne pepper.

Yes, you can prepare the pakora batter in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just be sure to give it a quick stir before using, as the ingredients may separate slightly.

To make the pakoras crispier, make sure to lightly spray them with cooking oil before air frying and avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. You can also try cooking them for an extra minute or two, keeping an eye on their color and texture.

Comments

Kelly Wilson

06/24/2024 05:05:55 PM

I really enjoy this recipe when it's fried! Adding cabbage to the traditional pakora is a fantastic touch. However, as others have pointed out, the recipe calls for a significant amount of salt. It reaches a point where the saltiness becomes overwhelming and you have to stop eating. To balance out the saltiness, I made a chutney with coriander leaves, an equal amount of lemon juice and white vinegar, and half a teaspoon of garlic powder. I will definitely make this dish again, but with a much smaller amount of salt. I'm also curious to try adding garam masala next time to see how it turns out.

Mark Garcia

02/06/2025 08:54:54 PM

I didn't have all the ingredients I needed, so I improvised with substitutions. The result was unexpectedly spicy, but still really delicious.

Julie Collins

11/07/2024 06:44:25 AM

Extremely helpful.

Anna Johnson

08/10/2024 06:37:31 AM

Absolutely loved these! I incorporated shredded carrot and seasoned them with curry paste. Accompanied by a dipping sauce made of yogurt, curry paste, and lime. The flavors were amazing!

Virginia Clark

09/12/2024 05:24:12 PM

Decent foundation, but overly salty. Despite using slightly less than the recommended amount, the dish remained excessively salty. I suggest opting for a teaspoon measurement when preparing this. The air frying duration was satisfactory; I found that 14 minutes worked better for me than the specified 16 minutes.

Michael Evans

02/04/2023 08:14:10 AM

Unsatisfied with this recipe. While the flavor was decent, the texture was overly thick and excessively salty (even after decreasing the salt by 30% in my version). I had to cook them at 375F in my air fryer for 8 minutes per side to achieve the desired color, but they still lacked crispiness. I won't be trying this recipe again.

Cook Time: 25 minutes