Name: Air Fryer Pakoras
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Ingredients: 1 cup chickpea flour (besan); ½ cup water (adjust as needed); 1 small onion, thinly sliced; 1 medium potato, thinly sliced or grated; ½ teaspoon turmeric powder; ½ teaspoon red chili powder; ½ teaspoon cumin seeds; ½ teaspoon garam masala; ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste); ¼ teaspoon baking soda (optional, for extra crispiness); 1 green chili, finely chopped (optional); 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro; 1 tablespoon oil (for brushing)

Enjoy crispy, golden pakoras without deep frying! These air fryer pakoras are a healthier take on the classic Indian fritters, using minimal oil while maintaining the same crunch and flavor. Whether you’re making onion, potato, or vegetable pakoras, this recipe is a guilt-free way to satisfy your cravings. Unlike deep frying, which requires a lot of oil, air frying significantly reduces fat content, making it a better choice for health-conscious food lovers. According to Serious Eats, air-fried foods can have up to 75% less fat than their deep-fried counterparts.

Origin Air Fryer Pakoras

Pakoras have been a staple in Indian cuisine for centuries, with origins tracing back to ancient Indian cooking traditions. Traditionally, they are deep-fried fritters made with gram flour and spices, served as a popular street food or snack during monsoons and festivals. Over time, pakoras have evolved with different regional variations, including paneer, spinach, and even bread pakoras. To learn more about the history and regional varieties of pakoras.

What I Love About This Recipe

What I love about this air fryer pakora recipe is how it delivers the same crispy texture without excess oil, making it a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried pakoras. The air fryer ensures even cooking while keeping the pakoras light and crunchy. It’s also a quick and hassle-free way to prepare a favorite snack, perfect for tea-time or gatherings. Plus, you can customize them with different vegetables and spices to suit your taste. This recipe is also a great way to introduce healthier eating habits without compromising on the authentic flavors of Indian cuisine.

Also Read: Honey Garlic Pork Tenderloin

Air Fryer Pakoras

Recipe by RecipeWikki

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Calories

kcal

Ingredients

1 cup chickpea flour (besan)
½ cup water (adjust as needed)
1 small onion, thinly sliced
1 medium potato, thinly sliced or grated
½ teaspoon turmeric powder
½ teaspoon red chili powder
½ teaspoon cumin seeds
½ teaspoon garam masala
½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
¼ teaspoon baking soda (optional, for extra crispiness)
1 green chili, finely chopped (optional)
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
1 tablespoon oil (for brushing)

Directions

In a bowl, mix chickpea flour, turmeric, chili powder, cumin seeds, garam masala, and salt.
Gradually add water and stir to make a thick batter. Ensure it’s not too runny.
Add sliced onions, potatoes, green chili, and cilantro to the batter. Mix well.
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.
Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper or lightly grease it with oil.
Drop small spoonfuls of the batter into the basket, spacing them out.
Lightly brush or spray oil on top of the pakoras.
Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Once golden brown and crispy, remove and let cool for a minute before serving.

Notes

Experiment with different vegetables like spinach, cauliflower, or bell peppers for variety.
Adding a pinch of baking soda makes the pakoras extra crispy.
Serve hot with mint chutney, tamarind chutney, or ketchup.
If you prefer extra crispiness, increase the air frying time by a few minutes.
Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes before serving.

Indian Snacks