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Air Fryer Onion Pakora

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Onion pakora is a classic Indian snack that’s usually deep-fried. However, you can now make them in an air fryer for a delicious and healthier alternative! This Air Fryer Onion Pakora recipe captures the unique flavor of this traditional dish – without all the added fat.

Made with onions, cilantro, and spices, they’re so crispy on the outside yet soft inside. Plus, they’re easy to prepare in no time at all—making them perfect for your next dinner party or unexpected guests! Read on to find out how to enjoy this savory treat without guilt.

What Are Onion Pakora

Onion pakora, or onion fritters, is a popular Indian snack made with sliced onions and a batter of gram flour (besan), rice flour, spices, and water. The ingredients are mixed together to form a thick batter, and then the onion slices are coated in the batter and deep-fried until crispy and golden brown.

Onion pakoras are often served as an appetizer or snack and are typically accompanied by a variety of dipping sauces, such as mint chutney or tamarind sauce.

They are crispy on the outside and soft and tender on the inside, with a slightly sweet and savory flavor from the onions and spices. They are a favorite snack during monsoon season in India and are also enjoyed year-round as a popular Indian street food.

You will love this air fryer version, and they will taste just as good as deep-fried pakoras.

Why Cook Onion Pakora In Air Fryer

There is nothing better than cooking an air fryer onion pakodas. Here is why they cook up perfectly in the air fryer.

Healthier Option: Air frying is a healthier cooking method than deep-frying because it requires less oil. Onion pakoras cooked in an air fryer will be crispy and delicious without soaking in oil.
Convenience: Using an air fryer is convenient because you can set the temperature and cooking time, and the fryer will do the rest of the work. You won’t have to worry about adjusting the heat or stirring the pakoras.
Saves Time: Cooking onion pakora in an air fryer can save you time because you won’t have to wait for the oil to heat up or monitor the pakoras while they cook. The air fryer will cook the pakoras evenly without the need for constant supervision.
Easy to Clean: Air fryers are easy to clean because they don’t require much oil, so there won’t be as much grease to clean up. Additionally, many air fryer baskets are dishwasher safe, making cleanup even easier.

Overall, cooking onion pakora in an air fryer can be a healthier, more convenient, and quicker alternative to deep-frying.

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Pakora Recipe

If you love the deliciousness of pakoras but want a healthier alternative, then an air fryer is the way to go! Pakoras are traditionally deep-fried in oil and can be quite unhealthy. However, with the help of an air fryer, they still retain all their splendor while being significantly lower in fat. Today we’re sharing our one-pot air fryer pakora recipe and what ingredients you’ll need to make it – let’s begin!

Remember the step-by-step directions are below in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page, as well as the nutritional information.

Flour: For traditional Indian Pakora, use either Gram Flour, Rice Flour, Chickpea Flour, or Besan Flour.
Onions: Use red onions, white onions, or yellow onions
Seasonings and Spices: Ajwain or Carom Seeds, Hing or Asafoetida, Red Chili Powder or Laal Mirch Powder, Turmeric Powder or Haldi Powder
Oil: Use olive oil, extra virgin olive oil, or avocado oil
Serving: Fresh Coriander Leaves, Chopped Green Chillies, and Kosher Salt

How To Cook Crispy Pakoras In Air Fryer

Pakoras are one of the most popular Indian snacks, and they can be made easily with minimal ingredients! However, trying to make them in an oven or deep fryer usually results in soggy pakoras that lack crunch.

Fortunately, using an air fryer for cooking these snacks guarantees perfectly crispy goodness every time. Below we will look at how you can make scrumptious pakoras quickly and easily in your air fryer!

Step One: Preheat The Air Fryer

Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F for 3-5 minutes. Or use the preset button on your air fryer basket.

Step Two: Prepare The Pakora Batter

In the meanwhile, take a bowl, add all onion pakoras ingredients, and mix well. Slowly add a tablespoon of water at a time until you get the correct consistency of the sticky batter. Add about 1 teaspoon oil to the mixture, which will help the batter crisp up.

Step Three: Air Fry The Pakoras

Line your preheated air fryer basket with parchment paper, spray with non-stick cooking spray, or brush with olive oil. Slowly add the pakora batter into the air fyre basket, single layer, leaving plenty of space around the batter.

Set the cooking time for 10-15 minutes at 400 degrees F, and frequently check on the vegetable pakoras as they cook up. Brush with olive oil during the cooking process so they crisp up. Flip the pakoras halfway during the cooking process.

Remove when the edges of the pakoras start to crisp up and turn golden brown.

Step Four: Serving

Serve with your favorite green chutney.

Pro Tips For Cooking Pakora In An Air Fryer

Here are some tips for cooking onion pakora in an air fryer:

Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer for 3-5 minutes before placing the onion pakoras in the basket. This will ensure that the pakoras cook evenly and turn crispy.
Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Place the onion pakoras in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding it. This will allow for even cooking and ensure that the pakoras become crispy. The hot air really needs to circulate around the crispy onion fritters, so they crisp up, just like you would if you were deep frying.
Spray the Pakoras with Cooking Oil: Lightly spray them with cooking oil before placing the onion pakoras in the air fryer. This will help them become crispy and golden brown.
Flip the Pakoras: Flip the onion pakoras halfway through the cooking time to ensure both sides become crispy and golden brown.
Check the Pakoras Regularly: Check the onion pakoras regularly to avoid overcooking. Air fryers cook faster than traditional deep-frying, so keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t burn.
Serve Fresh and Hot: Serve the onion pakoras immediately after cooking while they are still hot and crispy. This will ensure that they retain their texture and flavor.

By following these tips, you can make delicious and crispy onion pakoras in an air fryer.

How To store leftover pakora

Storing: If you have leftover pakoras, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat them, place them in an oven or air fryer at 350°F (180°C) for 5-7 minutes or until they are heated through and crispy again.
Freezing: If you want to store pakoras longer, you can freeze them. To freeze pakoras, allow them to cool completely and then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze them for 1-2 hours, or until they are completely frozen, and then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Frozen pakoras can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Reheating: To reheat frozen pakoras, preheat the air fryer to 350°F (180°C) and cook them for 10-12 minutes or until they are heated through and crispy. You can also reheat them in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 15-20 minutes. Make sure to reheat them until they are piping hot to ensure they are safe to eat.

What Dipping Sauces Go Best With Pakora

There are a variety of dipping sauces that pair well with pakoras. Here are some popular options:

Mint Chutney: Mint chutney is a classic Indian sauce made with fresh mint, cilantro, garlic, and spices. It has a tangy and slightly spicy flavor that complements pakoras’ crispy and savory taste.
Tamarind Chutney: Tamarind chutney is a sweet and tangy sauce made with tamarind paste, sugar, and spices. It has a thick and sticky consistency, making it a perfect dipping sauce for pakoras.
Mango Chutney: Mango chutney is a sweet and tangy sauce made with ripe mangoes, sugar, and spices. It has a fruity and slightly spicy flavor that goes well with the savory taste of pakoras.
Yogurt Dip: Yogurt dip is a refreshing and light sauce made with plain yogurt, cilantro, mint, and spices. It has a creamy texture and a cooling effect that balances pakoras’ spicy and savory taste.
Tomato Ketchup: Tomato ketchup is a popular dipping sauce widely available and goes well with pakoras. It has a sweet and tangy flavor that complements the savory taste of the pakoras.

You can serve any of these dipping sauces alongside onion pakoras to enhance their flavor and add a burst of taste to your snack.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to preheat the air fryer before cooking pakora?

Yes, preheating the air fryer for 3-5 minutes before cooking the pakora is important. This will ensure that the air fryer is hot enough to cook the pakoras evenly and make them crispy.

How much oil do I need to cook pakora in an air fryer?

You only need a small amount of oil to make pakora in an air fryer. It is best to use a cooking spray to lightly coat the pakoras before placing them in the air fryer basket.

How long does it take to cook pakora in an air fryer?

The cooking time for pakora in an air fryer depends on the size and thickness of the pakoras. It typically takes 10-15 minutes to cook the pakoras in an air fryer.

Can I cook frozen pakora in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook frozen pakora in an air fryer. However, you may need to adjust the cooking time and temperature according to the instructions on the packaging.

Can I make different types of pakora in an air fryer?

Yes, you can make different types of pakora in an air fryer, such as spinach pakoras or mixed vegetable pakora. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time and temperature according to the type of pakora you are making.

You can make delicious pakora in an air fryer by following these tips and answering these frequently asked questions.

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