Crispy Air Fryer Onion Pakoda Recipe

Hey everyone, this is Manali from Cook with Manali! Today, we're making delicious and crispy Onion Pakodas in the air fryer. These pakodas are incredibly easy to prepare and turn out super crunchy. You'll find yourself getting addicted to these tasty treats, so let's get started!

Ingredients:

• 1 large onion
• Salt
• 1/2 cup gram flour (besan)
• 2 tablespoons rice flour
• Fresh cilantro
• 1-2 green chilies (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ajwain (carom seeds)
• 1/2 teaspoon coriander powder
• A pinch of garam masala
• 1 teaspoon oil
• Water as needed

Instructions:

Preparing the Onions:

1. Slice the Onion: Take one large onion and slice it into thin slices. Ensure the slices are not too thin or too thick.
2. Salt the Onion: Transfer the sliced onions into a large bowl and sprinkle some salt. Separate the slices and gently massage the onions with the salt to release moisture. Let the onions sit for around 10 minutes.

Roasting the Gram Flour:

3. Roast the Gram Flour (Optional): In a dry pan, roast the gram flour (besan) for 2-3 minutes to eliminate the raw smell. This step is optional but enhances the flavor of the pakodas, especially when air-fried.

Making the Batter:

4. Combine Ingredients: After 10 minutes, the onions will have released some moisture. Add the roasted gram flour to the onions, followed by rice flour, chopped cilantro, green chilies, turmeric powder, red chili powder, ajwain, coriander powder, and a pinch of garam masala.
5. Add Oil and Water: Add 1 teaspoon of oil to keep the pakodas soft inside. Gradually add water (around 3 tablespoons) to make a thick batter. Mix everything well.

Air Frying the Pakodas:

6. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer.
7. First Fry: Place the pakodas in the air fryer basket and air fry at 340°F for 10 minutes.
8. Spray and Continue Frying: After 10 minutes, open the air fryer and spray the pakodas with a little oil. Continue to air fry at 400°F for an additional 3-4 minutes until they turn golden brown.

Serving:

9. Enjoy: Your crispy air fryer onion pakodas are now ready to enjoy! Serve them hot with cilantro and mint chutney or ketchup.

Tips:

• For spicier pakodas, add more green chilies.
• Roasting the gram flour enhances the flavor but is optional.
• Adjust the consistency of the batter by adding water gradually.

I hope you give this recipe a try! If you enjoyed this recipe, please like, share, and subscribe to my channel. I'll see you next time with another exciting recipe. Happy cooking and take care!