Are you craving a mouthwatering Indian snack that's crispy, healthy, and incredibly easy to make? Get ready to revolutionize your cooking game with these amazing Crispy Spinach Pakoras that will tantalize your taste buds and impress your family and friends! Imagine biting into a golden, crunchy exterior that gives way to a tender, flavorful spinach center - all without the heavy oil of traditional deep-frying. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a kitchen newbie, this air fryer recipe will transform your snack time into a gourmet experience that's both nutritious and irresistibly delicious.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Indian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh spinach, washed and chopped
- 1 cup gram flour (besan)
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- Salt to taste
- Water as needed
Instructions
- Begin by washing the fresh spinach thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or grit. After washing, chop the spinach into smaller pieces and set aside in a mixing bowl.
- In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup of gram flour (besan), 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds, 1 teaspoon of red chili powder, and salt to taste. Mix these dry ingredients well to ensure they are evenly distributed.
- Add the chopped spinach to the bowl containing the dry ingredients. Mix gently to coat the spinach with the gram flour mixture.
- Gradually add water to the mixture, a little at a time, while stirring. You want to create a thick batter that lightly coats the spinach but is not too runny. The consistency should be similar to pancake batter.
- Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F) for about 5 minutes to ensure it is ready for cooking.
- Once preheated, lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or a brush of oil to prevent sticking.
- Using a spoon, drop small portions of the spinach batter into the air fryer basket, making sure to leave space between each pakora for even cooking. Do not overcrowd the basket.
- Air fry the pakoras at 180°C (350°F) for about 12-15 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. You may want to shake the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure even crispiness.
- Once cooked, remove the pakoras from the air fryer and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
- Serve the crispy spinach pakoras hot with your favorite chutney or dipping sauce. Enjoy your delicious Indian snack!
Tips
- Moisture is Key: Make sure to thoroughly wash and drain your spinach to prevent a watery batter. Pat the spinach dry with paper towels for the crispiest results.
- Batter Consistency: Aim for a thick, pancake-like batter that coats the spinach without being too runny. Add water gradually to achieve the perfect texture.
- Don't Overcrowd: When air frying, leave space between each pakora to ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Shake and Rotate: Halfway through cooking, gently shake the air fryer basket to ensure all sides of the pakoras get evenly crisp and golden.
- Serving Suggestion: Pair these pakoras with mint chutney, tamarind sauce, or a cooling yogurt dip for an authentic Indian street food experience.
- Storage Tip: While best enjoyed fresh, you can store leftover pakoras in an airtight container and reheat in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes to restore their crispiness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 110kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 6g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
