Olivia Carter
If you’re a fan of Indian cuisine, then you must have tried or at least heard of chicken pakora. This popular Indian snack is made of tender pieces of chicken, coated in a spiced chickpea flour batter, and deep-fried until crispy. But did you know that you can make delicious chicken pakora in an air fryer?
Air fryers have gained popularity in recent years for their ability to cook food with little to no oil, resulting in healthier versions of your favourite fried dishes. And chicken pakora is no exception! With an air fryer, you can enjoy the same crispy and flavorful chicken pakora, but with a fraction of the calories and fat.
To make chicken pakora in an air fryer, start by marinating the chicken in a mixture of yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, and a blend of spices. This will help tenderize the meat and infuse it with the flavors of the marinade. Then, prepare the batter by combining chickpea flour, rice flour, and an array of aromatic spices.
Next, coat each piece of marinated chicken with the batter and arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Set the temperature and cooking time according to your air fryer’s instructions and cook until the chicken pakora turns golden brown and crispy. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the size and model of your air fryer.
Once the chicken pakora is cooked, serve it hot with your favorite dipping sauce or chutney. Whether you’re hosting a party, want a tasty snack, or simply craving some Indian flavors, making chicken pakora in an air fryer is a quick and healthier way to satisfy your cravings. So why not give it a try today and enjoy this delicious and guilt-free Indian snack?
Preparation for Cooking Chicken Pakora in Air Fryer
Before you start cooking chicken pakora in an air fryer, it is important to prepare the ingredients and marinade the chicken for optimum flavor. Follow these steps to ensure a delicious and crispy chicken pakora:
Ingredients:
- 500 grams boneless chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup chickpea flour (besan)
- 1 tablespoon rice flour
- 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped coriander leaves
- Salt to taste
- Water, as needed
- Oil for spraying
Marinating the Chicken:
- In a large mixing bowl, add the chicken pieces.
- Add ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, lemon juice, and salt.
- Mix well to ensure all the chicken pieces are coated with the marinade.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Preparing the Batter:
- In a separate bowl, combine chickpea flour, rice flour, chopped coriander leaves, and salt.
- Add water gradually and whisk until you achieve a smooth and thick batter consistency.
Cooking Chicken Pakora in Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (400°F) for 5 minutes.
- Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator and dip each piece into the prepared batter, ensuring it is coated well.
- Place the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them.
- Lightly spray the chicken pakora with oil for a crispy texture.
- Cook in the air fryer for 10-15 minutes, until the pakoras turn golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the air fryer and serve hot with mint chutney or tomato ketchup.
Now you are ready to enjoy your delicious and healthy chicken pakora made in an air fryer. Serve it as a snack or appetizer and impress your guests with this flavorful dish.
Gather All the Ingredients
Before starting the process of making chicken pakora in the air fryer, it is important to gather all the necessary ingredients. This recipe requires the following ingredients:
- 500 grams of boneless chicken, cut into small pieces
- 1 cup of gram flour (besan)
- 2 tablespoons of rice flour
- 1 teaspoon of red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon of cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon of coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon of garam masala
- 1 teaspoon of garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon of ginger paste
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- Salt to taste
- Water as needed
- Oil for spraying or brushing the chicken
Make sure to have all these ingredients ready before proceeding with the recipe. This will ensure a smooth cooking process and a delicious outcome.
Clean and Cut the Chicken
Before starting the process of making chicken pakora in an air fryer, it is important to properly clean and cut the chicken. This ensures that the chicken is free from any dirt or contaminants and makes it easier to cook.
To clean the chicken, rinse it under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. This helps to remove any excess moisture and bacteria from the chicken.
Next, cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. You can use boneless chicken breasts or thighs, whichever you prefer. Make sure to remove any excess fat or skin from the chicken pieces.
Cutting the chicken into smaller pieces ensures that it cooks evenly and quickly in the air fryer. It also makes it easier to eat and enjoy the crispy coating of the chicken pakoras.
Once the chicken is cleaned and cut, you are ready to proceed with the recipe and prepare the marinade and batter for the chicken pakoras.
Prepare the Marinade
Creating a flavorful marinade is an essential step in making delicious chicken pakora in an air fryer. The marinade not only adds flavor but also helps to tenderize the chicken.
Here’s what you’ll need for the marinade:
- Yogurt: Use plain yogurt to create a creamy base for the marinade.
- Ginger and garlic paste: Combine freshly grated ginger and minced garlic to add a bold and aromatic flavor.
- Spices: Add a combination of spices such as cumin, coriander, turmeric, red chili powder, and garam masala to create a well-rounded flavor profile.
- Lemon juice: The acidity from lemon juice helps to tenderize the chicken and adds a tangy taste.
- Salt: Season the marinade with salt according to your taste preferences.
- Fresh herbs: Finely chop fresh cilantro or mint leaves and add them to the marinade for a burst of freshness.
Once you have gathered all the ingredients, simply mix them together in a bowl until well combined. Make sure to coat the chicken pieces thoroughly with the marinade and allow them to marinate for at least 1-2 hours or overnight in the refrigerator for the best results.
The yogurt in the marinade not only adds flavor but also helps to tenderize the chicken, resulting in juicy and succulent pakoras. The combination of spices and herbs adds depth and complexity to the dish, making it truly satisfying.
By properly preparing the marinade, you are ensuring that every bite of your air-fried chicken pakora is bursting with flavor and perfectly cooked.
Cooking Chicken Pakora in Air Fryer
If you’re a fan of Indian cuisine, you’ve probably tried chicken pakora before. This crispy and flavorful appetizer is a popular choice for Indian parties and gatherings. While traditionally deep-fried, you can also make chicken pakora in an air fryer for a healthier option. Here’s how:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup chickpea flour (besan)
- 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
- Salt to taste
- Water, as needed for batter
- Oil, for brushing the chicken
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the chickpea flour, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, cumin powder, and salt.
- Add water gradually to the dry ingredients and mix well to make a thick batter.
- Add the chicken pieces to the batter and mix until they are well coated.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Lightly brush the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking.
- Place the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook the chicken pakoras in the air fryer for 10-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken pakoras from the air fryer and serve hot with your favorite chutney or dipping sauce.
Air fryers provide a healthier way to enjoy crispy snacks like chicken pakora. This recipe allows you to indulge in the deliciousness of this popular Indian appetizer without the guilt of deep frying. Give it a try and impress your family and friends with your air fryer cooking skills!
Preheat the Air Fryer
Before starting the process of making chicken pakora, it’s important to preheat the air fryer. This will ensure that the chicken is cooked evenly and becomes crispy on the outside.
To preheat the air fryer, follow these steps:
- Plug in the air fryer: Make sure the air fryer is plugged in and turned on.
- Set the temperature: Most air fryers have a temperature control feature. Set the temperature to 400°F (200°C) and allow the air fryer to preheat for about 3-5 minutes.
- Keep the basket empty: While preheating, make sure the air fryer basket is empty. This allows the hot air to circulate properly and ensures even cooking.
- Check the readiness: After the preheating time is up, check if the air fryer is fully heated by touching the inside walls. They should be hot to the touch.
Once the air fryer is preheated, it’s ready to be used for making delicious chicken pakora. Preheating the air fryer is an essential step for achieving crispy and perfectly cooked chicken.
FAQ
What is chicken pakora?
Chicken pakora is a popular Indian snack made with chicken pieces that are dipped in a spiced batter and deep-fried until crispy. It is usually served with chutney or sauce.
Is it possible to make chicken pakora in an air fryer?
Yes, it is possible to make chicken pakora in an air fryer. By using an air fryer, you can achieve a crispy texture without deep frying the chicken. It is a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried chicken pakora.
