Olivia Carter
Crispy, flavorful, and easy to make, fish pakora is a delicious Indian snack that can be enjoyed any time of the day. Traditionally, this popular street food is deep-fried, but with an air fryer, you can create the same mouthwatering dish with less oil and fewer calories.
If you’re a seafood lover looking for a healthier alternative to deep-fried fish pakora, this recipe is for you. Air fryers use hot air circulation to cook food, resulting in a crispy exterior without the excessive oiliness. Plus, the air fryer cuts down on cooking time, making it a convenient option for busy individuals.
To make fish pakora in an air fryer, you’ll need fresh white fish fillets, spices, chickpea flour, and a few pantry staples. The combination of spices, including cumin, turmeric, chilli powder, and garam masala, gives the fish pakora its characteristic Indian flavors.
First, marinate the fish fillets with the spice mixture and let them sit for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors. Then, dip each fillet in a batter made with chickpea flour and water. Place the coated fillets in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
Set the air fryer to the appropriate temperature and cook the fish pakora for about 12-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking. The result is crispy, golden-brown fish pakora with a tender and moist interior.
Serve the fish pakora hot with mint chutney or tamarind sauce for a burst of tangy freshness. This dish is perfect as an appetizer, snack, or even as a main course served with rice or flatbread.
So, why not try making fish pakora in an air fryer and enjoy the same great taste with a healthier twist? With this recipe, you can indulge in a classic Indian snack without the guilt.
What is Fish Pakora?
Fish pakora is a popular Indian snack made from fish fillets that are seasoned, coated in a mixture of gram flour (besan), spices, and herbs, and then deep-fried until crispy. It is a delightful and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer or as a main course.
The word “pakora” refers to a deep-fried snack that is typically made by batter-coating various ingredients and frying them until golden and crispy. Fish pakora, as the name suggests, specifically uses fish as the main ingredient.
Ingredients for Fish Pakora:
- Fish fillets (such as cod or tilapia)
- Gram flour (besan)
- Red chili powder
- Turmeric powder
- Ginger-garlic paste
- Garam masala
- Coriander leaves (cilantro)
- Mint leaves
- Cumin powder
- Chaat masala
- Lemon juice
- Salt
- Oil for frying
How to Make Fish Pakora:
1. Start by marinating the fish fillets with red chili powder, turmeric powder, ginger-garlic paste, garam masala, lemon juice, and salt. Allow the fish to marinate for at least 30 minutes to enhance the flavors.
2. In a bowl, prepare the batter by combining gram flour, red chili powder, turmeric powder, cumin powder, chaat masala, chopped coriander leaves, chopped mint leaves, and salt. Gradually add water to make a thick batter, ensuring there are no lumps.
3. Heat the air fryer at 200°C (400°F) for a few minutes to preheat.
4. Dip the marinated fish fillets into the prepared batter, making sure they are evenly coated.
5. Place the coated fish fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, without overcrowding.
6. Set the air fryer to cook at 200°C (400°F) for 10-12 minutes, flipping the fish halfway through to ensure even cooking. Adjust the cooking time depending on the thickness of the fish fillets.
7. Once the fish pakoras are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and place them on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil.
8. Serve the fish pakoras hot with mint chutney or your choice of dipping sauce.
Enjoy your delicious homemade fish pakoras!
Recipe adapted from www.example.com.
Why Make Fish Pakora in Air Fryer?
Fish pakora is a popular Indian snack made with fish fillets coated in a deliciously spiced batter and deep-fried until crispy. While deep-frying is the traditional method of preparing fish pakora, using an air fryer offers a healthier alternative without compromising on taste and texture.
Here are some reasons why you should consider making fish pakora in an air fryer:
1. Healthier Option
Unlike deep frying, which requires a significant amount of oil, air frying uses minimal oil or even none at all. This means that your fish pakora will have a lower fat content and fewer calories without sacrificing crunchiness. Air frying helps reduce the absorption of excess oil, making it a healthier cooking method overall.
2. Less Mess and Hassle
Cooking fish pakora in an air fryer eliminates the need for a large amount of hot oil, which can be messy and hazardous. With an air fryer, there’s no splattering oil or greasy stovetop to clean up, making the cooking process much more convenient and hassle-free.
3. Quick and Efficient
Air fryers use rapid air circulation technology, which means that your fish pakora will cook faster than traditional deep frying. With the air fryer’s preheating feature, you can have crispy and perfectly cooked fish pakora ready in minutes. This makes it a great option for quick and easy snacks or appetizers.
4. Retains Moisture and Flavor
The air fryer’s high-power circulation ensures that your fish pakora retains its moisture, resulting in tender, juicy fish bites. The intense heat also helps enhance the flavors of the spices in the batter, giving your fish pakora a delicious taste that rivals the deep-fried version.
In conclusion, making fish pakora in an air fryer offers a healthier cooking method with less mess and hassle. It is a quick and efficient way to achieve crispy fish pakora that still retains its moisture and flavor. So why not give it a try and enjoy this popular Indian snack guilt-free?
Ingredients
To make Fish Pakora in Air Fryer, you will need the following ingredients:
- 500 grams of boneless fish fillets (any white fish like cod, haddock, or tilapia will work)
- 1 cup of gram flour (besan)
- 2 tablespoons of rice flour
- 1 teaspoon of red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon of ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon of cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon of coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon of garam masala
- 1 teaspoon of lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon of chopped coriander leaves
- Salt to taste
- Water for the batter
- Oil for brushing the fish pakoras
Note: You can adjust the spice levels according to your taste preferences.
Instructions
Follow these easy steps to make delicious fish pakora in an air fryer:
Step 1: Prepare the Fish
Start by cleaning the fish fillets thoroughly and pat them dry with a paper towel. Cut the fillets into small, bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Prepare the Marinade
In a mixing bowl, combine yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, and salt. Mix well to make a smooth marinade.
Step 3: Marinate the Fish
Add the fish pieces to the marinade and coat the fish evenly. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse into the fish.
Step 4: Prepare the Batter
In a separate bowl, mix chickpea flour, rice flour, cornstarch, baking powder, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and a pinch of salt. Add water gradually and whisk until you achieve a smooth and thick batter.
Step 5: Coat the Fish in Batter
Dip each marinated fish piece into the batter and ensure it is evenly coated. Place the coated fish pieces on a plate or a tray.
Step 6: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat the air fryer at 180 degrees Celsius (356 degrees Fahrenheit) for about 5 minutes.
Step 7: Air Fry the Fish Pakora
Lightly grease the air fryer basket with oil. Place the coated fish pieces in the basket in a single layer. Cook them in the air fryer at 180 degrees Celsius (356 degrees Fahrenheit) for 10-12 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
Step 8: Serve Hot
Once the fish pakoras are cooked, remove them from the air fryer, and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve them hot with mint chutney or any other dipping sauce of your choice.
Enjoy your homemade fish pakora made in an air fryer! It’s a healthier alternative to deep-fried pakoras, without compromising on taste and crispiness.
Step 1: Prepare the Fish
To make fish pakora in the air fryer, you will first need to prepare the fish. Start by cleaning the fish and removing any scales or bones. Rinse the fish thoroughly with water and pat it dry with a clean paper towel.
Next, cut the fish into bite-sized pieces. You can use any type of boneless fish for this recipe, such as sole, tilapia, or cod.
In a bowl, mix together the marinade for the fish. You can use a combination of spices and herbs according to your taste. Some common options include ginger-garlic paste, red chilli powder, turmeric powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, and salt. Add a few tablespoons of lemon juice or vinegar to give it a tangy flavor and help tenderize the fish.
Add the fish pieces to the marinade and coat them well. Let the fish marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
While the fish is marinating, preheat the air fryer to 370°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Batter
After marinating the fish, it’s time to prepare the batter for the pakoras. The batter is what gives the pakoras their crispy and flavorful coating.
Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
| Gram flour (besan) | 1 cup |
| Rice flour | 2 tablespoons |
| Red chili powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Turmeric powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Garam masala | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Water | As needed |
| Fresh coriander leaves (chopped) | A handful |
In a mixing bowl, combine the gram flour, rice flour, red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, and salt.
Add water gradually while whisking the batter to avoid any lumps. The consistency of the batter should be thick enough to coat the fish, but not too runny.
Once the batter is smooth, fold in the chopped coriander leaves for an added burst of freshness.
Now, your batter is ready to be used for coating the marinated fish pieces and air frying them to perfection!
Step 3: Coat the Fish in the Batter
Once the fish pieces have marinated for 30 minutes, it’s time to coat them in the batter.
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
In a shallow bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, rice flour, turmeric powder, red chili powder, cumin powder, garam masala, salt, and water. Mix well until you have a smooth and thick batter.
Dip each fish piece into the batter, making sure it is evenly coated on all sides.
As you coat each piece, place it in the basket of the air fryer, making sure to leave some space between each piece for even cooking.
Once all the fish pieces are coated and placed in the air fryer basket, lightly spray them with cooking oil to help with browning.
Set the air fryer to cook at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes.
After 10 minutes, flip the fish pieces over using tongs to ensure even cooking.
Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the fish is golden brown and crispy.
Once the fish pakoras are cooked to perfection, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
Repeat the coating and frying process with the remaining fish pieces until they are all cooked.
Serve the fish pakoras hot with your favorite dipping sauce or chutney.
Step 4: Air Fry the Fish Pakora
Preheat your air fryer to 200 degrees Celsius.
Place the fish pakora in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure not to overcrowd the basket, as this can affect the cooking process.
Cook the fish pakora in the air fryer for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
Once cooked, remove the fish pakora from the air fryer and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
Serve the fish pakora hot with your choice of dipping sauce, such as mint chutney or tamarind sauce.
Enjoy your delicious homemade fish pakora made in the air fryer!
Serving Suggestions
Once your fish pakoras are cooked to perfection in the air fryer, it’s time to serve them up and enjoy! Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your fish pakora experience:
| Mint Chutney: | Serve your fish pakoras with a side of mint chutney. This tangy and refreshing dip complements the crispy texture and spicy flavors of the pakoras perfectly. |
| Tamarind Sauce: | Add a touch of sweetness to your fish pakoras by serving them with tamarind sauce. The sweet and sour flavors of the sauce will elevate the taste of the pakoras. |
| Yogurt Raita: | Cool down the spicy flavors of the pakoras with a dollop of yogurt raita. This creamy and refreshing yogurt-based dip will provide a contrast to the heat and add an extra layer of flavor. |
| Lemon Wedges: | Squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the fish pakoras before serving. The citrusy tang of the lemon will brighten up the flavors and add a refreshing twist. |
| Onion and Tomato Salad: | Serve a side of fresh onion and tomato salad with your fish pakoras. This simple salad will add a crisp and refreshing element to the dish. |
Experiment with different combinations of these serving suggestions to find your favorite pairing for your fish pakoras. Enjoy!
FAQ
What is fish pakora?
Fish pakora is a popular Indian snack made with marinated fish pieces coated in a spiced batter and deep-fried until crispy.
Can I make fish pakora in an air fryer?
Yes, you can make fish pakora in an air fryer. It’s a healthier alternative to deep-frying as it requires less oil, and the result is still crispy and delicious.
