Air Fried Korola (Karela/ Bitter Gourd Chips)

I love Korola! The bitter taste of Korola is so special to me that I look forward to having it any chance I get. Growing up I have always had the deep fried version of Korola. When I started cooking I always used to think that why does my favorite food have to be drenched in oil? But now thanks to my air fryer it doesn’t have to be!

Start by cutting and removing the big seeds. Season the Korola in the same way as you would for deep frying, with Salt and Turmeric. Add a splash of oil as well. Mix and then put it in the air fryer. Preheat the air fryer at 400 F and cook for 12-15 minutes, keeping an eye on them. You don’t want them to burn. Continue cooking till they are crisp and golden brown. Serve immediately with hot steamed rice and a dollop of ghee.

We recently went on a vacation to Los Angeles. We stayed at the Terranea Resort. It is beautiful! This resort offers scenic views of the Pacific Ocean and Catalina Island. We loved it there! It was so relaxing. There is something truly wonderful about spending time on the beach, you just forget all your troubles. As if the ocean waves are washing all your worries from your mind. And Prisha loved it! She used to wake up early every morning and then just go and spend all her time on the beach.

These are some of the photos we took of the Terranea Resort:

View from our room

View from our room

And now onto the recipe:

Ingredients:

• Korola (Bitter Gourd) – 2, washed, seeds removed and cut into rings
• Salt – to taste (about ½ teaspoon)
• Turmeric Powder – about ½ teaspoon
• Canola Oil – 1-2 tablespoons

Directions:

• Take a big bowl and put the Korola chips in it.
• Season with Salt, Turmeric powder and Oil.
• Start with a clean air fryer basket (and crisper tray), preheat the air fryer at 400 F.
• Transfer the seasoned Korola chips in the fryer basket and cook for 12-15 minutes, open and shake the basket lightly when it prompts you to turn the food.
• Keep an eye on the chips after 10 minutes, they will take more or less time depending on how thick or thin you have sliced them.
• Once the color is golden brown and the chips look crisp, they are ready.
• Serve immediately with hot steamed rice and a dollop of ghee.
• Enjoy.

Tip: 

• Use the crisper tray to make two batches at the same time. 

And if you love recipes which use Air fryer, try these as well:

• Easy Air Fryer Paneer Tikka
• Biye Barir Alur Dom (Spiced Potato Gravy as served in Bengali Weddings)
• Shadi wala Masala Gobhi (Spiced Cauliflower with Potatoes as served in North Indian Weddings)
• Station wala Lehsunia Alu (Indian Railway special Garlic Potato Stir-fry)