Air fried Pakoras (Fritters)

This recipe is the best of both worlds! It combines the flavors of delicious spices with health. Presenting - Air fried Pakoris. I have used beef here because it cooks fast and tastes delicious. You can also use chicken or turkey. These pakoris are crispy and cooked to perfection!

Enjoy these crunchy and flavorful fritters with a cup of hot tea.

In India, rain and pakoris have a special bond. At my parents’ home, pakoris and khichuri (one pot rice and lentil dish with veggies) is a must have whenever it rains. It is a delicious combo and tastes wonderful. 

I have always loved rain. It is a very soothing experience, just watching the pitter patter raindrops fall on the ground or on the leaves. Everything looks beautiful. 

I love using my air fryer for anything and everything. Of course there are a few recipes where deep frying brings the real authentic flavors. However, in recipes like this one, an air fryer works great. 

Some of the advantages of using an air fryer over our conventional cooking methods (deep frying):

• Air frying is mess free, you just have to clean the air fryer basket and tray. 
• You can multi-task easily. You don’t have to monitor the food continuously as it is with deep frying. 
• Air frying is healthy, you don't use a ton of oil (like in deep frying). 
• Finally and this is my favorite part, you don’t have to worry about the big wok with boiling oil (especially if you have a naughty little one at home like me). 

I hope you do try this recipe. If you don’t have an air fryer at home, you can of course still prepare these by deep frying.

Ingredients:

• Ground Beef (80% lean) - 1 Pound
• Onion - 1 cup, chopped
• Mint leaves - washed and chopped, ¼ cup
• Cilantro leaves - washed and chopped, ¼ cup
• Green Chilis - 2, chopped (optional)
• Salt - ½ teaspoon (to taste)
• Garlic Powder - ½ teaspoon
• Cumin Powder - ¼ teaspoon
• Chili Powder - ¼ teaspoon
• Ginger Powder - ½ teaspoon
• Besan (Gram flour) - 1 cup
• Grapeseed Oil - 1-2 tablespoons
• Spray Oil

Directions:

• Take a large mixing bowl and add the Ground Beef, Onion, Mint leaves, Cilantro leaves, Green Chilis, Salt, Garlic Powder, Cumin Powder, Chili Powder and Ginger Powder in it.
• Use your hands (use gloves) to thoroughly combine everything until the mixture is very smooth.
• Cover and refrigerate for an hour.

Tip: You can use this mixture to make burger patties as well.

• Make the batter by taking a medium mixing bowl and adding the Besan in it.
• Using a whisk, break down any lumps then start adding water (a little at a time).
• Make a wet cookie dough like consistency with oil.
• Pre-heat the Air Fryer at 375 F.
• Spray a piece of foil and put it on the fryer tray (this will ensure easier clean up).
• Take a teaspoon of marinated beef (and this will make one pakora) and place it on the foil.
• Repeat, leaving spaces between two pakoras.
• Spray over the pakoras and air fry for 10 Minutes.
• Serve immediately with ketchup or cilantro chutney.

 

Love air fryer recipes? Try these as well:

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

Love fritters? Try these as well:

• Pyaz Ke Pakore (Onion Fritters)
• Alur Bora (Mamma’s Potato with Garlic fritters)
• Mamma’s Dahi Bara (Lentil Fritters with creamy Yogurt, Chutney and Spices)
• Bread Pakora (Deep fried Bread Fritters with Potato filling)
• Bread Pakora with Soa Alu (Deep fried Bread Fritters with Dill and Potato filling)
• Methi Pakora (Gram flour and Fenugreek leaves Fritters)
• Paneer Pakore (Fresh Cheese Fritters)
• Palak ke Pakore (Gram flour and Spinach Fritters)