Corn Tikki is a delicious, crispy Indian-style tikki recipe made using steamed corn, mashed potatoes, and basic spices. Perfect for evening snack this vegan cutlet is not just satisfying, but also packed with fiber and plant-based protein—firm tofu. It’s a healthier version and is made in air fryer instead of deep-fried. This golden fritter has a crispy texture and simple ingredients easily available in your kitchen pantry. Instead of frying in hot oil, just air fry them for a quick snack.
Whether you’re entertaining guests or doing a meal prep, this Corn tofu Tikki recipe is a great choice. It is easy to make, can be frozen in advance and packed with flavors.

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How to make corn fritters in air fryer? (recipe video)
Ingredients
To prepare these easy patties, you’ll need the following:
- Fresh corn (steamed for 10 minutes)
- Potatoes (boiled,peeled & grated)
- Firm tofu
- Ginger-garlic paste
- Mint leaves
- Salt
- Garam masala or chaat masala (optional)
refer to recipe card for details.
Step by step instructions
- Place steamed sweet corn kernels into a food processor and pulse lightly to crush them without making a paste. This helps retain texture in the final fritters.
2. Add firm tofu blocks, dried herbs, and spices to the crushed corn in the food processor. This blend forms the protein-rich base of the fritters.
3. Transfer the processed mixture to a large bowl. Add grated boiled potatoes and mix thoroughly until a cohesive dough forms.
4. Shape the mixture into equal-sized patties and place them on a parchment-lined tray. Lightly brush or spray with oil ,freeze them for 3-4 hours to help them retain shape.
5. Preheat the airfryer for 5 minutes. Place the patties in an air fryer basket lined with parchment. Cook at 180°C (360 degrees F) for 20-22 minutes or until the fritters begin to turn golden.
6. Flip each fritter and continue air frying until the second side is crisp and golden brown. Remove corn tikki and place on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
Related air fryer appetizers
air fryer corn fritters recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups steamed corn kernels lightly crushed or coarsely blended
- 150 gm firm tofu crumbled or grated
- 150 gm potatoes about 2 medium-sized, grated
- 1 tablespoon fresh mint leaves finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- salt adjust to taste
Instructions
- Lightly Crush the CornAdd steamed sweet corn kernels to a food processor and pulse a few times until lightly crushed. Avoid over-blending — a bit of texture helps create crispy corn fritters.
- Add Tofu and SeasoningsTo the crushed corn, add crumbled firm tofu, dried herbs, garlic powder, and salt. Blend briefly to combine without overmixing.
- Combine with Grated PotatoesTransfer the blended mixture to a large bowl. Add grated boiled potatoes and gently mix everything using a spoon or your hands until a sticky, pliable dough forms. If needed, squeeze out any excess moisture.
- Shape the FrittersScoop tablespoons of batter using a spoon or cookie scoop. Form into circular shapes and flatten slightly into patties. Arrange on a parchment paper-lined tray and brush or spray with olive oil.
- Freeze for StabilityFreeze the fritters for a couple of hours to firm up. This step helps maintain shape and gives the crispiest corn fritters when air fried.
- Air Fry Until GoldenPreheat your air fryer to 180°C (360°F). Arrange fritters in a single layer and air fry for 10–12 minutes on the first side, or until light golden brown.
- Flip each patty and continue air frying for another 10–12 minutes until the second side is crisp and evenly browned. The total time may vary slightly based on the amount of oil and fritter size.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy these delicious air fryer corn fritters. Optionally you can also serve it with a dollop of sour cream for a vegetarian option.
Video
Variations & Substitutions
- Spicy Kick: Add green chilies or red chilli flakes for heat.
- Cheesy Delight: Add grated paneer or mozzarella in the center as a surprise filling. Replace tofu with paneer for a vegetarian option.
- Herb Mix: Replace mint with coriander, garam masala powder, chaat masala powder or use a combination for more depth of flavor.
- Tofu Alternative: Swap tofu with paneer or mashed chickpeas for a different texture.
- Potatoes: Sweet potatoes or boiled raw bananas can be used in place of regular potatoes.
FAQs
Yes, but rinse and drain it well, to avoid change of taste,before steaming or lightly sautéing it.
Absolutely. You can replace it with mashed paneer or cheese.simply increase the quantity of corn and potatoes.
Freezing helps the cutlets firm up and hold their shape better while cooking, especially in an air fryer.
Yes! You can shallow fry them on a non-stick pan using minimal oil for similar results.
Conclusion
Corn Tikki is a fusion of taste, texture, and nutrition—a wonderful option for tea-time, kids’ lunchboxes, or healthy appetizers. With a base of steamed corn, tofu, and grated potato, and enhanced by ginger-garlic paste, mint, and coriander powder, these tikkis are both delicious and good for you. Air frying makes them crisp without the extra oil, making this a healthier version of a street-style favorite.
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