Air fryer potato pakora is a crispy, low-oil version of the classic Indian potato fritter. Instead of deep frying, small pieces of potato and onion are mixed with lentil flour, gram flour, spices, and a little oil, then air fried until golden and crisp on the edges.
This version is different from sliced aloo pakora because the potatoes are chopped into small pieces. Every bite has soft potato, sweet onion, and crisp edges. It works well as an evening snack, tea-time recipe, or quick appetizer. Serve it with green chutney, ketchup, or a simple yogurt dip.If you enjoy air fryer snacks, you may also like onion bhaji pakora, air fryer spinach pakora, gobi pakoras and this collection of Indian air fryer recipes.
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How to make aloo pakoras in air fryer?
Why Make This in the Air Fryer?
Air fryer potato pakora needs much less oil than deep-fried pakora, but still gets crisp around the edges. The air fryer also makes the process easier because you can shape the pakoras, place them in the basket, and cook them without standing near hot oil.
Quick Summary: Chop the potato and onion, mix with spices, rest for 15 minutes, add lentil flour, gram flour, oil, and baking soda water, then air fry at 180°C for 18-20 minutes.
Ingredients
- Potato
- Onion
- Red lentil flour
- Gram flour
- Salt
- Amchur powder
- Paprika
- Coriander leaves
- Oil
- Water
- Baking soda
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Chop the Potato and Onion
Step 2: Mix with Spices and Rest
Pro Tip: Resting the potato and onion with salt and spices helps release natural moisture. This means you need less added water, and the pakora mixture holds its shape better in the air fryer.
Step 3: Add Lentil Flour, Gram Flour, Oil, and Baking Soda Water
Step 4: Make a Thick Pakora Mixture
Do not make a runny batter for this recipe. The mixture should look like coated potato and onion pieces, not like a smooth pouring batter.
Step 5: Shape the Pakoras
Step 6: Air Fry the Potato Pakora
Step 7: Cook Until Golden and Crisp
Aloo pakora in air fryer
Equipment
- Air fryer
Ingredients
- 1 large potato finely chopped
- ½ onion finely chopped
- ⅓ cup red lentil flour
- 2 tablespoons gram flour / besan
- 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
- ½ teaspoon Dry mango powder or lime juice
- 1 teaspoon paprika or as per taste
- chopped coriander leaves approx 2 tablespoons
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 small pinch baking soda
Instructions
Prepare the potato and onion
- Add the chopped potato and onion to a mixing bowl.
- Add salt, amchur powder, paprika, and any other spices you are using.
- Mix well and keep aside for 15 minutes. This helps the potato and onion release moisture.
Make the pakora mixture
- Add red lentil flour, gram flour, coriander leaves, and oil.
- Mix until the potato and onion pieces are well coated with the flour.
- In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons water with a small pinch of baking soda.
- Add this water slowly to the pakora mixture.
- Mix again to form a thick, sticky mixture. Do not make it runny.
Air fry the pakoras
- Preheat the air fryer to 180°C for 3-5 minutes.
- Line the air fryer basket with perforated parchment paper.
- Place small portions of the pakora mixture in a single layer.
- Air fry at 180°C for 18-20 minutes.
- Brush or spray a little oil halfway if the pakoras look dry.
- Cook until the pakoras are golden, crisp on the edges, and cooked through.
- Serve hot with chutney, ketchup, or yogurt dip.
Video
Notes
- Chop the potato into small pieces so it cooks fully in the air fryer.
- Resting the potato and onion with spices reduces the need for extra water.
- Keep the mixture thick and sticky. A wet batter will spread in the air fryer.
- Use perforated parchment paper so the pakoras do not stick and air can circulate.
- Cooking time may vary slightly depending on the air fryer model and pakora size
Variations
Aloo Pyaz Pakora
Use equal amounts of potato and onion for a stronger onion flavor and softer texture.
Spicy Potato Pakora
Add green chilli, chilli flakes, or extra paprika if you prefer a spicier pakora.
Herb Potato Pakora
Add chopped coriander, mint, or spring onion for a fresher taste.
Chaat-Style Potato Pakora
Sprinkle chaat masala and lemon juice after air frying for a tangy snack.
Example: Serve these pakoras with green chutney and a hot cup of tea for a simple evening snack.
Substitutions
- Use chickpea flour instead of gram flour if that is easier to find.
- Use rice flour instead of some lentil flour for a crisper texture.
- Use lemon juice instead of amchur powder for a light tangy flavor.
- Use brown onion or white onion if red onion is not available.
- Use mild chilli powder instead of paprika if you want more heat.
FAQ
Yes, potato pakora can be made in the air fryer with much less oil. The texture will be lighter than deep-fried pakora, but the edges still turn crisp when cooked in a single layer.
The mixture may be too wet, the pakoras may be too thick, or the basket may be overcrowded. Keep the mixture thick and sticky, shape small portions, and leave space between each pakora.
Yes, you can use only besan or gram flour for this potato pakora. Red lentil flour adds a slightly firmer texture and helps the pakoras hold shape, but besan also works. Add water slowly so the mixture does not become runny.
Perforated parchment paper helps prevent sticking, especially when the pakora mixture is moist. Avoid regular parchment without holes because it can block airflow in the air fryer.
Yes, reheat potato pakora in the air fryer at 160-170°C for 3-5 minutes, or until warm and crisp again. Avoid microwaving because it can make the pakoras soft.
Conclusion
Air fryer potato pakora is a simple way to enjoy crispy Indian pakoras with less oil. The chopped potato and onion give a hearty texture, while lentil flour and gram flour help bind everything together. Serve these pakoras hot from the air fryer with chutney or ketchup for a quick snack, appetizer, or tea-time recipe.
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