Gobi 65, also called Cauliflower 65, is a delicious and crispy starter found in Indian eateries. With a spicy batter coating the cauliflower florets, this dish maintains its crunch through the traditional deep-frying method. However, if you want a healthier option, using an air fryer to cook Cauliflower 65 is the way to go for that crispy texture with less oil.
We’ll use an air fryer to cook the cauliflower pieces until they’re perfectly golden brown, while preserving their vibrant flavors. For those seeking a healthier alternative to a popular evening snack, this air fryer cauliflower recipe is perfect without sacrificing flavor or texture.
This recipe is similar to Gobi manchurian in airfryer but without the gravy. Also, similar to various fritter / bhaji / pakora that we made in the airfryer , which include Onion pakora in airfryer and mixed pakora in airfryer.
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How to make Gobi 65 in air fryer ?(video recipe)
Ingredients for cauliflower 65
- fresh cauliflower, cut into small florets
- Red lentil flour or gram flour (chickpea flour)
- corn flour or cornstarch
- plain flour (purpose flour)
- red chili powder
- garam masala powder
- turmeric powder
- baking soda
- Salt
- oil for brushing
- water to form a thick batter
- Fresh curry leaves (optional)
- Fresh green chilies (optional for extra heat)
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How to make gobi 65 in air fryer? Step-by-step
To achieve crispy cauliflower 65 in an air fryer, coat the cauliflower pieces evenly with a thick batter. After coating, the florets are placed in the air fryer basket and cooked until golden brown. Remember to shake the basket every now and then for even cooking of the cauliflower.
- Mix the dry ingredients in a bowl, reserving 1 tablespoon of dry flour aside
2. Add water until it becomes a thick slurry.
3. Heat water in a pan until boiling, then remove from heat. Put the cauliflower florets in the hot water and let them soak for 10 minutes. Get rid of any excess water.
4. Mix 1 tbsp. of various flours with the cauliflower, then pour the marinade on top.
5. Preheat the air fryer at 180 deg C|355 deg F for 5 minutes. Place a parchment paper in the airfryer basket. Transfer the coated florets to the air fryer.
6. Air fry the florets at 180C|355F for 5 minutes, then apply oil by brushing or spraying.Remove the parchment paper midway
7. Cook for an additional 12-13 minutes at 180C|355F until the cauliflower becomes golden brown and crispy.
8. You can add fried green chillies and curry leaves as a garnish, if desired.
Air fryer Cauliflower 65 recipe
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 500 gms fresh cauliflower approx ½ a head of big cauliflower
- ⅓ cup corn flour
- ⅓ cup plain flour
- ⅓ cup red lentil flour red lentil flour can be replaced with besan/chickpea flour
- ⅓ cup water extra 1-2 tablespoon water might be required to adjust consistency of the batter
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon paprika powder
- 1 tsop garam masala
- pinch baking soda
- Salt as per taste
- 2-3 tablespoon oil for brushing,spraying,Use an oil suitable for high smoking point
Optional garnish
- 8-10 curry leaves
- 4-5 green chillies
- oil for tempering chillies/curry leaves
Instructions
- Boil water in a pan, then remove from heat. Place the cauliflower florets in the hot water and allow them to soak for 10 minutes. Remove any extra water.
- Combine the marinade ingredients in a bowl (keep 1 tablespoon dry flour aside) and mix with water until it forms a thick slurry.
- Toss 1 tablespoon of mixed flours with the cauliflower, then add the marinade mix on top.Coat the cauliflower florets by tossing them in the slurry.
- Pass the florets through a sieve to remove excess slurry.
- Set the air fryer to 180C|355F and preheat for 5 minutes. Move the florets with the coating to the air fryer.
- In the air fryer, cook the florets for 5 minutes at 180C|355F, and then apply oil by brushing or spraying.
- Continue cooking for an extra 12-13 minutes at 180C|355F until the cauliflower turns golden brown and crispy.
- Optionally garnish with fried green chillies and curry leaves.
Video
Notes
Variations & substitutions
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red chili powder or add fresh green chilies to suit your spice tolerance.
- Flour Substitutions: You can substitute plain flour with gluten-free flour for a healthier option. Similarly, corn starch can be replaced with arrowroot powder.
- Gram Flour (Chickpea Flour): If you’re out of chickpea flour, you can use plain flour or rice flour in the recipe. While the texture may slightly differ, these substitutions will still give you a crispy coating.
FAQ
How do I prevent the cauliflower from becoming soggy?
Make sure to blanch the cauliflower and ensure it is completely dry before applying the batter. Absorbing excess moisture is crucial, whether using a kitchen towel or paper towels. Ensure the cauliflower is cooked in a single layer for even airflow and crispiness.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
While it’s recommended to enjoy it immediately, you can prepare the cauliflower and batter in advance. For the crispiest result, coat and air fry right before serving.
How do I prevent the cauliflower from sticking to the air fryer basket?To prevent sticking, you can either line the air fryer basket with parchment paper or lightly brush it with oil.
Conclusion
Making Cauliflower 65 in the air fryer is a healthier version of a popular treat. Experience the burst of flavor in a crispy air-fried cauliflower with minimal oil and no deep frying. This recipe will quickly become one of your favorite evening snacks or easy side dishes. With its blend of spice powders, gram flour, and golden brown finish, gobi 65 the ideal addition to your air fryer recipes collection. Pair it with tomato ketchup or chili sauce for a quick and restaurant-worthy snack.
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