Kurkuri bhindi is a delicious side. You can pair it with some rice and dal fry or just eat it as is with some roti. You can make it plain or dip it in besan batter to make a bhindi pakora.
Red lentil (masoor dal) flour makes this recipe naturally gluten-free and high in protein. The spices deliver a vibrant flavor profile, and the air fryer provides a crispy exterior with less oil. This Air Fryer Kurkuri Bhindi is a must-try, whether you want a healthy evening snack or a side dish.

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Air fryer kurkuri bhindi video recipe
Ingredients
- whole okra (use fresh or thaw the frozen ones)
- red lentil flour (grind the red lentil flour for homemade flour,this gives better results than besan/chickpea flour in an airfryer)
- baking soda
- water for the batter
- Oil spray
Spices for kurkuri bhindi recipe.
- Turmeric powder
- Garam masala powder
- coriander powder
- red paprika / red chili powder / cayenne pepper
- Amchur powder(dry mango powder) or lime juice
Refer to recipe card for details.
Instructions for besan bhindi
- Mix all dry ingridients that includes red lentil flour,spices, salt and baking soda.The best way is to pass them through a sieve.
2. Blanch whole okra in hot water for 5 minutes ,for this you need pour hot water on the okra and let it rest for 5 minutes, Then drain the excess water.
3. Sprinke some of the lentil flour on the bhindi/okra, mix it with a spoon. Add water to lentil flour.
4. Pour the batter oven the okra, then place the okra on a perforated baking sheet on an airfryer plate or air fryer basket.
5. In a preheated airfryer , Air fry for 10-11 mins @170c | 340 f by spraying oil . Remove the baking sheet in between and flip over.Spray oil and cook further for 10-11 minutes. Total cooktime of 20-22 minutes.
Serve warm
Related okra recipes
Air fryer besan bhindi | Air fryer kurkuri bhindi recipe
Equipment
- Air fryer
- baking sheet
- oil spray
- whisk
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 300 gm whole okra you can thaw frozen and use that as well
- ⅔ cup red lentil flour
- ½ cup water
- oil spray
- ⅛ teaspoon baking soda
Spices
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- ½ tablespoon garam masala
- ½ tablespoon red paprika adjust as per spice level you like
- 1 teaspoon amchur powdered dry mango ,optional
- ½ tablespoon salt or as per taste
Instructions
- Mix red lentil flour with curry powder, red paprika, baking soda and salt.keep this aside⅔ cup red lentil flour, ⅛ teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon turmeric, ½ tablespoon garam masala, ½ tablespoon red paprika, ½ tablespoon salt, 1 teaspoon amchur
- Place the okra/bhindi in a bowl and pour hot water over it. Let it sit for 5 minutes.300 gm whole okra
- Drain the water and coat it with 2 tablespoons of red lentil flour mix,Mix the okra to coat slowly.⅔ cup red lentil flour
- In a separate bowl, mix the remaining flour with equal quantity of water to make a smooth batter.½ cup water, ⅔ cup red lentil flour
- Dip each piece of okra into the batter, ensuring it's well coated or you can pour the batter over the okra,mix it slowly with a spoon.
- Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet
- Lightly spray the okra with oil and air fry at 170°C (340°F) for 10-11 minutes. Halfway through, remove the baking sheet and flip the okra,spray oil for even cooking.oil spray
- serve hot or warm. If they turn little soggy, then reheat them for 2 minutes in the airfryer.
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
- Flour Substitutes:
- For a varied texture and crunch, besan (chickpea flour/ gram flour) or cornstarch are suitable alternatives to red lentil flour.
- For extra crispiness, try adding 2 tablespoons of rice flour to the batter.
- Spice Adjustments:
- Add chat masala or black salt for a tangy kick.
- If you prefer extra heat, increase the amount of red paprika or chili powder.
- For a South Indian touch, add curry leaves powder or a pinch of sambar masala.
- Fresh vs. Frozen Okra:
- This recipe is suitable for both fresh and frozen okra. To avoid soggy okra, ensure it’s thoroughly dried if using fresh.
- Blanching frozen okra in hot water helps to remove excess moisture, resulting in crispier results.
- Batter-Free Option:
- For a lighter version, skip the batter, toss the okra in spices and oil, and air fry. follow our recipe for airfryer okra here.
Conclusion: Crispy okra is a favorite dish of bhindi lovers. This is one of the easiest of Indian recipes which transform the slimy texture of okra into a crunchy okra fries with a choice of spice powders by using an air fryer.
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