Bajji, also known as pakora or fritters, is a popular Indian snack that is loved by people of all ages. It is a deep-fried dish made by dipping a variety of vegetables in a spiced gram flour batter and then frying them until they turn golden and crispy. Bajjis are typically served with chutney or sauce and are perfect for any occasion – be it a rainy day or a festive gathering.
While traditional bajjis are delicious, they often involve deep-frying, which can make them unhealthy. However, with the advent of air fryers, you can now enjoy crispy and tasty bajjis without using excessive oil. In this article, we will provide a detailed guide on how to make bajjis in an air fryer, ensuring a healthier version of this beloved snack.
Gather the Ingredients
The first step to making crispy and healthy bajjis in an air fryer is to gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:
For the Batter:
– Gram flour (besan)
– Rice flour
– Red chili powder
– Turmeric powder
– Salt
– Baking soda (optional)
– Water (to make a smooth batter)
For the Filling:
– Various vegetables like onions, potatoes, bell peppers, and spinach
– Green chilies (optional)
– Fresh coriander leaves
– Ginger-garlic paste (optional)
– Salt
– Other spices of your choice
Preparation:
Once you have gathered all the ingredients, it’s time to prepare the batter and the filling for the bajjis. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Prepare the Batter:
– In a mixing bowl, combine the gram flour, rice flour, red chili powder, turmeric powder, salt, and baking soda (if using).
– Gradually add water to the mixture while whisking continuously. The batter should have a slightly thick consistency, similar to a pancake batter. Ensure there are no lumps.
– Cover the batter and let it rest for at least 10-15 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld and create a better texture.
2. Prepare the Filling:
– Wash and peel the vegetables as needed. Slice them into thin, uniform pieces.
– Finely chop the green chilies and coriander leaves.
– In a separate bowl, mix the vegetables, green chilies, coriander leaves, ginger-garlic paste (if using), salt, and other spices of your choice. Ensure the vegetables are coated well with the spices.
Using the Air Fryer:
Now that you have prepared the batter and filling, it’s time to use the air fryer to cook your bajjis. Follow these steps:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
– Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. This will ensure that the bajjis cook evenly and become crispy.
2. Dip and Coat:
– Take a vegetable slice and dip it into the prepared batter, ensuring it is fully coated from all sides.
– Gently shake off any excess batter and place the coated vegetable slice in the air fryer basket or tray.
– Repeat this process for all the vegetable slices until the basket is full, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
3. Cooking Time:
– Close the air fryer and set the timer for 10 minutes.
– After the first 5 minutes, flip the bajjis carefully using tongs or a spatula to ensure even cooking.
– Cook for another 5 minutes or until the bajjis turn golden brown and become crispy.
4. Repeat the Process:
– Once the first batch of bajjis is cooked, carefully remove them from the air fryer and place them on a serving plate lined with a paper towel to absorb any excess oil (if applicable).
– Repeat the dipping and coating process with the remaining vegetable slices and batter, and continue cooking them in batches until all the bajjis are fried.
Tips and Variations:
Here are some tips and variations to enhance your air fryer bajji-making experience:
– Experiment with Vegetables:
– While onions and potatoes are commonly used for bajjis, feel free to experiment with other vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, eggplant, or even paneer (Indian cottage cheese). Each vegetable lends its unique flavor and texture to the bajjis.
– Adjust the Spice Level:
– You can customize the spice level by adding more or less red chili powder or green chilies as per your preference. Similarly, you can also add other spices like cumin powder, garam masala, or chaat masala to enhance the flavor.
– Serve with Dips and Chutneys:
– Bajjis taste best when served with a side of chutney or dip. Popular options include mint chutney, tamarind chutney, tomato ketchup, or spicy yogurt dip.
– Other Cooking Options:
– If you don’t have an air fryer, you can still make crispy bajjis using an oven. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and bake the coated vegetable slices on a greased baking tray for 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
In Conclusion:
Making crispy and healthy bajjis in an air fryer is not only easy but also a smart way to enjoy this delectable snack without the guilt of excess oil. By following the steps mentioned above and experimenting with different vegetables and spices, you can create a variety of bajjis that are crispy, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. So go ahead, bring out your air fryer, and indulge in this beloved Indian snack without compromising on taste or health!