Bread pakora is a popular Indian snack, loved by people of all ages. It is a delicious combination of crispy bread and flavorful spices, making it an irresistible treat. Traditionally, bread pakoras are deep-fried, which can make them quite oily and heavy. But here’s the good news – you can now make bread pakoras in an air fryer, giving them a healthier and lighter twist. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making bread pakora in an air fryer, ensuring that you achieve the perfect balance of taste and nutrition.
Ingredients for Bread Pakora in Air Fryer
To make bread pakora in an air fryer, you will need the following ingredients:
For the batter:
– 1 cup gram flour (besan)
– 1 tablespoon rice flour
– 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
– 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
– 1/2 teaspoon carom seeds (ajwain)
– 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
– Water (as required) for making a thick batter
For the filling:
– 6 slices of bread
– 2 medium-sized potatoes, boiled and mashed
– 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
– 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
– 1/2 teaspoon coriander powder
– 1/4 teaspoon garam masala
– Salt (adjust to taste)
– Chopped coriander leaves for garnishing
Method for Making Bread Pakora in Air Fryer
To make bread pakora in an air fryer, follow these steps:
Step 1: Prepare the Filling:
Start by preparing the filling for the bread pakoras. In a pan, heat some oil and add cumin seeds. Once the seeds start spluttering, add mashed potatoes, red chili powder, coriander powder, garam masala, and salt. Mix well and cook for a few minutes until the spices are well incorporated. Finally, add chopped coriander leaves for enhanced flavor. Set the filling aside to cool down.
Step 2: Make the Batter:
In a mixing bowl, combine gram flour, rice flour, red chili powder, turmeric powder, carom seeds, and salt. Gradually add water to the dry ingredients while whisking continuously. The consistency of the batter should be thick enough to coat the bread slices.
Step 3: Assemble the Bread Pakoras:
Take a bread slice and spread a generous amount of the prepared filling on top. Cover it with another bread slice, sandwiching the filling in between. Cut the sandwiched bread into desired shapes, such as triangles or rectangles. Repeat this process for the remaining bread slices.
Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer:
Preheat your air fryer at 390°F (200°C) for a few minutes.
Step 5: Air Fry the Bread Pakoras:
Dip each assembled bread pakora into the prepared batter, ensuring that it is coated evenly from all sides. Place the coated pakoras in the preheated air fryer basket, without overcrowding. Cook them for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they turn golden brown and crispy.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy:
Once the bread pakoras are cooked to perfection in the air fryer, remove them and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve them hot with your favorite chutney or sauce. The crispy exterior and flavorful filling make them a delightful snack for any occasion.
The Benefits of Making Bread Pakora in an Air Fryer
Air frying offers several benefits when it comes to making bread pakoras. Here are some of the advantages:
Healthier Option:
Air frying requires minimal oil, making it a healthier alternative to deep-frying. By using an air fryer, you can significantly reduce the amount of oil in your bread pakoras, making them lighter and more nutritious.
Reduced Fat Content:
Deep-fried foods are often high in unhealthy fats, which can contribute to various health issues. Air frying cuts down on the fat content, as it uses hot air circulation to cook the food instead of submerging it in oil. This allows you to enjoy your favorite snacks with a reduced fat content.
Less Mess and Easy Clean-up:
Deep-frying can result in a messy kitchen, as oil tends to splatter and leave behind a greasy stove. Air frying eliminates this problem since it requires minimal oil, reducing the mess and making the cleaning process much easier.
Retained Flavor and Texture:
Despite using less oil, air frying still ensures that the bread pakoras have a crispy exterior and a flavorful filling. The hot air circulation in the air fryer helps to achieve the desired crunchy texture, while the spices in the filling provide the authentic flavor of traditional bread pakoras.
Experiment with Flavors and Fillings
Making bread pakoras in an air fryer opens up a world of possibilities when it comes to flavors and fillings. While the traditional potato filling is undeniably delicious, you can experiment with various other options as well. Try using paneer (Indian cottage cheese), mixed vegetables, or even leftover dal (lentil) as fillings. Adding different spices and herbs can further enhance the taste and bring excitement to your bread pakoras.
Conclusion
Bread pakora in an air fryer offers a healthier alternative to the deep-fried version, without compromising on taste and texture. With minimal oil usage, you can enjoy these crispy and flavorful snacks guilt-free. Whether it’s a tea-time snack or a party appetizer, bread pakoras in an air fryer are sure to be a hit. So, grab your air fryer, follow the simple steps mentioned above, and enjoy this delightful twist on a classic Indian snack.