No-Oil Air-Fried Paneer Pakoda

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iorjia - Good Food Recipes (@iorjia01)

Enjoy a healthier twist on the classic Indian snack with these crispy paneer pakoras made without a drop of oil! Perfect for tea-time or as a guilt-free appetizer. These pakoras are air-fried to perfection, offering a delightful crunch without compromising on flavor. A great way to indulge in a beloved...

No-Oil Air-Fried Paneer Pakoda recipe
Prep Time
15min
Cook Time
20min
Total Time
35min

Ingredients

4 Servings
(1 serving = Approximately 6-7 pakoras)

Main Ingredients

  • paneer
    paneer
    200g
  • gram flour (besan)
    gram flour (besan)
    1cup
  • rice flour
    rice flour
    2tbsp
  • carom seeds (ajwain)
    carom seeds (ajwain)
    1tsp
  • red chili powder
    red chili powder
    1tsp
  • turmeric powder
    turmeric powder
    1/2tsp
  • salt
    salt
    1tsp
  • ginger-garlic paste
    ginger-garlic paste
    1tsp
  • baking soda
    baking soda
    1/4tsp
  • water
    water
    1/2cup
  • lemon juice
    lemon juice
    1tbsp
  • chopped coriander leaves
    chopped coriander leaves
    1tbsp
  • oil spray
    oil spray
    1tbsp

How to make No-Oil Air-Fried Paneer Pakoda

Marinate Paneer

  1. Step 1

    In a bowl, combine paneer cubes, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Let it marinate for 10 minutes.

Prepare Batter

  1. Step 1

    In another bowl, mix gram flour, rice flour, carom seeds, red chili powder, turmeric powder, salt, ginger-garlic paste, and baking soda.

  2. Step 2

    Gradually add water to form a smooth, thick batter.

Coat Paneer

  1. Step 1

    Dip each marinated paneer cube into the batter, ensuring it's well-coated.

Preheat Air Fryer

  1. Step 1

    Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (356°F) for 5 minutes.

Arrange Pakoras

  1. Step 1

    Place the coated paneer cubes in the air fryer basket lined with parchment paper. Ensure they are not touching each other.

Air Fry

  1. Step 1

    Lightly spray the pakoras with oil.

  2. Step 2

    Air fry at 180°C (356°F) for 10 minutes. Flip them halfway through for even cooking.

Serve

  1. Step 1

    Once golden and crispy, remove from the air fryer and garnish with chopped coriander leaves.

  2. Step 2

    Serve hot with mint chutney or ketchup.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

270.1kcal (13.51%)

Protein

13.6g (27.1%)

Carbs

20.1g (7.31%)

Sugars

1.6g (3.1%)

Healthy Fat

7.8g

Unhealthy Fat

6.2g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Tips & Tricks

  1. Ensure the batter is thick enough to coat the paneer properly.

  2. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary.

  3. For extra crispiness, add a tablespoon of semolina (sooji) to the batter.

  4. Adjust spices according to your taste preference.

FAQS

  1. Can I use frozen paneer for this recipe?

    Yes, but make sure to thaw and pat dry the paneer before marinating for better texture.

  2. What can I serve these pakoras with?

    Serve them with mint chutney, tamarind sauce, or ketchup for enhanced flavor.

  3. Can I make these pakoras without an air fryer?

    Yes, you can bake them in an oven at 180°C (356°F) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

  4. How can I store leftovers?

    Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 160°C (320°F) for 5 minutes before serving.

  5. Can I add vegetables to the batter?

    Yes, finely chopped onions or spinach can be added to the batter for variation.

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