Air Fryer Pakoda Recipe – Besan Onion Fritters with Hing & Ajwain

Last Updated on 3 months by Neha Deshmukh

Air Fryer Pakoda Recipe – Besan Onion Fritters with Hing & Ajwain

Hello friends! There’s just something so comforting about a plate of hot, crispy pakodas, especially when the monsoon rains are drumming on the roof. I remember my dadi (grandmother) making these for us on rainy afternoons, and the smell alone was enough to brighten the whole day. Now, I’ve taken that classic recipe and given it a little update for modern kitchens – we’re making them in the air fryer! This recipe delivers all the flavour with a fraction of the oil. Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This air fryer pakoda recipe is a game-changer. It’s quicker, healthier, and honestly, just as delicious as the traditionally deep-fried version. You get that perfect golden crispness without the guilt. Plus, the air fryer makes it super easy – no messy oil splatters to worry about! It’s perfect for a quick snack, a rainy-day treat, or even as a starter for a festive meal.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delightful pakodas:

• 2 cups Gram Flour (Besan)
• 1 cup sliced onions
• ½ – 1 tsp Ajwain (Carom Seeds)
• ¼ – ½ tsp Hing (Asafoetida)
• 1 tsp Red chilli powder
• ½ tsp Turmeric Powder
• 1/8 cup Rice Flour
• ¾ – 1 cup water (or as needed)
• 1 tsp Oil + for brushing
• Chopped Coriander Leaves
• Chopped Green Chillies
• Salt to taste

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little tips can make all the difference.

Gram Flour (Besan) – Quality and Texture
Using a good quality besan is key. Look for a finely milled besan that’s fresh. It should have a slightly nutty aroma. This will give you the best flavour and texture.

Onions – Best Varieties for Pakoda
I prefer using regular yellow onions for pakodas, but you can experiment with red onions for a slightly sweeter flavour. Just make sure they’re sliced thinly and evenly.

Ajwain (Carom Seeds) – Digestive Benefits & Flavor Profile
Don’t skip the ajwain! It adds a wonderful earthy flavour and is known for its digestive properties – perfect for a fried snack.

Hing (Asafoetida) – Regional Variations & Uses
Hing has a very strong smell in its raw form, but it mellows out beautifully when cooked. It adds a lovely savoury depth to the pakodas. Some families use a lot, others just a pinch – adjust to your preference!

Spice Levels – Adjusting Red Chilli Powder
I like a little kick, but you can easily adjust the amount of red chilli powder to suit your taste. Start with less and add more if you like it spicier. Kashmiri chilli powder will give you a vibrant colour with less heat.

Rice Flour – Achieving Crispness
The rice flour is a secret weapon for extra crispiness! It helps create a light and airy texture.

Oil – Choosing the Right Oil for Air Frying
For brushing, I like to use a neutral-flavoured oil like sunflower or canola oil. You don’t need much, just enough to help the pakodas get golden brown.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (392°F) for 7-10 minutes. This is important for getting that crispy exterior.
2. In a large bowl, combine the besan, sliced onions, ajwain, hing, red chilli powder, turmeric powder, rice flour, chopped coriander, chopped green chillies, and salt.
3. Gradually add water, mixing as you go, until you form a thick, sticky batter. It shouldn’t be too runny! Add 1 tsp of oil and mix well.
4. Carefully place small portions of the batter onto the preheated air fryer mesh basket, making sure not to overcrowd it.
5. Lightly brush the pakodas with oil. This helps them get nice and golden.
6. Air fry at 200°C (392°F) for 10 minutes.
7. Flip the pakodas, brush with oil again, and air fry for another 7 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy.
8. Repeat with the remaining batter.
9. Serve hot with your favourite chutney or ketchup!

Expert Tips

Here are a few things I’ve learned over the years to make the perfect air fryer pakodas:

Achieving the Perfect Batter Consistency
The batter should be thick enough to hold its shape but not so thick that it’s difficult to drop onto the air fryer basket. Think of a slightly thicker pancake batter.

Preventing Pakodas from Sticking
Make sure your air fryer basket is clean and lightly oiled before adding the batter. You can also use a little parchment paper specifically designed for air fryers.

Ensuring Even Cooking in the Air Fryer
Don’t overcrowd the basket! Work in batches to ensure each pakoda gets enough air circulation.

Oil Brushing Technique for Maximum Crispness
A light brushing of oil is all you need. Too much oil will make them greasy, not crispy.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

Vegan Pakoda
This recipe is naturally vegan! Just double-check your asafoetida (hing) as some brands may contain dairy.

Gluten-Free Pakoda
Besan is naturally gluten-free, so this recipe is perfect for those avoiding gluten.

Spice Level Adjustments (Mild, Medium, Hot)
Adjust the amount of red chilli powder to your liking. For mild, use ¼ tsp. For hot, use 1 ½ tsp or more!

Festival Adaptations (Diwali, Monsoon)
These are perfect for Diwali celebrations or a cozy monsoon evening. Serve with a variety of chutneys for a festive spread.

Vegetable Variations (Potato, Spinach, Cauliflower)
Add grated potato, chopped spinach, or small cauliflower florets to the batter for different flavours and textures. My friend, Priya, loves adding finely chopped carrots too!

Serving Suggestions

Pakodas are best enjoyed hot and fresh! They pair perfectly with:

• Mint-Coriander Chutney
• Tamarind Chutney
• Tomato Ketchup
• A cup of hot chai (tea)

Storage Instructions

Leftover pakodas can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They will lose some of their crispness, but you can reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to revive them.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

Can I make pakoda batter ahead of time?
You can, but the batter is best used immediately. If you do make it ahead, store it in the fridge for no more than a few hours and give it a good mix before using.

What if I don’t have an air fryer? Can I deep fry these?
Absolutely! Heat oil in a deep frying pan and fry the pakodas until golden brown and crispy.

How do I get my pakodas extra crispy?
The rice flour is key! Also, make sure your air fryer is preheated and don’t overcrowd the basket.

What is the purpose of adding rice flour to the batter?
Rice flour helps create a light and crispy texture.

Can I use a different type of flour instead of besan?
While besan is traditional, you can experiment with other flours like chickpea flour or a gluten-free blend. The texture will be slightly different.

What chutneys pair best with pakodas?
Mint-Coriander Chutney and Tamarind Chutney are classic pairings.

How can I adjust the spice level of this recipe?
Simply adjust the amount of red chilli powder to your preference.

Enjoy your homemade air fryer pakodas! I hope this recipe brings a little bit of joy to your kitchen, just like it does to mine. Happy cooking!