Banana Potato Nuggets Recipe – Indian Air Fryer Snack

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Banana Potato Nuggets Recipe – Indian Air Fryer Snack

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you always crave a quick, satisfying snack. And let me tell you, these Banana Potato Nuggets are seriously hitting the spot lately. I first made these when I was looking for a way to use up some slightly-too-ripe bananas, and they’ve become a family favorite ever since. They’re crispy, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make – especially in the air fryer! Get ready for a delightful Indian-inspired treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These aren’t your average nuggets! They’re a fantastic blend of sweet and savory, with a lovely texture that’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Plus, they’re a great way to sneak in some veggies (potatoes, of course!). They’re perfect for an afternoon snack, a party appetizer, or even a light lunch. And honestly, the air fryer makes them SO much easier than deep-frying.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these delicious nuggets:

• 2 raw bananas
• 3 medium potatoes
• 1 tablespoon Indian sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
• 1 sprig curry leaves
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1 cup onions
• 2 green chillies
• 1 teaspoon red chilli flakes
• 0.5 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 2 tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon Kitchen King masala
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper powder
• 0.25 cup fresh shredded coconut
• 0.25 cup mint leaves
• 1 teaspoon ginger
• 1 tablespoon lime juice

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few of these really make the recipe sing:

• Indian Sesame Oil: Don’t skip this! It adds a wonderful nutty aroma and flavor that’s so characteristic of Indian cooking. If you can’t find it, regular sesame oil will work in a pinch, but the flavor won’t be quite the same.
• Fennel Seeds: These little seeds add a lovely anise-like flavor that complements the potatoes and bananas beautifully. Lightly toasting them really brings out their aroma.
• Kitchen King Masala: This is a fantastic all-purpose Indian spice blend. It adds a depth of flavor that’s hard to replicate. I’ll share substitution ideas in the FAQs if you can’t find it.
• Raw Bananas: Yes, raw bananas! They provide a unique texture and subtle sweetness that works so well in this recipe. They should be firm, but not rock hard.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, pressure cook the halved raw bananas and potatoes with 1 cup of water for about 4 whistles. Once cooled, peel and grate them. This is easiest when they’re cool enough to handle!
2. Now, heat the sesame oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the fennel seeds, curry leaves, and minced garlic. Sauté for about a minute, until fragrant.
3. Add the chopped onions and cook until they become translucent. Then, stir in the chopped green chillies, red chilli flakes, and turmeric powder. Cook for another minute.
4. Next, add the chopped tomatoes, salt, and sugar. Cook until the tomatoes soften and become mushy. Stir in the Kitchen King masala and black pepper powder. Remove the pan from the heat.
5. In a large bowl, combine the sautéed mixture with the grated bananas and potatoes. Add the fresh shredded coconut, chopped mint leaves, grated ginger, and lime juice. Mix everything really well!
6. Wet your hands slightly to prevent sticking, and shape the mixture into about 40 small nuggets. If you have extra, don’t worry – you can freeze them for later!
7. Finally, air fry the nuggets at 200°C (400°F) for about 15 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Serve them hot with your favorite chutney!

Expert Tips

• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Work in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.
• For extra crispy nuggets, lightly brush them with a little oil before air frying.
• Grate the bananas and potatoes finely for a better texture.

Variations

• Spicy Kick: My friend Priya loves to add a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra spicy kick!
• Cheesy Goodness: My kids adore these with a little grated cheese mixed into the potato-banana mixture.
• Herb Heaven: Feel free to experiment with different herbs! Cilantro or even a little chopped coriander would be delicious.

Vegan Adaptation

These nuggets are easily made vegan! Just ensure your Kitchen King Masala doesn’t contain any animal-derived ingredients (some brands do).

Gluten-Free Adaptation

This recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just double-check the ingredients in your Kitchen King Masala to be sure.

Spice Level Adjustment (Mild, Medium, Hot)

• Mild: Reduce or omit the green chillies and red chilli flakes.
• Medium: Use the recipe as written.
• Hot: Add an extra green chilli or a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Festival Adaptations (Diwali, Holi snack options)

These nuggets are perfect for festive occasions! They’re a great addition to a Diwali spread or a fun snack for Holi celebrations.

Serving Suggestions

These nuggets are amazing with:

• Mint-coriander chutney
• Sweet tamarind chutney
• A dollop of yogurt

Storage Instructions

Leftover nuggets can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer or oven to restore their crispiness.

FAQs

What is the best way to prevent the nuggets from sticking to the air fryer?

Lightly grease the air fryer basket with oil or use parchment paper liners.

Can I bake these nuggets instead of air frying?

Yes, you can! Bake them at 180°C (350°F) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

What is Kitchen King Masala and can I substitute it?

Kitchen King Masala is a popular Indian spice blend. If you can’t find it, you can substitute it with a mixture of garam masala, coriander powder, cumin powder, and a pinch of turmeric.

Can I make these nuggets ahead of time and freeze them?

Absolutely! Shape the nuggets and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. You can air fry them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

How can I adjust the spice level of these nuggets?

Adjust the amount of green chillies and red chilli flakes to your liking. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.