Introduction
Paneer pakora is a popular Indian snack loved by people all over the world. Traditionally, these fritters are deep-fried, which adds extra calories and unhealthy fats to the dish. However, with the advent of air fryers, you can now enjoy crispy and guilt-free paneer pakoras. In this article, we will explore the benefits of using an air fryer to make paneer pakoras and share a simple recipe for you to try at home.
The Health Benefits of Air Fryers
Air fryers have gained popularity in recent years due to their ability to cook food using hot air circulation, resulting in crispy and delicious dishes without the need for excessive oil. By using an air fryer, you can significantly reduce the calorie content of your favorite fried snacks, making them a healthier choice.
1. Reduced Fat Intake
One of the most significant advantages of using an air fryer is the reduced fat intake. Traditional deep-frying methods require a significant amount of oil, which gets absorbed by the food, making it high in calories. With an air fryer, you can achieve the same crispy texture with just a fraction of the oil.
2. Lesser Health Risks
Deep-fried foods are often associated with health risks such as obesity, heart disease, and high cholesterol levels. By using an air fryer, you can enjoy your favorite snacks without compromising on taste while reducing these health risks.
Recipe: Paneer Pakora Air Fryer
Now, let’s dive into a simple and delicious recipe to make paneer pakoras using an air fryer.
Ingredients:
– 250g paneer (cottage cheese), cut into cubes
– 1 cup besan (gram flour)
– 2 tbsp rice flour
– 1 tsp red chili powder
– 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
– 1/2 tsp garam masala
– 1/2 tsp chaat masala
– Salt to taste
– Water as required
– Cooking spray
Instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, add besan, rice flour, red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, chaat masala, and salt. Mix well.
2. Gradually add water to the mixture and whisk until you achieve a smooth and thick batter consistency.
3. Dip each paneer cube into the batter, ensuring it is coated on all sides.
4. Preheat the air fryer at 180°C for 5 minutes.
5. Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
6. Arrange the coated paneer cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
7. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping the paneer cubes halfway through, until they turn golden brown and crispy.
8. Remove the paneer pakoras from the air fryer and serve hot with mint chutney or ketchup.
Conclusion
Paneer pakora air fryer is a healthier alternative to the traditional deep-fried version. By using an air fryer, you can enjoy the same crispy and delicious paneer pakoras with significantly less oil. Give this recipe a try and savor the goodness of this popular Indian snack guilt-free. Happy cooking!