Air-Fried Chickpea Pakora Fritters

These air-fried chickpea pakora fritters are so tasty! They are crispy and crunchy on the outside and soft and dreamy in the middle. These are sweet, savory and full of warming Indian spices. My veggie fritters are inspired by delicious Indian pakoras. If you love pakoras you will love this healthy air-fried version that uses scant oil. These are gluten free and have added chickpeas for protein. They also feature sweet potatoes for extra nutrition and slower boring carbs. If you're looking for a unique, healthy and delicious snack to satisfy your crispy cravings, give pakoras a try!

What is a pakora?

A pakora is a spiced, deep fried fritter made with various vegetables like potatoes and peas in a chickpea flour batter. They're a popular street food and snack In India, Bangladesh and Pakistan. People adore them for their crispy shells, tender interiors, and explosion of flavors. They are truly delicious and crave-worthy nuggets of yum.

Here's a closer look at these golden gems:

What are Pakoras made of?

• Pakoras are made with vegetables like onions, potatoes, cauliflower, eggplant, and okra. However, you can find variations with paneer (Indian cheese), meats, and even fruits like bananas!
• The key ingredient is a besan batter, made from chickpea flour. This gives the pakoras a unique texture and flavor.
• The batter is seasoned with spices: turmeric, chili powder, cumin, coriander, and garam masala. This creates a warm and aromatic experience.

How do you eat pakoras?

• Pakoras are traditionally served hot with a variety of dips and chutneys. Mint chutney, tamarind chutney,and yogurt-based dips are popular choices.
• Enjoy them as a snack, appetizer, or even a light meal.
• In some regions, they are served alongside tea or coffee.

Why are they so loved?

• Pakoras are simple yet flavorful, offering a combination of textures and tastes.
• They are versatile, allowing for endless variations depending on your preferences and dietary needs.
• They feature affordable ingredients making them a popular choice for people of all walks of life.
• And most importantly, they are delicious! The crispy exterior gives way to a soft and flavorful interior,creating a delightful bite that's hard to resist.

Chickpea Pakora Fritter Ingredients

These pakora fritters have simple and humble ingredients that are easy to find. If your favorite market does not have chickpea flour, you can find it on amazon. Here is an ingredient break down:

• Mashed chickpeas: Creamy chickpea base infused with reserved aquafaba for fluffy fritters.
• Grated sweet potatoes: Vibrant veggie boost adding natural sweetness and moist texture.
• Garbanzo flour: Gluten-free flour bind, creating crispy exteriors and tender centers.
• Chopped green onion & cilantro: Aromatic herb & onion duo for zesty freshness.
• Bell pepper & nutritional yeast: Sweet bell pepper & savory yeast for depth & umami notes.
• Ginger & spices: Warming ginger, cayenne's kick, & curry's warmth for an Indian-inspired twist.
• Frozen peas: Refreshing pop of green adding bursts of sweetness.
• Aquafaba: Chickpea liquid magic, binding & lightening your fritters.
• Minty yogurt sauce: Creamy cashew base, tangy lemon, cool cucumber, & refreshing mint for the perfect dip.

Bonus tip: Swap nutritional yeast for vegan cheese shreds for a cheesy twist!

HOW TO MAKE AIR-FRIED CHICKPEA PAKORA FRITTERS

Making these air-fried chickpea pakora fritters is easy! You simply mix all the ingredients in a bowl, make small patties and then air-fry until crisp on the outside and soft on the inside.

• To a large bowl add chickpeas, sweet potatoes, garbanzo flour, green onion, cilantro, bell pepper, nutritional yeast, ginger, salt, frozen peas, cayenne, curry powder and reserved aquafaba.
• Mix well with hands until well combined and you can make into 10 sticky patties.
• Spray air fryer grate with avocado or olive oil. Carefully place the patties in the basket so they are not touching. You may have to do 2 batches to achieve this. Cook for 12 minutes at 400 degrees flipping once carefully at the halfway mark.
• Serve with minted yogurt sauce.

HOW TO MAKE MINTED YOGURT SAUCE

• To a bowl add plain vegan yogurt, lemon juice, cucumber, mint and salt. Mix until combined.

Tips for making the best air-fried fritters

• If the batter seems too wet to make patties, add more chickpea flour 1 tbsp at a time to the mix until it holds together. They will be sticky and fragile. You may let them set for 20 minutes to 3 hours in the refrigerator before air-frying if you want to make ahead of time.
• These are good for up to 5 days when wrapped and refrigerated. If you want to reheat, simply pop into the oven for 5 minutes rather than using the microwave. The microwave will only make fritters soggy.
• To make a meal out of these fritters you can make sliders or use in a pita sandwich like you would falafel. They are also very good on a salad.

Can I make these fritters without an air fryer?

People often ask if they can make these without an air fryer. The answer is YES! Rather than air fry them, you oven bake them on a sheet pan. Here is how

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees
• Lightly spray oil onto a sheet pan or a parchment paper lined sheet pan. Gently lay the "raw" fritters on the pan with an inch between them. Lightly spray the tops with oil and bake for 15 minutes.
• Carefully flip the fritters and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
• Note: If you want them to be crisper, add more cooking time in 5 minute increments being careful not to burn them.

Other delicious air-fryer recipes

• Vegan Crabcakes
• Easy Air-fried Patatas Bravas