Airfried Mirchi Pakoda is a healthier take on the classic Indian snack, featuring large green chilies coated in a spiced gram flour batter and air-fried to a crispy perfection. The batter, enriched with rice flour for extra crunch and a blend of spices creates a flavorful crust that complements the heat of the green chilies. Finished with a sprinkle of chopped coriander and a squeeze of lemon juice, these pakodas are a delicious, guilt-free option for snacking.
For a Serving Size of Two:
Ingredients:
- 6-8 large green chilies
- 60 grams gram flour
- 2 tablespoons rice flour
- 1/2 teaspoon carom seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/2 teaspoon chaat masala
- Salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped coriander
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Procedure:
- Wash and dry the green chilies. Make a slit in each chili lengthwise, being careful not to cut all the way through. Remove seeds if desired for less heat.
- In a mixing bowl, combine gram flour, rice flour, carom seeds, cumin seeds, turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, chaat masala, and salt.
- Add a small amount of water gradually to make a thick batter. If using, add baking soda to the batter and mix well.
- Dip each prepared chili into the batter, ensuring it is evenly coated.
- Preheat the air fryer to 180°C (350°F). Place the coated chilies in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Do not overcrowd.
- Air fry for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the pakodas are crisp and golden brown.
- Remove from the air fryer and let cool slightly. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lemon juice. Serve warm.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Airfried Mirchi Pakoda offers a lighter alternative to traditional deep-fried snacks, thanks to the use of an air fryer, which reduces the amount of oil needed.
- Green chilies are rich in vitamins A and C, and they provide a boost to metabolism due to their capsaicin content, which may help in weight management.
- Gram flour is high in protein and fiber, supporting muscle health and digestion. Rice flour adds a crisp texture without significantly increasing calories.
- This snack not only satisfies cravings with its crispy and spicy profile but also provides nutritional benefits while being lower in fat compared to its deep-fried counterparts.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 345 kcal
- Protein: 16.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 62.4 g
- Fat: 7.2 g
