Crispy Delights: Air Fryer Bread Pakoda Recipe

Bread pakoda, a popular Indian snack, is a delightful combination of spicy potato filling sandwiched between slices of bread, dipped in a gram flour batter, and deep-fried to crispy perfection. However, the traditional method involves deep frying, which can be a bit heavy on the calories.

Enter the air fryer – a kitchen appliance that has revolutionized the way we cook, offering a healthier alternative to deep frying without compromising on taste. In this blog post, we will guide you through the steps of making delicious and guilt-free Air Fryer Bread Pakodas.

Ingredients

For the Filling:

• 2 large potatoes, boiled and mashed
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 green chili, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
• A handful of fresh coriander leaves, chopped
• Salt to taste
• 1 tablespoon oil

For the Batter:

• 1 cup gram flour (besan)
• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
• A pinch of asafoetida (hing)
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda (optional)
• Water, as needed
• Salt to taste

For Assembling:

• 8 slices of bread
• Butter, as needed

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

1. Heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds and mustard seeds. Allow them to splutter.
2. Add chopped onions, green chilies, and ginger-garlic paste. Sauté until the onions turn translucent.
3. Add mashed potatoes, salt, and chopped coriander leaves. Mix well and cook for a few more minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool.

Step 2: Assemble the Bread Pakodas

1. Trim the edges of the bread slices. Apply a thin layer of butter on one side of each slice.
2. Take a spoonful of the potato filling and place it on one slice of bread. Cover it with another slice, buttered side down, to form a sandwich.

Step 3: Prepare the Batter

1. In a mixing bowl, combine gram flour, turmeric powder, red chili powder, asafoetida, and salt.
2. Gradually add water and whisk until you have a smooth, lump-free batter. It should have a thick, pouring consistency.

Step 4: Coat and Air Fry

1. Preheat the air fryer at 180°C (360°F) for 5 minutes.
2. Dip each sandwich in the prepared gram flour batter, ensuring it’s well-coated on all sides.
3. Place the coated sandwiches in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not overlapping.
4. Air fry at 180°C (360°F) for 10-12 minutes or until they turn golden and crispy.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Let the Bread Pakodas cool for a minute before serving.
2. Optionally, serve with green chutney or ketchup for dipping.

Air Fryer Bread Pakodas offer a healthier twist to the traditional deep-fried snack, allowing you to indulge without the guilt. With a crispy exterior and a flavorful filling, they are sure to become a favorite in your household. Experiment with different fillings and spices to make them your own. Enjoy the crunchy goodness!

Serving Suggestion

1. Mint Chutney: Serve the Bread Pakodas with a side of fresh mint chutney. The coolness and tanginess of the chutney complement the spiciness of the pakodas perfectly.
2. Tamarind Chutney: Another classic accompaniment is tamarind chutney. Its sweet and sour flavor adds a delightful contrast to the savory pakodas.
3. Tomato Ketchup: For a familiar and universally loved dip, provide a bowl of tomato ketchup. Its tangy sweetness pairs well with the crispy pakodas.
4. Yogurt Dip (Raita): A cooling yogurt dip with a touch of cumin, salt, and mint is a refreshing choice. It balances the heat and richness of the pakodas.
5. Chopped Onions and Tomatoes: A simple salad of finely chopped onions and tomatoes, seasoned with a bit of salt and lemon juice, adds freshness and crunch to the dish.
6. Lemon Wedges: Offer lemon wedges on the side. Squeezing a bit of lemon juice over the pakodas just before eating can enhance their flavors.
7. Green Chili Pickle: For those who enjoy an extra kick of spice, serve some green chili pickle as a condiment. It’s a bold and zesty addition.
8. Cucumber and Carrot Sticks: Provide a platter of fresh cucumber and carrot sticks for a light and healthy option. They provide a crisp contrast to the indulgent pakodas.
9. Cilantro-Mint Yogurt Sauce: Blend together yogurt, fresh cilantro, mint leaves, garlic, and a pinch of salt to create a creamy and herby sauce. It adds a burst of flavor.
10. Sprinkle Chaat Masala: Sprinkle a bit of chaat masala over the pakodas just before serving for an extra burst of tangy and spicy flavor.

Remember to arrange these accompaniments attractively on a serving platter, and let your guests mix and match according to their preferences. This variety of options ensures that there’s something to suit everyone’s taste buds!

Tips:

1. Use Stale Bread: Slightly stale bread works best for pakodas, as it holds its shape and absorbs the batter well without becoming too soggy.
2. Preheat the Air Fryer: Make sure to preheat your air fryer before placing the pakodas inside. This helps in achieving a crispy texture.
3. Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Arrange the pakodas in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking and a crispy exterior.
4. Adjust Spice Levels: Customize the spiciness of the filling and batter to suit your taste. Add more or less green chilies, red chili powder, or other spices as desired.
5. Experiment with Fillings: While the traditional potato filling is delicious, you can get creative. Try using other vegetables like spinach, paneer (Indian cheese), or even a mixture of different veggies.
6. Add Some Crunch: Consider adding a layer of sev (thin, crispy chickpea noodles) on the bread before adding the filling for extra texture and flavor.
7. Opt for Whole Wheat Bread: For a healthier option, use whole wheat bread slices instead of white bread.
8. Monitor Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the pakodas during the cooking process. Cooking times may vary depending on the type and brand of air fryer you’re using.

Variations:

1. Cheese Filling: Add a layer of grated cheese along with the potato filling for a gooey, cheesy surprise.
2. Spinach and Paneer Filling: Combine chopped spinach and crumbled paneer with spices to create a flavorful, vegetarian filling.
3. Sweet Potato Filling: Substitute regular potatoes with sweet potatoes for a sweeter and slightly healthier option.
4. Chickpea Flour Variation: Instead of gram flour (besan), try using chickpea flour mixed with a bit of rice flour for a unique texture.
5. Spicy Filling: Increase the spice level by adding chopped green chilies, red chili powder, or even a pinch of garam masala to the filling.
6. Herb-Infused Batter: Mix in chopped fresh herbs like coriander leaves or mint leaves into the gram flour batter for added flavor.
7. Nutty Twist: Add some crushed peanuts or cashews to the filling for extra crunch and a nutty flavor.

Nutritional Information

Here is the approximate nutritional information for one serving of Air Fryer Bread Pakoda (assuming one serving is one sandwich):

• Calories: 250-300 kcal
• Protein: 7-9 grams
• Fat: 8-10 grams
  • Saturated Fat: 1-2 grams
  • Trans Fat: 0 grams
• Carbohydrates: 35-40 grams
  • Dietary Fiber: 5-7 grams
  • Sugars: 2-3 grams
• Sodium: 500-600 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors like the exact ingredients used, portion sizes, and specific brands. For precise nutritional information, it’s recommended to use a reliable nutrition calculator or consult with a registered dietitian.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is an air fryer?

A: An air fryer is a kitchen appliance that cooks food by circulating hot air around it. It gives a similar crispy texture to fried foods but uses significantly less oil, making it a healthier cooking option.

Q2: Can I use any type of bread for this recipe?

A: While you can use various types of bread, slightly stale white or whole wheat bread slices work best for achieving a crispy texture in the pakodas.

Q3: How do I prevent the bread from becoming soggy?

A: Using slightly stale bread and ensuring your filling isn’t too watery can help prevent sogginess. Additionally, preheating the air fryer and avoiding overcrowding the basket are crucial.

Q4: Can I prepare the filling in advance?

A: Yes, you can prepare the filling ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

Q5: Can I freeze Air Fryer Bread Pakoda?

A: While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the assembled sandwiches (before dipping in the batter) for up to a month. When ready to cook, thaw them in the refrigerator and then proceed with battering and air frying.

Q6: How do I reheat leftover pakodas?

A: To reheat, preheat the air fryer to 180°C (360°F) and air fry the leftover pakodas for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.

Q7: Can I make this recipe vegan?

A: Absolutely! Substitute butter with a vegan alternative, and ensure all ingredients used are vegan-friendly. For the batter, use water or a non-dairy milk alternative.

Q8: What other fillings can I use?

A: Besides the traditional potato filling, you can experiment with fillings like paneer (Indian cheese), spinach, sweet potatoes, or even a mixture of various vegetables.

Q9: Are there any other dipping sauces I can use?

A: In addition to mint chutney and tamarind chutney, you can serve the pakodas with sauces like sriracha mayo, sweet chili sauce, or a tangy mango chutney for variety.

Q10: Can I make these in advance for a party?

A: While they are best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the filling and assemble the sandwiches a few hours ahead of time. Batter and air fry them just before serving for the crispiest results.