Pakoras are spiced vegetable fritters bound with gram (chickpea) flour — usually deep-fried, but the air fryer crisps them with just a spray of oil. Naturally vegan and gluten-free. Here's how.
Key takeaways
Q: How do you make pakora in an air fryer?
A: Mix veg with gram flour, spices and a little water into a thick batter, shape into clusters, and air fry at 190°C (375°F) for 12–14 minutes.
Q: Are they gluten-free?
A: Yes — gram flour is naturally gluten-free.
The method
Mix sliced onion, potato, spinach or cauliflower with gram flour, spices (cumin, turmeric, chilli) and just enough water to bind into a thick, clinging batter — not runny. Shape into rough clusters, spray with oil, and air fry until crisp and golden, turning once.
The recipe
Air Fryer Vegetable Pakora
Ingredients
- 1 onion, 1 potato, handful spinach
- 100g gram flour
- Cumin, turmeric, chilli
- Oil spray
Method
- Mix veg, flour and spices with a little water.
- Shape into clusters; spray with oil.
- Single layer; air fry at 190°C for 12–14 min.
- Turn once until crisp and golden.
Tips
- Thick batter — not runny — so they hold.
- Spray with oil for a golden crisp.
- Don't overcrowd the basket.
Frequently asked questions
How do you make pakora in an air fryer?
Mix vegetables with gram flour, spices and a little water into a thick batter, shape into clusters, spray with oil, and air fry at 190°C for 12–14 minutes until crisp.
Are air fryer pakoras gluten-free?
Yes — pakoras are bound with gram (chickpea) flour, which is naturally gluten-free, and they're vegan too.
Why is my pakora batter falling apart?
It's likely too wet — add a little more gram flour so the batter is thick and clinging rather than runny, which helps the clusters hold together.