Gobi Pakora (or Pakoda) is a deliciously spicy and crispy snack that is usually enjoyed with an afternoon chai. “Chai aur garma garam pakodey” literally translated from Hindi language means Tea and hot-hot pakoras. An all-time favorite Indian snack! Of course, these fritters are enjoyed on other occasions too! I usually prefer them for an evening snack, to fill in the long gap between lunch and dinner.
Broccoli Pakora
While this dish is typically made with just cauliflower, I decided to add broccoli too. Broccoli is not as popular in India, as it is in the US. You will hardly find any broccoli-based Indian recipes. It is unfortunate because broccoli is such a nutritious vegetable. I try to add this to as many recipes as I can, especially stir-fries. Check out these delicious, nutritious, broccoli recipes, Broccoli Corn Stir Fry and Creamy (sans Cream!) Broccoli-Asparagus Soup.
Air Fryer
Generally, pakoras are deep fried, golden brown in color and crispy on the outside. Besan (chickpea flour) and rice flour are the main ingredients. My mom would make a thick batter with these two ingredients with spices, heat a pan fill of oil, dip cauliflower into the batter and fry a few at a time. Absolutely delicious, but hardly nutritious. I find deep frying quite laborious and messy. I switched over to air frying a couple of years back and have never looked back since. Yes, there is a slight compromise on the taste and texture but it is totally worth it. It is quick, hassle free, and way more nutritious!
Gobi Pakora: Air Fryer Cauliflower & Broccoli Fritters
If you’re looking for a quick, delicious, snack or appetizer that has the goodness of vegetables, this is your dish. Since these are air fried, it is important that the batter is somewhat dry. I use chili powder and garam masala in this recipe, but you can go easy on those if you have kids or other folks that cannot handle spice. Carrom seeds and curry leaves bring a nice flavor to this snack.
Broccoli is a cholesterol reducing, heart-health building, oxidative stress reducing vegetable. And there is no disputing how juicy and crunchy it tastes. The nutrition profile of cauliflower is quite impressive. Considered a super food because of its nutrient-rich content, it is high in fiber, and vitamins B and C.
Check out some of our delicious air fryer recipes here:
- Crispy Air Fryer Tofu & Tofu Pakoda
- Crispy, Delicious, Banana Nuggets
- Cabbage Wada: Savory Cabbage Lentil Bites
- Crispy Air-Fried Masala Okra
- Air Fryer Masala Wada – Lentil Burger Patties & Fritters
Also try our healthy snack/appetizer recipes:
- Dehydrated Masala Karela Chips
- Crunchy Baked Plantain Chips
- Make Your Own Creamy Smooth Hummus
- Baba Ghanoush
- Guacamole
- Vegan, Spicy, Baked Eggplant
- Baked Okra
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Gobi Pakora: Air Fryer Cauliflower & Broccoli Fritters
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1.5 Cups Cauliflower - Florets
- 1.5 Cups Broccoli - Florets
- 1/2 Cup Chickpea Flour
- 2 Tablespoons Rice Flour
- 1 Teaspoon Garam Masala - Or to taste
- 1 Teaspoon Red Chili Powder - Or to taste
- 1 Teaspoon Ajwain seeds - Carrom Seeds
- 1/2 Teaspoon Sea Salt - Or to taste
- 8 Leaves Curry Leaves - Tear to small pieces
- 1/4 Cup Onion - Fine cut
- 2 Tablespoons Avocado Oil
- 1/8 Cup Filtered water - Or as needed
Instructions
- Make sure you have these ready before you start cooking: 1. Broccoli and cauliflower florets (washed and dried) 2. Fine cut onion and small pieces of curry leaves 3. Ajwain seeds, red chili powder, garam masala, salt 4. Chickpea and rice flours.
- Mix chickpea and rice flour with ajwain (carrom) seeds, salt, chili powder and garam masala.
- Now mix onion and curry leaves with broccoli and cauliflower florets. Sprinkle the mixed flour and spices powder on the florets. Add one tablespoon avocado oil and a little water at a time and mix well. Ensure the batter is evenly spread and is somewhat dry. You're looking for just a thin coating on the florets.
- Spray avocado oil on the air fryer tray. Arrange the florets in a single layer on the tray and close the lid. Cook for 8 minutes at 375F.
- Air fryer cooking times can vary, so check after 5 minutes to ensure they are properly cooked (veggies should neither be moist nor burnt). Shake the veggies around so they cook evenly on all sides.
- Enjoy hot pakora with Baba Ghanoush, sriracha sauce or Hummus.
Any oven instructions for those among us who do not own an air fryer ?
Hi Jayne, I haven’t tried it in a regular oven yet. However, you could lay out parchment paper on an oven tray and spread the spiced broccoli and cauliflower florets evenly. Spray some avocado oil on top. Set them in the oven, set temperature to 375F and cook for about 7 to 8 minutes. Keep checking to make sure they don’t get burnt. Hope this helps.