Are you ready to tantalize your taste buds with some delectable onion pakoda and medu vada recipes? In this “Healthy Delights in the Air Fryer” series, we bring you mouthwatering dishes that you can easily cook and enjoy in the comfort of your own home. Discover how to create these crispy and flavorful snacks using the versatile air fryer. Indulge in the crispy goodness of onion pakodas and the soft, spongy texture of medu vadas, all while relishing the fact that these treats are healthier when air fried. Get ready for a culinary adventure that will leave you craving for more!

Introduction

Are you a fan of crispy and flavorful snacks? Look no further! In this article, we will take you on a culinary journey to explore two delightful Indian snack recipes: Onion Pakoda and Medu Vada. These recipes are not only mouthwatering but also healthier alternatives, as they are cooked using an Air Fryer. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds and impress your guests with these easy-to-make and delicious treats!

Onion Pakoda: A Flavourful Delight

Onion Pakoda, also known as Onion Bhaji, is a popular Indian street food snack that will leave you wanting more. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, these fritters are packed with the perfect blend of onions and aromatic spices. Let’s dive into the recipe!

Ingredients:

• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 1 cup gram flour (besan)
• 2 tablespoons rice flour
• 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
• A pinch of asafoetida (hing)
• Salt to taste
• Water for batter
• Oil for brushing

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine gram flour, rice flour, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, cumin seeds, asafoetida, and salt.

2. Gradually add water to the mixture to make a thick batter. Ensure the consistency is similar to pancake batter.

3. Add the thinly sliced onions to the batter and mix well until all the onion slices are coated.

4. Preheat your Air Fryer to 180°C or 350°F.

5. Grease the Air Fryer basket with a little oil to prevent the onion pakodas from sticking.

6. Using a spoon, drop small portions of the batter-coated onions into the Air Fryer basket.

7. Brush the tops of the onion pakodas with a little oil.

8. Air fry the pakodas for 10-12 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy.

9. Once done, remove the pakodas from the Air Fryer and drain on a paper towel to remove excess oil.

10. Serve the Onion Pakodas hot with mint chutney or tomato ketchup.

Tips:

• For a more flavorful variation, you can add chopped coriander leaves and mint leaves to the batter.
• Experiment with different spices like garam masala or chaat masala for added complexity.

Medu Vada: A South Indian Delicacy

Medu Vada, a popular South Indian snack, is a delightful crispy lentil donut with a soft and fluffy interior. This savory treat is perfect for breakfast or as an appetizer. Let’s explore the recipe!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup urad dal (split black gram)
• 2 tablespoons rice flour
• 1 teaspoon finely chopped ginger
• 2 green chilies, finely chopped
• A handful of curry leaves, finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
• A pinch of asafoetida (hing)
• Salt to taste
• Oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Soak the urad dal in water for 4-5 hours or overnight. Drain the water before grinding.

2. Grind the soaked urad dal in a blender or food processor until you achieve a smooth and fluffy batter. Add a little water if needed.

3. Transfer the dal batter to a mixing bowl and add rice flour, finely chopped ginger, green chilies, curry leaves, cumin seeds, asafoetida, and salt. Mix well.

4. Preheat your Air Fryer to 180°C or 350°F.

5. Grease your palms with a little water and take a small portion of the batter. Shape it into a small donut shape with a hole in the center. Repeat this process with the remaining batter.

6. Place the shaped vadas in the Air Fryer basket, ensuring they have enough space between them.

7. Air fry the vadas for 10-12 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy.

8. Once done, remove the vadas from the Air Fryer and drain on a paper towel to remove excess oil.

9. Serve the Medu Vadas hot with coconut chutney or sambar.

Tips:

• To make the vadas even crispier, you can add a handful of soaked and crushed chana dal to the batter.
• If you prefer a spicier flavor, you can add finely chopped onions and black pepper to the batter.

Conclusion

Now that you have discovered the recipes for Onion Pakoda and Medu Vada, you can easily recreate these delicious snacks in the comfort of your own kitchen using an Air Fryer. Whether you’re craving a flavorful fritter or a crispy lentil donut, these healthy delights are sure to satisfy your taste buds. Say goodbye to deep frying and indulge in these guilt-free treats that are perfect for any occasion.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

FAQ 1: Can I use any type of onion for Onion Pakoda?

Yes, you can use any type of onion for Onion Pakoda. However, red or yellow onions are commonly used for their slightly sweeter flavor.

FAQ 2: Can I make the batter for Medu Vada ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the batter for Medu Vada ahead of time and refrigerate it. Just make sure to bring the batter to room temperature before shaping and air frying the vadas.

FAQ 3: Can I freeze the leftover batter for later use?

Yes, you can freeze the leftover batter in an airtight container for up to a week. Thaw the batter in the refrigerator before using.

FAQ 4: Can I use alternative flours for these recipes?

For Onion Pakoda, you can substitute gram flour with rice flour or a gluten-free flour blend. For Medu Vada, it’s best to stick with urad dal and rice flour for the traditional texture and taste.

FAQ 5: Can I use the same Air Fryer temperature and time for different Air Fryer models?

Air Fryer models may vary, so it’s important to adjust the temperature and cooking time according to your specific Air Fryer’s instructions.