Fritters are a delicious and simple way to include daily vegetables and turn them into delicious crispy munchies. Ideal as a snack or side dish, they can be savoured with various dipping sauces. With the arrival of monsoons, fritters, also called pakodas, make the perfect evening snack paired with a cup of tea or coffee. These are quick and easy to prepare, using any vegetable of your choice, by dipping them in a batter of gram flour, water and spices and letting them fry in hot oil. But, too much oil is unhealthy. So, to enjoy pakodas this monsoon, you can opt for a healthier alternative by using air fryers.


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Here Are 4 Healthy Fritter Recipes:


1. Falafel


Falafel, a staple Middle Eastern fast food, consists of chickpeas or fava beans, herbs, and spices shaped into patties or balls. Originating in Egypt, it served as a meat substitute during Christian fasts but is now widely enjoyed across the region as a vegan dish.


 



Image Source: Pinterest/@Full of Plants


Ingredients:



  • 1/2 cup dried chickpeas, soaked in water for 24 hours with 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

  • 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped

  • 1/4 cup onion, chopped

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

  • 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander

  • A pinch of cayenne pepper

  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

  • Optional: sesame seeds


Method:



  • Cover dried chickpeas in water with baking soda, soak for 24 hours, then drain well.

  • Combine soaked chickpeas, fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro, dill), garlic, onion, and spices in a food processor. Pulse until finely ground, resembling a coarse meal.

  • Transfer the mixture to a bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight to help the mixture hold together.

  • Stir baking powder and optional toasted sesame seeds into the chilled mixture.

  • Shape into golf ball-sized balls or patties, ensuring patties aren't flattened too much to maintain fluffiness.

  • Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Air fry falafel patties for 15-18 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.


2. Potato Fritters:


Enjoy these Potato Fritters as the crispy exteriors give way to tender, creamy interiors, making them a delightful comfort food choice for any time of day.


 



Image Source: Pinterest/@Delish Sides


Ingredients:



  • Potatoes, 1 large, grated

  • All-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons

  • Green onions, 2 tablespoons, finely chopped

  • Egg, 1 large

  • Salt, to taste

  • Ground black pepper, to taste

  • Olive oil, for frying


Method:



  • Grate potatoes and soak in cold water for 30 minutes to remove starch.

  • Drain potatoes and squeeze out excess water using cheesecloth or towel.

  • Combine potatoes, egg, flour, green onion, salt, and pepper in a bowl, mixing well.

  • Use a cookie scoop to portion and shape into patties on a prepared air fryer basket.

  • Preheat the air-fryer to 350°F (175°C) and spray the patties with oil.

  • Cook potato fritters for 10-12 minutes until golden brown, flipping halfway through if needed.


3. Onion Pakoda:


Onion pakodas are light, crunchy bites bursting with natural sweetness and spice. Made from gram flour, onions, and aromatic spices, they go well with chutney and hot Masala Chai—a delightful treat for tea time or any occasion.


 



Image Source: Pinterest/@Alisyedafsar


Ingredients:



  • 1 big onion, thinly sliced

  • 1/2 cup chickpea flour

  • 1/2 cup rice flour

  • Pinch of salt

  • 1/2 tsp turmeric powder

  • 1 green chilli, chopped

  • 2-3 tbsp water (adjust as needed)

  • 1/2 cup chopped cilantro

  • Oil spray


Method:



  • Set to 380°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.

  • Slice onions finely and combine with chickpea flour, rice flour, salt, turmeric powder, green chilli, cilantro, and minimal water to form a tight batter.

  • Shape the batter into small cakes and place them evenly in the air fryer basket.

  • Spray or brush them lightly with oil.

  • Cook at 380°F (190°C) for 8-9 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking. Avoid overcrowding the basket.

  • Adjust cooking time for desired crispiness; ensure they are golden brown.


4. Beetroot Tikkis:


Made up of beetroot, rolled oats, spices, and crunchy panko breadcrumbs, these vegan-friendly tikkis are perfect as a snack or appetiser, offering a delightful balance of flavour and texture.


 



Image Source: Pinterest/@thetwincookingproject


Ingredients:



  • 1 cup grated beetroot

  • 1/2 cup paneer, grated or crumbled

  • 1 medium-sized sweet potato, boiled and mashed

  • 1/4 cup mint leaves, finely chopped

  • 1 tsp red chilli powder

  • 1 tsp garam masala

  • 1/2 tsp chaat masala

  • 1 tbsp oil

  • Salt, to taste

  • Vegan option: Substitute paneer with tofu to maintain protein content while making it vegan-friendly.


Method:



  • Wash and steam or pressure cook until tender.

  • Mix grated beetroot, paneer or tofu, mint leaves, spices, and cooked sweet potato to form a soft dough-like mixture.

  • Form small balls and flatten them into patties.

  • Preheat the air-fryer to 180°C (350°F) for 7 minutes.

  • Brush oil on the air fryer basket base.

  • Arrange patties in the basket, brush with oil, and air fry for 4 minutes. Flip, then air fry for another 3 minutes or until lightly browned and firm.