Introduction:

 

Let me take you on a journey to the heart of India's bustling streets, where the aroma of spices and sizzling snacks fills the air. It was on one such street corner that I first encountered the irresistible allure of Bread Pakoda. The crispy exterior, encasing a soft and flavorful filling, instantly won me over. However, as much as I loved indulging in this delicious snack, I couldn't ignore the guilt that often followed. That's when I stumbled upon a game-changing discovery - Air Fried Bread Pakoda! With the magic of modern technology, I was able to recreate the same authentic taste and texture of traditional Bread Pakoda but with a healthier twist. Let me share with you the secret to enjoying guilt-free indulgence with my Air Fried Bread Pakoda recipe.

 

---

 

 

Chef Ajay Chopra's Air Fried Bread Pakoda Recipe

 

Ingredients:

 

For Pounded Masala:

• 1 tsp Jeera (Cumin Seeds)
• 1 tsp Coriander Seeds
• ½ tsp Black Pepper
• 1 tsp Saunf (Fennel Seeds)
• ½ tsp Salt

For Stuffing:

• 1 tbsp Oil
• 1 tbsp Chopped Cashews
• 1 tbsp Raisins
• ½ tsp Ajwain (Carom Seeds)
• 2 tbsp Pounded Masala
• ½ tsp Hing (Asafoetida)
• 1 tbsp Chopped Ginger
• ½ tbsp Chopped Green Chilli
• ¼ cup Green Peas
• ½ tsp Salt
• 1 tsp Red Chilli Powder
• Water, as required
• Pinch of Citric Acid/Tartaric Acid
• 1 tsp Amchur Powder (Dried Mango Powder)
• 3 Boiled & Peeled Potatoes

For Batter:

• 1 cup Besan (Gram Flour)
• ½ tsp Ajwain (Carom Seeds)
• ½ tsp Red Chilli Powder
• ½ tsp Salt
• ½ tsp Turmeric Powder
• Water, as required

For Bread Pakoda:

• 10-12 Bread Slices
• 200 g Paneer, cut into slices
• Prepared Stuffing
• Oil

 

 

Method:

 

1. Prepare the Pounded Masala:

• Coarsely pound jeera, coriander seeds, black pepper, saunf, and salt using a mortar and pestle.

2. Prepare the Stuffing:

• Heat oil in a pan, add ajwain, pounded masala, hing, chopped ginger, and chopped green chilli. Sauté until fragrant.
• Add green peas, salt, red chilli powder, and a bit of water. Cook until peas are tender.
• Mix in cashews, raisins, citric acid, amchur powder, and boiled & peeled potatoes. Mash and combine everything. Let it cool.

3. Make the Batter:

• In a bowl, mix besan, ajwain, red chilli powder, salt, turmeric powder, and water to make a thick batter.

4. Assemble the Bread Pakoda:

• Take a bread slice, spread a layer of prepared stuffing, place a slice of paneer on top, and cover with another bread slice. Press gently to seal.
• Cut the sandwiches into desired shapes.

5. Coat and Air Fry:

• Dip the sandwich pieces into the prepared besan batter, ensuring they are evenly coated.
• Preheat the air fryer and lightly brush the tray with oil. Place the coated sandwich pieces on the tray.
• Air fry at 180 degrees Celsius for approximately 12 minutes until golden brown and crispy.

6. Serve:

• Serve the air fried bread pakodas hot with your favorite chutney or sauce.

 

 

---

 

 

About the Recipe:

 

Air Fried Bread Pakoda is a healthier twist on the classic Indian street food snack, Bread Pakoda. Instead of deep-frying, this recipe utilizes an air fryer to achieve the same crispy texture with significantly less oil. Bread slices are stuffed with a spiced potato filling, coated in a chickpea flour (besan) batter, and air-fried until golden and crispy. This version of Bread Pakoda is lighter and less greasy, making it a guilt-free indulgence for snack time or tea time.

 

 

Cooking Tips:

 

1. Use slightly stale bread for better absorption of the potato filling and besan batter.
2. Ensure the potato filling is well-seasoned with spices like turmeric, cumin, coriander, and chili powder for maximum flavor.
3. Coat the stuffed bread slices evenly with the besan batter to ensure a crispy texture after air frying.
4. Preheat the air fryer before adding the Bread Pakodas to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
5. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation and even cooking of the Bread Pakodas.

 

 

Pairing Guide:

 

Air Fried Bread Pakoda pairs well with a variety of accompaniments such as green chutney, tamarind chutney, or tomato ketchup. Enjoy them with a hot cup of masala chai or your favorite beverage for a delightful snack experience.

 

---

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Air Fried Bread Pakoda:

 

1. What is Air Fried Bread Pakoda? Air Fried Bread Pakoda is a healthier version of the traditional Indian street food snack, Bread Pakoda. Instead of deep-frying, it is cooked in an air fryer, resulting in a crispy texture with less oil.

2. Is Air Fried Bread Pakoda healthier than traditional Bread Pakoda? Yes, Air Fried Bread Pakoda is healthier as it uses significantly less oil compared to deep-fried Bread Pakoda.

3. Can I use any type of bread for Air Fried Bread Pakoda? Yes, you can use any type of bread such as white bread, whole wheat bread, or multigrain bread for making Air Fried Bread Pakoda.

4. How long does it take to cook Air Fried Bread Pakoda? Cooking time may vary depending on the air fryer model and temperature settings, but typically, Air Fried Bread Pakoda takes around 10-15 minutes to cook until golden and crispy.

5. Can I freeze Air Fried Bread Pakoda? Yes, you can freeze Air Fried Bread Pakoda after air frying. Allow them to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. Reheat them in the air fryer before serving.

6. What are the best potatoes for the filling of Air Fried Bread Pakoda? Use starchy potatoes like russet or Yukon Gold for the filling of Air Fried Bread Pakoda as they result in a softer and creamier texture.

7. Can I use other fillings besides potatoes for Air Fried Bread Pakoda? Yes, you can experiment with different fillings such as paneer, mixed vegetables, or cheese for a variety of flavors and textures.

8. Do I need to preheat the air fryer before cooking Air Fried Bread Pakoda? Yes, it's recommended to preheat the air fryer before adding the Bread Pakodas to ensure even cooking and crispiness.

9. Can I use oil spray to coat the Bread Pakodas before air frying? Yes, you can use oil spray to lightly coat the Bread Pakodas before air frying to enhance their crispiness.

10. What temperature should I set the air fryer for cooking Air Fried Bread Pakoda? Set the air fryer temperature to 180-200°C (360-390°F) for cooking Air Fried Bread Pakoda until golden and crispy. Adjust the temperature and cooking time as needed based on your air fryer model and preferences.

 

---