Air Fryer Kurkuri Bhindi Recipe

Air-fried bhindi is my go-to snack when I’m craving something crispy yet guilt-free, with the perfect blend of spices creating a mouthwatering experience. Tossing in a sprinkle of fresh coriander adds that final touch of freshness and color, transforming every bite into a tasty delight.

I enjoy looking for nourishing replacements for traditional recipes, and my Air Fryer Kurkuri Bhindi is a tasty and healthy alternative to a much-loved Indian snack. Instead of 500 grams of okra, I used 250 grams and a flavorful combination of gram flour, rice flour, and spices (such as red chili powder and turmeric) to produce a satisfying crunch with far less oil than would be used in a traditional frying scenario.

This is a crispy dish that packs the nutritional wallop of okra—with zippy and unexpected flavors from combinations of garam masala and amchur (dried, powdered green mango). It’s a snack that you can feel good about eating.

Air Fryer Kurkuri Bhindi Recipe Ingredients

• Bhindi (Okra): Rich in dietary fiber; promotes digestion; contains vitamins C and K.
• Gram Flour (Besan): High in protein; good source of dietary fiber; gluten-free.
• Rice Flour: Provides a light and crispy texture; gluten-free carbohydrate.
• Red Chili Powder: Adds heat and spice; contains capsaicin which boosts metabolism.
• Turmeric Powder: Contains curcumin; known for anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
• Amchur (Dry Mango Powder): Contributes tangy and sour flavor; adds vitamin C.

Air Fryer Kurkuri Bhindi Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 250 grams of bhindi (okra), washed and sliced thinly
• 2 tablespoons gram flour (besan)
• 1 tablespoon rice flour
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
• 1/2 teaspoon amchur (dry mango powder)
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
• Salt, to taste
• 1 tablespoon oil
• Fresh coriander, chopped, for garnish (optional)

How to Make this Air Fryer Kurkuri Bhindi Recipe

1. To 180°C (350°F) for about 5 minutes, preheat your air fryer.

2. In a mixing bowl, combine the chickpea flour, rice flour, red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, dried mango powder, cumin powder, and salt.

3. Pat the bhindi (okra) dry and wash it thoroughly, then cut it into thin vertical strips.

4. Place the sliced okra in a bowl with the spice blend and mix well, making sure the spices coat each piece of okra evenly.

5. Over the spiced bhindi, drizzle the oil. Mix again, ensuring each piece of bhindi is evenly coated with oil. One more time, you will do the same operation with the list below.

6. Put the seasoned and spiced bhindi in the air fryer basket in a single layer. You may need to work in batches, depending on the size of your Air Fryer.

7. Fry the bhindi in an air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for approximately 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even crispiness.

8. Verify whether or not it is done. If it is not done, air fry for an extra 2-3 minutes until the okra is crisp and brilliantly brown.

9. Remove the bhindi from the air fryer and place it on a platter. Be careful when doing this step, as the bhindi is going to be extremely hot. Once you have it on the platter, you can let it cool for a minute or two before serving it to your guests (or eating it yourself!).

10. If you wish, you can sprinkle some freshly chopped coriander over the dish to make it look even more inviting. And then, serve it up right away as a delightfully crunchy side or snack.

Air Fryer Kurkuri Bhindi Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Air fryer
2. Mixing bowl
3. Measuring spoons
4. Knife
5. Cutting board
6. Spoon or spatula for mixing
7. Platter for serving

FAQ

• Can I use frozen okra for this recipe?Using fresh okra is optimal for the best texture; frozen okra becomes too mushy when cooked.
• Can I skip the oil in this recipe?To ensure the bhindi is crispy, use a small amount of oil. If you prefer, you can reduce the amount of oil you use, or you can use a cooking spray. That is up to you.
• What can I use instead of amchur powder?Amchur can be swapped for a squeeze of lemon juice, which provides a similar flavor profile. But this lemony addition should come after the air frying step.
• How do I prevent the bhindi from becoming slimy?Ensure that the okra is entirely dry before cutting it and cook it right after mixing in the spices.
• How long does it take to cook in the air fryer?It usually requires about 15 to 18 minutes at 180°C (350°F), but various air fryer models may alter this time.
• Can I prepare this recipe without an air fryer?Correct, they can also be baked in an oven at 200°C (400°F) for approximately 20-25 minutes, with a turn given halfway through the baking time.

Air Fryer Kurkuri Bhindi Recipe Substitutions and Variations

You can substitute chickpea flour for gram flour (besan).
In the absence of rice flour, you can use cornstarch instead and enjoy even crispier results.
You can use paprika instead of red chili powder for a milder heat and flavor.
For garam masala, you can temporarily substitute with an equal mix of ground coriander, cumin, and cardamom.
If you can’t find amchur, use a dash of lemon juice or a little citric acid for that same tanginess.

Pro Tips

1. Ensure Complete Dryness After washing the bhindi, pat it completely dry with a kitchen towel before slicing and coating it with spices. Excess moisture can prevent the coating from sticking well and make the okra less crispy.

2. Uniform Slicing Cut the bhindi into equal-sized thin strips to ensure even cooking. This will help achieve a consistent texture and prevent some pieces from remaining undercooked or becoming overly crispy.

3. Batch Cooking Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, as this can lead to uneven cooking. If necessary, cook the bhindi in batches to ensure proper air circulation and achieve the desired crispness.

4. Spice Mix Adjustment Adjust the amount of red chili powder and garam masala according to your heat preference. For those who like it milder, reduce the chili, and for those seeking an extra kick, increase it slightly.

5. Post-Cooking Toss After removing the bhindi from the air fryer, lightly toss it with some fresh coriander or a sprinkle of chaat masala for an enhanced flavor before serving.