Moong Dal Pakora, or Lentil Fritters, are a popular Indian snack made from soaked yellow moong dal (split yellow lentils) mixed with aromatic spices, herbs, and green chilies, then deep-fried to crispy perfection. By making them in an air fryer, you can enjoy this deliciously crunchy treat with much less oil, keeping it lighter without compromising on taste. These crispy fritters are perfect for tea time or as a snack for any occasion, served with mint chutney or tamarind sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 cup yellow moong dal (split yellow lentils)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1-2 green chilies, finely chopped (optional)
- 1/2 inch ginger, grated
- 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ajwain (carom seeds)
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon rice flour (optional, for extra crispiness)
- Salt to taste
- Water as needed
- 1 tablespoon oil (for brushing or spraying)
Directions
- Soak the moong dal:
- Wash the moong dal thoroughly and soak it in water for about 3-4 hours, or overnight if you prefer. After soaking, drain the water and set the dal aside.
- Prepare the batter:
- In a food processor or blender, pulse the soaked moong dal to a coarse paste (do not make it too smooth; a slightly textured batter works best for crunchiness).
- Transfer the batter to a mixing bowl and add the chopped onions, green chilies, grated ginger, minced garlic, cumin seeds, coriander powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, red chili powder, ajwain, cilantro, and rice flour (if using).
- Add salt to taste and mix well. If the batter feels too thick, add a tablespoon or two of water to bring it to a thick yet scoopable consistency.
- Shape the pakoras:
- Lightly grease your hands with a little oil and shape the batter into small fritters (about 1-2 tablespoons of batter per fritter). You can form them into round or slightly flattened shapes, depending on your preference.
- Preheat the air fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Air fry the pakoras:
- Lightly spray or brush the basket of the air fryer with oil to prevent sticking. Place the prepared pakoras in the basket in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overlap for best crispiness.
- Spray or brush a little oil on top of the pakoras for that golden, crispy finish.
- Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time for even crispiness. The pakoras should be golden brown and crispy on all sides.
- Serve:
- Once cooked, remove the pakoras from the air fryer and let them cool for a minute.
- Serve them hot with mint chutney, tamarind sauce, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Enjoy these crispy, guilt-free Moong Dal Pakoras with your favorite chutney for a deliciously satisfying snack!
