Air Fryer Bitter Gourd Chips – A healthy, crispy bitter gourd fry made in the air fryer. A guilt-free snack that could quickly become a favourite family recipe.
Bitter Gourd has been one of my favourites since childhood. Though it tastes bitter, I have always found them quite tempting. Bitter Gourd can be used in a lot of Indian recipes and one such favourite dish of mine is Pavakkai Pitlai.
To my relief, my husband and children enjoy eating this vegetable with no complaints. So, Bitter Gourd makes a regular appearance on my shopping list.
Ever since I bought an air fryer, these Bitter Gourd chips/ Karely fry is one recipe that I have been making often. My grandmother makes something similar in the regular stovetop method and it tastes YUM! I wanted to recreate it in the air fryer and it has been a hit every single time I made it.
Air Fryer has only made my life easier and I love how even and perfect the chips turn out every single time. Even though we use a few tablespoons of oil, it is much better compared to those deep-fried bitter gourd chips, isn’t it?
If you own an air fryer, do try these air fryer bitter gourd chips for your lunch or even as a snack. You won’t be disappointed. We love eating this Bitter Gourd fry as a side for Sambar or Rasam Rice. Absolute bliss!
How to make Air Fryer Bitter Gourd Chips
First, wash the bitter gourd. Trim the edges of the bitter gourd and cut them into small circles. Make sure the slices are thin. Remove the flesh and seeds from the middle.
Optional Step – Soak small marble-sized tamarind in hot water and extract the juice. Soak the cut bitter gourd in this tamarind water along with some salt and turmeric powder. Let it soak for 30-40 mins. This step is completely optional but soaking in tamarind helps to remove the bitterness to an extent.
We are cooking bitter gourd so obviously, the bitter taste is going to remain there. This step will help to reduce the level of bitterness.
Remove the tamarind water completely and give the bitter gourds a squeeze. Add salt, chilli powder, coriander powder, gram flour, rice flour and oil. Mix well. The flour should coat the bitter gourd enough.
Preheat the air fryer to 390F/200C for 5 minutes. Brush the air fryer basket with oil and place the bitter gourds in the basket. Do not overcrowd and do not keep one on top of the other. I made them in two batches.
Air Fry for 8 minutes. Shake the basket and Cook for 5 more minutes. We are done with Crispy Air Fryer Bitter Gourd Chips!
Notes
Depending on how thin or thick you slice the bitter gourd, the cooking timing may vary. Keep an eye on the bitter gourds once in a while.
Soaking in tamarind is a completely optional step but highly recommended to remove the bitterness to an extent.
Add spices according to your taste and preference.
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Recipe Card
Air Fryer Bitter Gourd Chips | Karela Fry
Ingredients
- 250 grams Bitter Gourd Got this quantity after chopping and removing the flesh, seeds
- Tamarind Marble size, optional
- 1/4 tsp Turmeric powder
- 1/2 tsp Salt Adjust as needed
- 1/2 tsp Chilli Powder
- 1/2 tsp Coriander Powder
- 2 tbsp Gram Flour
- 1 tbsp Rice Flour
- 1 tbsp Oil
Instructions
- Wash the bitter gourd. Trim the edges of the bitter gourd and cut them into small circles. Make sure the slices are thin. Remove the flesh and seeds from the middle.
- Optional Step- Soak small marble-sized tamarind in hot water and extract the juice. Soak the cut bitter gourd in this tamarind water along with a pinch of salt and turmeric powder. Let it soak for 30-40 mins. Remove the tamarind water completely and give the bitter gourds a squeeze.
- Add salt, chilli powder, coriander powder, gram flour, rice flour and oil. Mix well. The flours should coat the bitter gourd enough.
- Preheat the air fryer to 390F/200C for 5 minutes. Brush the air fryer basket with oil and place the bitter gourds in the basket.
- Do not overcrowd and do not keep one on top of the other. I made them in two batches.
- Air Fry for 8 minutes. Shake the basket and air fry for 5 more minutes and we are done with Crispy Air Fryer Bitter Gourd Chips!