Air fryer bitter gourd chips are thinly sliced pieces of bitter gourd seasoned with spices, rice flour and gram flour, air-fried to crispy perfection, and then enjoyed as a delightful and healthy snack or a delicious side dish.
Bitter gourd, or bitter melon, is a unique vegetable with a slightly bitter taste that pairs exceptionally well with savoury seasonings when transformed into crispy chips. It is a guilt-free snack that could quickly become a favourite family recipe.
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Indian cuisine has many different varieties of vegetables. Usually, Bitter gourd is the least desirable vegetable for many. But Bitter Gourd has been one of my favourites since childhood. Though it tastes bitter, I have always found it quite tempting. Bitter Gourd can be used in many Indian recipes, and one such favourite dish of mine is Pavakkai Pitlai.
To my relief, my husband and children enjoy eating this vegetable without complaint, so Bitter Gourd regularly appears on my shopping list.
Since I bought an air fryer, these Crispy Bitter Gourd chips / Karely fry is one recipe I have often made. My grandmother makes something similar, which she calls pavakkai chips in the regular stovetop method, which tastes YUM!
I wanted to recreate it in the air fryer and it has been a hit every time I made it.
Even though we use a few tablespoons of oil, it is much better than deep frying to make crispy bitter gourd chips.
If you own an air fryer, try these air fryer bitter gourd chips for your lunch or even as a snack. You won’t be disappointed. We love eating this golden brown Bitter Gourd fry as a side for Sambar or Rasam Rice. Absolute bliss!
Why you will Love Air Fryer Bitter Gourd Chips
Healthier Alternative: An air fryer can achieve the satisfying crispiness of fried chips using significantly less oil, making it a healthier snacking option.
Delicious Flavour: The gourd’s natural bitterness, when combined with the right seasonings, creates a unique and addictive flavour.
Versatility: Bitter gourd chips can be seasoned in various ways, allowing you to customize the taste.
Simple& Easy: This karela chips recipe is simple to make with little preparation time. It uses few ingredients, which makes it easier even for beginners in cooking.
How to make Air Fryer Bitter Gourd Chips
First, wash the bitter gourd. Trim the edges and cut the bitter gourd into small circles, ensuring the slices are thin. Remove the seeds from the middle to reduce bitterness.
To a large mixing bowl, add a little salt, turmeric powder, red chilli powder, coriander powder, gram flour/chickpea flour, rice flour and oil. Mix well. Add the karela slices and mix them well again. The flour should coat the bitter gourd enough.
Brush the air fryer basket with oil and place the bitter gourds. Do not overcrowd or keep one on top of the other. I made them in two batches.
Air Fry at 390F/200C for 12 to 14 minutes, shaking in between to ensure it’s well roasted on all sides. Check at 12 minutes and continue cooking only if you need more crispness. We are done with Crispy Air Fryer Bitter Gourd Chips!
Tips & Suggestions
Slice Evenly: Ensure that the bitter gourd slices are uniformly cut to ensure even cooking.
Seasoning Variation: For a different taste in these bitter gourd crisps, experiment with different seasonings, such as cumin powder, cayenne pepper, paprika powder, and dry mango powder/amchur powder.
Storage: Store any leftover chips in an airtight container to maintain their crispiness.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy the air fryer bitter gourd chips as a delicious snack.
Sprinkle the karela chips over a salad to add a crunchy element and a burst of flavor.
Perfect side dish to serve with rice, sambar, rasam or any variety rice. Check my rice recipes here
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Recipe Card
Air Fryer Bitter Gourd Chips | Crispy Karela Fry
Ingredients
- 250 grams Bitter Gourd
- ¼ teaspoon Turmeric powder
- ½ teaspoon Salt Adjust as needed
- ½ teaspoon Chilli Powder adjust spice
- ½ teaspoon Coriander Powder
- 2 tablespoon Gram Flour /Besan
- 1 tablespoon 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 seeds from the middle.
- Add salt, red chilli powder, coriander powder, gram flour, rice flour and oil to a large bowl. Mix well.
- Add the thinly sliced bitter gourd and mix gently. The flour should coat the bitter gourd well.
- Brush the air fryer basket with oil and place the bitter gourds in the basket.
- Make sure to place them in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the basket. I made them in two batches.
- Air Fry at 390F/200C for 12 to 14 minutes, shaking in between to ensure it's well roasted on all sides. Check at 12 minutes and continue cooking only if you need more crispness.
- Crispy air fryer bitter gourd is ready to be served.