Air Fryer Bhindi Kurkuri is a crispy, crunchy, and flavorful snack made from thinly sliced okra, also known as bhindi in Hindi. The term “kurkuri” refers to the crispy texture this dish boasts.
Traditionally, this dish is deep-fried, but with the rise in popularity of air fryers, people have been adapting the recipe to make a healthier version without compromising the taste and texture.
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Super Crispy & Delicious Kurkuri Bhindi in Air Fryer is an easy appetizer or side dish with basic Indian spice powders, Chickpea Flour(Gram Flour / Besan), Rice flour, and Okra. Serve this as a snack with some mint chutney and ketchup or with Rotis and Rice as a side dish.
Air Fryer Bhindi Kurkuri is a dish that everyone would relish. Even if you are not a fan of Okra, you will fall in love with the flavours and texture of this easy Vegetarian appetizer. The crunchy taste of the okra tempts you to eat more. It is a comfort dish with basic spices from an Indian Pantry and can also be customized to your taste and preference.
Traditionally, Bhindi Kurkuri is deep fried. Over the years, as we have adapted to different forms of cooking, we have started using more air fryers instead of deep frying.
Why you will love making Kurkuri Bhindi in the Air Fryer
Crispy Texture: The air fryer version gives the bhindi a delightful crunch without excessive oil.
Healthier Option: An air fryer allows you to enjoy the crunchiness of fried bhindi without the guilt of consuming too much oil. It is a perfect option for Bhindi lovers.
Quick and Easy: This air fryer kurkuri bhindi recipe is an easy recipe and requires little time or effort.
Versatile: Use any Indian spices or any other spices of your choice to make this okra fries recipe. This delicious okra recipe can be enjoyed as a snack, a side dish for rice and rotis.
How to make Bhindi Kurkuri in an Air Fryer
Wash and pat dry okra/bhindi with a dry kitchen towel. Ensure there is no moisture left in the okras.
Trim the ends of the okra / lady finger and slice them vertically into thin strips.
Combine chickpea flour, rice flour, red chilli powder, turmeric powder, ground coriander powder, amchur powder / dry mango powder, chaat masala, garam masala, and salt in a large bowl. Mix well.
Add the sliced okra to the bowl and drizzle with oil. Toss gently to coat the okra evenly with the spice mixture.
Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or oil.
Place the coated okra slices in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
Air fry for 12 minutes at 180°C (360°F), shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time until the bhindi is crispy and golden brown.
Once done, remove the bhindi from the air fryer and let it cool slightly.
Sprinkle with additional chaat masala powder on the crispy fried okra and serve hot plain or with green chutney and tomato ketchup.
Tips to make the best kurkuri bhindi
To ensure your Air Fryer Bhindi Kurkuri turns out perfectly crispy and delicious, consider the following tips:
Dry the Okra: Ensure it is completely dry before slicing and coating it. Any moisture can hinder the crisping process.
Slice Evenly: To ensure even cooking, slice the okra uniformly.
Slice them thin: Cut the okra into thin strips. If the okra is thick, the texture may not be crispy.
Don’t Overcrowd: It’s crucial not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook the bhindi in batches if needed to ensure they crisp up properly. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you might have to place the cut okras in a single layer.
Resting Time: Once you coat the okras with spices, let them rest for 15 minutes. This step is crucial for the okras to absorb the spices and flavours.
Serving Suggestions
Air Fryer Bhindi Kurkuri is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions:
As a Snack: Serve the healthy air fryer okra with a side of mint chutney or yogurt dip for a delightful snack.
As a Side Dish: Pair it with dal, rasam rice or any variety of rice recipe like
coriander rice, tomato rice, arisi paruppu sadam etc, for a satisfying meal.
As a Topping: Sprinkle this healthy snack over salads, rice dishes, or wraps for an added crunch and flavour.
Frequently asked questions
While fresh okra is recommended for the best results, you can use frozen okra if you have it. Just make sure to thaw and pat it dry before using it.
If you don’t have amchur, use a bit of lemon juice or more chaat masala for a tangy flavour.
Air Fryer Bhindi Kurkuri is best enjoyed fresh and crispy. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore crispiness.
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Crispy Air Fryer Bhindi Kurkuri
Ingredients
- 250 gms Fresh Bhindi/Okra washed, dried and thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoon Chickpea Flour/Gram Flour(Besan)
- 1 tablespoon Rice Flour
- ½ teaspoon Turmeric Powder
- 1 teaspoon Red Chilli Powder
- 1 teaspoon Coriander Powder
- ½ teaspoon Amchur Powder (Dried Mango Powder)
- ½ teaspoon Chaat Masala
- ½ teaspoon Garam Masala
- 1 teaspoon Salt or as needed
- 1 tablespoon Oil
Instructions
- Wash and pat dry okra/bhindi with a dry kitchen towel. Ensure there is no moisture left in the okras.
- Trim the ends of the okra and slice them vertically into thin strips.
- Combine chickpea flour, rice flour, red chilli powder, turmeric powder, ground coriander, amchur, chaat masala, garam masala, and salt in a large bowl. Mix well.
- Add the sliced okra to the bowl and drizzle with oil. Toss gently to coat the okra evenly with the spice mixture.
- Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or oil.
- Place the coated okra slices in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
- Air fry for 12 minutes at 180°C (360°F), shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time until the bhindi is crispy and golden brown.
- Once done, remove the bhindi from the air fryer and let it cool slightly.
- Sprinkle with additional chaat masala and serve hot plain or with green chutney and tomato ketchup.