Description
Moong Dal Pakodas are delightful air-fried snacks bursting with flavor. Made from yellow split moong dal, fresh ginger, and green chilies, this dish is perfect for any gathering or as a healthy comfort food option. The crispy texture and enticing aroma will make you crave more!
Ingredients
Scale
- ½ cup yellow split moong dal
- 1 cup water for soaking
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, roughly chopped
- 1 to 2 green chilies, roughly chopped
- ½ teaspoon cumin seeds
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric
- ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
- ¼ cup cilantro, finely chopped (leaves and tender stems)
- Cooking oil spray
- 3 to 4 green chilies
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Rinse the moong dal under cold water until the water runs mostly clear. Soak it in a bowl with 1 cup of water for 3 to 4 hours. After soaking, drain the dal completely and discard the soaking water.
- Ensure the dal is fully drained before grinding, as excess moisture can lead to soft pakoras.
- Preheat the air fryer to 360°F.
- Add the drained moong dal, ginger, green chilies, and cumin seeds to a high-speed blender. Pulse to create a thick, coarse batter. The texture should remain grainy; add a tablespoon of water only if necessary. Avoid over-blending.
- Achieving the right batter consistency is crucial. A coarse, grainy batter will yield crispy pakoras.
- Transfer the batter to a bowl and mix in the salt, turmeric, red onion, and cilantro until well combined.
- Spray the air fryer tray with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper. Form small bite-sized balls of the batter and place them in the air fryer basket, spaced apart. Lightly spray the tops with oil.
- Air fry the pakoras at 360°F for 8 minutes. After 8 minutes, open the air fryer and shake the basket. Optional: if frying chilies, cut slits in each chili, sprinkle a bit of salt inside, and place them on top of the pakoras.
- Continue cooking for an additional 4 to 7 minutes until the pakoras are golden brown and crispy. It's advisable to check at 4 minutes as air fryers can vary. Serve hot with Cilantro Mint Chutney.
Notes
For a spicier kick, increase the number of green chilies in the batter.
Ensure that the batter is not too wet for the crispiest results.
These pakoras can be paired with various chutneys for enhanced flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pakora
- Calories: 60
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg