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If you love pakoras at iftar but want something lighter, this guide to making pakoras in an air fryer is for you. You still get that golden crunch and proper desi flavour, but with far less oil splatter and less heaviness afterwards. During Ramadan, when you’re balancing cravings with comfort, air-fryer pakoras can be a simple win: quick, crisp, and easier on the stomach.
Pakoras are a classic across Pakistan—served with imli ki chutney, hari (green) chutney, or plain ketchup. The only downside is deep-frying, especially when you’re cooking daily in Ramadan. The heat of the kitchen combined with the heat of the frying oil is not our favourite combination!
With pakoras made in an air fryer, you can not only make the process easier, but you can also cut down the oil without compromising on taste. Below, you’ll find the best ingredient picks, then a step-by-step recipe you can follow confidently, even if it’s your first time trying pakoras in an air fryer.
For crisp pakoras made in an air fryer, your batter starts with good-quality besan. Sunridge Besan mixes smoothly and gives that classic pakora texture without turning sticky.
Aloo pakoras are always the first to disappear at iftar. Fresh potato slices cleanly, holds shape well when cooked in an air fryer and will give you the best flavours for your dawat.
Pyaaz pakoras are unbeatable when you want that lacy, crispy bite. Fresh onion adds sweetness and crunch, especially when sliced thin for air-fryer pakoras.
Adding palak is an easy way to make healthy pakoras without changing the vibe of your iftar plate. Fresh palak gives colour, fibre, and a lovely crisp edge in air-fryer pakoras.
Dhania lifts the whole batter with fresh fragrance. Fresh dhania makes air-fryer pakoras taste like proper street-style, without the oiliness.
For that little kick (and proper Ramadan cravings), use fresh hari mirch in the batter. Green chili is perfect when finely chopped for pakoras made in an air fryer.
Ajwain is a pakora secret that helps flavour and digestion—very useful at iftar. Bazaar Select Ajwain adds that classic aroma that makes air-fryer pakoras taste authentic.
For balanced heat and colour, a reliable lal mirch powder matters. Bazaar Select Red Chilli Powder gives air-fryer pakoras a warm, appetising look and taste.
Salt sounds basic, but it decides whether your pakoras taste complete. National Iodized Salt seasons the batter evenly for pakoras made in an air fryer.
A tiny pinch helps with a lighter texture, especially when you want crisp edges in air-fryer pakoras. Bazaar Select Baking Soda is handy for that airy bite.
Even with pakoras made in an air fryer, a small amount of oil helps browning and crunch. Dalda Cooking Oil works well for lightly brushing or misting the basket and pakoras.
P.S. If you’re planning your iftar spread, you can order fresh veg and Ramadan cooking staples in one go from Bazaar and save yourself the last-minute rush.
This recipe is designed specifically for pakoras made in an air fryer, so the batter is slightly thicker than deep-fry batter, and the coating is built to crisp up with circulating heat. You’ll get crunchy edges, tender veg inside, and a proper pakora bite—without standing over a karahi.
Vegetables (choose one mix or do a combo):
Batter:
Optional flavour boosters (use what you like):
For crisping:
For pakoras in an air fryer, cutting matters.
Tip for Ramadan speed: prep the veg earlier in the day, then mix batter close to iftar so the pakoras stay crisp.
In a mixing bowl:
This thicker batter is one of the biggest differences in how to make pakoras in air fryer. If the batter is too runny, it can slide off and cook unevenly, giving you dry spots instead of a crisp shell.
Add your sliced and chopped vegetables into the batter and mix until everything is evenly coated. Let it rest briefly while you preheat. That short rest helps besan hydrate, which improves the final crisp.
Preheat your air fryer so air-fryer pakoras start cooking immediately when they go in. A hot start helps create a crisp surface quickly.
Lightly grease the basket (or use baking paper made for air fryers, leaving space for airflow). For pakoras in an air fryer, airflow is your best friend—avoid blocking it with packed layers.
Scoop small portions of the mixture and place them in the basket with space in between. You can do:
Do not overcrowd. Overcrowding traps steam, and pakoras in an air fryer can turn soft instead of crisp.
Lightly brush or mist a little cooking oil on top. This is the “less oil” trick that still gives you colour and crunch. The goal is not frying—just helping browning.
Cook until golden and crisp, turning halfway through so both sides brown evenly. If you want extra crunch, add a short finishing cook at the end.
Every air fryer behaves slightly differently, so use these visual cues:
Once done, transfer to a plate lined with kitchen paper and let them sit for a minute. Air-fryer pakoras often crisp up even more as they cool slightly.
Serve immediately with your favourite dips. For Ramadan, pakoras made in an air fryer go perfectly alongside:
The most common reason is a batter that’s too thick and floury without enough moisture, or cooking too long. For pakoras made in an air fryer, aim for a thick batter that still looks glossy and clings well. A light brush of oil also helps prevent dryness and improves colour.
Calories in a air fryer pakora are usually lower because you’re using far less oil. The exact number depends on the vegetable used, how much batter sticks, and how much oil you add. As a practical guide, pakoras made in an air fryer can be noticeably lighter than deep-fried pakoras, especially when you only use a light brush of oil.
Besan pakora calories mainly come from besan and oil. In pakoras made in an air fryer, besan stays the same, but the oil reduces significantly. That’s why many people switch to pakoras made in an air fryer during Ramadan when pakoras are frequent and you want a lighter iftar.
Healthy pakoras don’t mean “diet food”—they mean smarter cooking choices. Pakoras made in an air fryer use less oil, which can make them feel less heavy at iftar. Add palak, coriander, and onions, and you’re also getting more vegetables. So yes, pakoras made in an air fryer can fit the idea of healthy pakoras when you keep oil low and portion sensibly.
Usually it’s one of these:
Ramadan food should feel comforting, not exhausting. Pakoras made in an air fryer give you the same iftar joy—crispy edges, soft veg inside, and proper desi flavour—without the deep-frying hassle. Once you get the batter thickness right and cook in batches, air-fryer pakoras become a repeat recipe you’ll rely on all month.
When you’re ready for your next iftar prep, order your saaman from Bazaar and keep your kitchen routine simple, calm, and Ramadan-friendly.