What if we told you there is a way to enjoy crispy pakoras without the guilt of excess oil? Pakoras are popular deep-fried snacks consumed across Indian households with evening tea or on chilly days. But let’s face it, the oil used can hinder one’s health goals.
Wouldn’t it be lovely if we could get that golden crisp without water-logged food? Times have changed! Today’s convection microwaves go beyond reheating. Some even have built-in fry features aimed at creating the crunchy texture of deep frying, but with only a fraction of the oil.
What if it were possible to make pakoras while using no more than a brush of oil, all while retaining the soft interior and crispy exterior? No frying pans to clean, no lingering odorous oil smell in the kitchen, and best of all, fewer calories. While all of this sounds wonderful, the real question is, can it actually be done?
In this article, we will examine the potential of a convection microwave, with an air fryer built in, to alter the way pakoras (and many other snacks) are cooked at home. We will dissect the technology, compare it to conventional frying, and provide you with an incredibly simple and oil-less pakora recipe to try immediately.
Exploring The Features of Convection Microwaves
The combination of microwave technology with the circulation of hot air results in a convection microwave oven. It has the ability to:
- Heat food from the inside like a normal microwave,
- And encapsulate it with a fan and heating element (like an oven or air fryer).
With this combination, food is able to cook and crisp at the same time, making it easier for dishes like pakoras, which are typically deep-fried, to be cooked.
Is Air Frying in a Microwave Similar?
The air frying function in some convection microwaves works like an air fryer. It blasts hot air to the surface of the food. A good example would be a microwave with an air fryer that has:
- 36 Air Fry Presets: This feature enables you to prepare well-known snacks such as pakora, cutlets, and spring rolls at the press of a button and with correct temperature and time.
- Minimum or No Oil Required: You only need to lightly coat or brush the food, if at all.
- Targeted Heating: The fan’s hot air facilitates even crispness on all surfaces of the pakora.
Step-by-Step Instruction: Frying Pakoras Without Oil in a Convection Microwave
What follows is a complete instruction on how to cook pakoras without oil in an air fryer-equipped convection microwave.
Ingredients
- 1 cup besan (gram flour)
- ½ teaspoon carom seeds (ajwain)
- Salt to taste
- 1 teaspoon chilli powder
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
- ½ teaspoon garam masala
- 1 medium onion, very thinly sliced
- 1 small potato, grated or sliced into thin rounds
- A small handful of spinach or coriander leaves, chopped (optional)
- A pinch of baking soda (optional, for extra crispness)
- Water as required
- Optional: spray or brush of oil
Equipment
- Tray for air fryer or grill rack which is microwavable
- Convection microwave with integrated air fryer
Instructions
Preparation of Besan Flour
Take a bowl and add besan with spices and baking soda. Then mix it with sliced onion and potato. Wash the vegetables with water until they achieve the desired shape and measurements, which will coat the vegetables, and then pour water to make the mixture just thick enough to hold its shape.
Oven
Set the air fryer or convection bake option to preheat at 200°C.
Shape the Pakoras
Lightly grease the tray with oil or use an air fry liner. Then, drop spoonfuls of the mixture and shape them into flat rounds. Lightly spray or brush oil over them, if desired.
Activate Air Fry
Use the dedicated Air Fry Pakora Preset if available and follow the preset instructions.
If not, manually operate the air fryer or convection option at 200°C for 15–18 minutes, turning them over halfway through to ensure even browning.
Check for Doneness
Pakoras must be golden brown and crisp on the outside. If not, let them cook for another 2–3 minutes.
Tip: A great accompaniment is green chutney or tomato ketchup, but they are also excellent with masala chai or just on their own as an evening snack.
What Makes the In-Built Air Fryer Feature Further Stand Out?
Although standalone air fryers are common now, having one built into your microwave changes the game. Here’s how –
- Convenience: No need for a separate appliance.
- Smart Cooking: There’s no need to guess the timings or temperatures with 36 dedicated air fry menus.
- Versatility: Air fry, grill, roast, reheat and even bake , all with one appliance.
- Compact Design: All of the above without compromising performance, while saving space in the kitchen.
More Than Just Pakoras
The cuisine spectrum goes way beyond pakoras. Take a look at what else can be made with the same microwave oven:
| Dish | Conventional Method | Air Fryer Microwave |
| Veg Cutlets | Shallow fried | Crispy with less oil |
| Chicken Tikka | Tandoor/Grill | Rotisserie + air fry |
| Garlic Bread | Oven | Quickly toasted |
| Tandoori Aloo | Tava or oven | Evenly roasted and succulent |
| French Fries | Deep fried | Crispy and not oily |
Stainless Steel Cavity & Rotisserie: Performance Booster
An additional stainless steel cavity in the microwave helps with:
- Heat retention and reflection
- Even food cooking without cold spots
- Microwave energy leakage prevention
At the same time, the motorized rotisserie ushers in hands-free, consistent grilling. Automated rotation of marinated ingredients is ideal for even heat exposure , perfect for barbeque-style snacks or roasted veggies.
305 Auto Cook Menus: For Days You Don’t Feel Like Thinking
Setting the heating time or power level is not always straightforward. The 305 auto cook menus can handle this for you. Choose a dish, and the microwave picks the most effective time and temperature.
This feature comes in handy for:
- Kitchen first-timers,
- Recipe testers,
- And generally everyone looking to save some time but still get the job done right.
You may adjust the speed of cooking and power for five different food types and textures.
Any Health Concerns?
Let us set the bar at a reasonable height. Even though pakoras cooked this way are crunchy and satisfying, the flavor they provide will always feel off when compared to deep-fried portions because they do not have oil “soaked in.” But for a lot of folks, the health trade-off is worth it.
Bear these suggestions in mind:
- Always keep the portion size small to avoid overcrowding and ensure crisping.
- Wrap the parchment paper or use the air fry tray to ensure air circulation.
- Always test a single batch to determine the ideal timing.
Final Thoughts
So, can pakoras be fried in a convection microwave without oil? The answer lies in a hefty yes , very well too, surprisingly so. It may not replicate deep frying, but the crispness, taste, and much faster cooking time of the process ensure these bite-sized morsels keep their trademark qualities. And with features like an air fryer, rotisserie, and hundreds of menus available, this device is more than a microwave and ought to be a staple for any contemporary Indian kitchen.
Want to change the way you cook using nifty, multifunctional, and healthier tools? Check out the range of home appliances from Haier India to see how convenience and quality work together.