Introduction
Veg Manchurian is a popular Indo-Chinese dish made with vegetable balls that are deep-fried and served in a tangy sauce. However, deep-frying can make the dish high in calories and not very healthy. The good news is that you can make Veg Manchurian Air Fryer, which not only reduces the calorie count but also makes it a healthier option.
What is an Air Fryer?
An air fryer is a kitchen appliance that uses hot air to cook food. It is designed to mimic the results of deep-frying but without the use of oil. Air fryers work by circulating hot air around the food, creating a crispy outer layer without the need for excessive oil.
What is Veg Manchurian?
Veg Manchurian is a popular Indo-Chinese dish that is made with a combination of finely chopped vegetables, flour, and spices. These ingredients are formed into small balls and deep-fried until golden brown. The fried vegetable balls are then served in a tangy sauce made with soy sauce, chili sauce, and other ingredients.
Ingredients for Veg Manchurian in Air Fryer
To make Veg Manchurian in an air fryer, you will need the following ingredients:
For the vegetable balls:
1 cup finely chopped mixed vegetables (carrots, cabbage, capsicum, onions)
½ cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons cornflour
1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
1 teaspoon red chili powder
Salt to taste
Water as required
Bread crumbs for coating
For the sauce:
2 tablespoons oil
1 tablespoon finely chopped garlic
1 tablespoon finely chopped ginger
1 medium-sized onion, finely chopped
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon chili sauce
1 teaspoon sugar
Salt to taste
1 teaspoon cornflour mixed with 2 tablespoons water
Spring onions, chopped for garnish
Steps to Make Veg Manchurian in Air Fryer
Here are the steps to make Veg Manchurian in an air fryer:
Prepare the vegetable balls:
In a bowl, mix together the finely chopped vegetables, all-purpose flour, cornflour, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, and salt.
Add water gradually and mix well to form a sticky mixture.
Divide the mixture into small portions and shape them into small balls.
Coat the balls in bread crumbs and set them aside.
Air fry the vegetable balls:
Preheat the air fryer to 200°C for 5 minutes.
Place the vegetable balls in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
Spray or brush some oil on top of the balls.
Air fry the balls for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown, flipping them halfway through.
Prepare the sauce:
Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
Add finely chopped garlic and ginger and sauté for a few seconds.
Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
Add soy sauce, chili sauce, sugar, and salt. Mix well.
Add the cornflour-water mixture and cook until the sauce thickens.
Assemble the dish:
Add the air-fried vegetable balls to the sauce and mix well.
Garnish with chopped spring onions.
Variations
You can experiment with different vegetables and spices to make different variations of Veg Manchurian in an air fryer. Here are a few suggestions:
Mushroom Manchurian: Replace the mixed vegetables with finely chopped mushrooms.
Paneer Manchurian: Replace the mixed vegetables with paneer cubes and adjust the spices accordingly.
Cauliflower Manchurian: Replace the mixed vegetables with finely chopped cauliflower florets.
Schezwan Manchurian: Add Schezwan sauce to the dish to give it a spicy kick.
Gravy Manchurian: Add more cornflour-water mixture to the sauce to make it more gravy-like.
Benefits of Making Veg Manchurian in an Air Fryer
Here are some benefits of making Veg Manchurian in an air fryer:
Low in calories: By air frying the vegetable balls instead of deep-frying, you can significantly reduce the calorie count of the dish.
Healthier option: Air frying uses less oil than deep-frying, making it a healthier option.
Easy to make: Veg Manchurian in an air fryer is easy to make and takes less time than deep-frying.
Customizable: You can customize the dish by using different vegetables and spices according to your taste.
Less mess: Air frying is less messy than deep-frying, as there is no oil splattering and less clean-up required.
Conclusion
Veg Manchurian in an air fryer is a healthier and easy-to-make option for those who love this Indo-Chinese dish. By using an air fryer, you can enjoy the same crispy texture of the vegetable balls without the excessive oil and calories. The dish is also customizable, allowing you to experiment with different vegetables and spices to create your own variation. So, next time you crave Veg Manchurian, give it a try in your air fryer!
