As soon as the rainy season arrives, the thought of tea and piping-hot *pakodas* (fritters) comes to everyone's mind. However, if you are conscious about weight gain, cholesterol, or your general health, you might often avoid eating deep-fried *pakodas*.

Now, you don't need to compromise between taste and health. With the help of a few simple kitchen tricks and healthy cooking techniques, you can prepare *pakodas* that are just as crispy and delicious without using much oil.

Nowadays, appliances like air fryers, ovens, and non-stick pans have made healthy cooking easier. Additionally, incorporating ingredients like oats, semolina (*suji*), and lentils (*dal*) alongside gram flour (*besan*) makes the *pakodas* more nutritious. These *pakodas* are lower in calories while offering higher fiber and protein content.

That is why fitness enthusiasts, diabetics, and those trying to lose weight can confidently include them in their diet. If you too want to make delicious, oil-free *pakodas* this monsoon, this simple recipe is perfect for you.

**Easy Recipe for Healthy, Oil-Free Pakodas**

**Ingredients**

1 cup gram flour (*besan*)

2 tablespoons oats powder

1 small onion (finely chopped)

1 potato (thinly sliced)

Spinach or fenugreek (*methi*) leaves

1 green chili

Ginger paste

Turmeric powder

Red chili powder

Carom seeds (*ajwain*)

Salt to taste

A little water

1 teaspoon oil (for brushing)

Mix all these ingredients to prepare a thick batter.

**How ​​to make them in an Air Fryer or Oven**

Step 1- Preheat the air fryer to 180°C for 5 minutes.
Step 2- Make small *pakodas* from the batter and place them on the tray.
Step 3- Lightly brush the tops with oil.
Step 4- Cook them for 12-15 minutes.
Step 5- Flip them over once halfway through.
Step 6- If you don't have an air fryer, you can also bake them in an oven at the same temperature.

 Crispy pakoras can also be made on a tawa (griddle)

Step 1- If you don't have an air fryer, use a non-stick tawa.
Step 2- Lightly grease the tawa with oil and pour in the batter.
Step 3- Cook on both sides until golden brown.
Step 4- This results in pakoras that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

Serve these oil-free pakoras with mint-yogurt chutney, coriander chutney, or a homemade tomato-garlic dip. This enhances the flavor without adding extra calories.

Why these healthy pakoras are a better choice

These pakoras use 70-80% less oil compared to deep-fried versions.
The inclusion of oats and spinach makes them high in fiber, keeping you feeling full for longer.
They are also considered beneficial for weight management and digestion.

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