Air Fryer Gobi Manchurian

Method

1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cauliflower florets and parboil for 2-3 minutes. Drain thoroughly and pat completely dry with a kitchen towel. Any excess moisture will prevent them from crisping up.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornflour, red chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Gradually add the water, whisking until you have a smooth, thick, lump-free batter.

3. Add the parboiled and dried cauliflower florets to the batter and toss well until each piece is evenly coated.

4. Preheat the air fryer to 190°C (375°F). Lightly grease the air fryer basket with oil or cooking spray. Place the battered florets in a single layer in the basket, making sure they are not overcrowded (cook in batches if necessary).

5. Air fry for 12-15 minutes at 190°C (375°F), until golden brown and crispy. Shake the basket or flip the florets halfway through cooking to ensure even crisping. Set the crispy cauliflower aside.

6. While the cauliflower is air-frying, prepare the sauce. Heat the oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat. Add the chopped ginger, garlic, and green chili and sauté for about a minute until fragrant.

7. Add the diced onion and capsicum and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften but still retain some crunch.

8. Stir in the soy sauce, tomato ketchup, red chili sauce, vinegar, and sugar. Mix well and let the sauce simmer for a minute to allow the flavors to combine.

9. In a small bowl, make a slurry by mixing the cornflour with the water. Pour this into the sauce while stirring constantly. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy. Adjust salt to taste.

10. Add the air-fried cauliflower florets to the sauce and gently toss to coat them evenly.

11. Garnish with chopped spring onions and serve hot.

For the crispiest results, ensure the cauliflower florets are completely dry after parboiling. You can also double-coat them by dipping in the batter, coating in breadcrumbs, and then air frying. To reheat leftovers, pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore their crunch.