Gobi Manchurian in Air Fryer - The Flavor Bells

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If you're a fan of Indo-Chinese cuisine, then you're sure to love this recipe for delicious air fryer Gobi Manchurian. Skip deep frying and make Gobi Manchurian in an air fryer with very little oil without compromising the crispy texture and taste.

air fryer gobi manchurian served with vegetable fried rice

A Manchurian recipe is typically made by deep-frying cauliflower florets coated in a batter and then tossing them in a spicy-sweet sauce. But with this air frying method, you can achieve the same crispy texture without all the added oil.

If you have tried my frozen cauliflower, broccoli, green beans, okra, and Brussel sprouts in an air fryer, then you will enjoy these air fryer tofu nuggets as well.

Air fryer is ideal to cook appetizers like frozen French fries, mozzarella sticks, frozen spring rolls, frozen potstickers, etc.

What makes this air fryer Gobi Manchurian special?

Quickest. It is hands down the quickest method to cook this Indo Chinese Gobi Manchurian. The air fryer heats much faster than oil and cooks the food very efficiently and quickly.
Safe and hands-off. If you shy away from deep frying recipes, this air fryer gobi Manchurian recipe is for you. Unlike deep frying, making gobi Manchurian in an air fryer does not need your active participation. You can go with your household chores and let the air fryer do its job.
Crispy and most delicious Tofu nuggets. They taste delicious and way better than baked ones.
No oil is required for air frying Gobi Manchurian. You can make it an oil-free recipe. Make them healthy and move away from traditional way fatty ways.
Vegan Recipe: This recipe is inherently vegan.

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What makes this air fryer Gobi Manchurian special?
🥘 Air Fryer Gobi Manchurian Ingredients
🍶Equipment
🔪How to prepare Gobi Manchurian in an air fryer
🫙Storage Instructions
♨️Reheating Instructions
💭Pro Tips for Gobi Manchurian in air fryer
❓Frequently Asked Questions
🍽 Related Air Fryer recipes:
📝 Recipe Card
Air Fryer Gobi Manchurian
📋Nutrition Facts

🥘 Air Fryer Gobi Manchurian Ingredients

images showing ingredients used in gobi manchurian recipe

Cauliflower/ Gobi

The key ingredient is cauliflower. You can use whichever type of fresh cauliflower you can get. White cauliflower, purple cauliflower, green cauliflower, or orange cauliflower, anyone will work just fine. But since white cauliflower is the most accessible, I have used it in this recipe of Gobi Manchurian made in an air fryer.

You can also use frozen cauliflower florets, but fresh cauliflower works best.

Pepper/ capsicum

I have used orange pepper in this recipe. Any color of pepper will work just fine.

Red Onions

Though red onions work best in the Manchurian recipes in case of non-availability, you can replace red onions with yellow onions.

Fresh Garlic and Ginger

Fresh garlic and ginger must in making any Indo-Chinese recipe and this recipe is no exception.

And you cannot replace it with powdered or canned minced garlic. We need a fresh strong flavor of these two.

Vegetable oil

We need vegetable oil for making the Manchurian gravy. I have also used about a teaspoon of vegetable oil for brushing the battered gobi while it is cooking and air frying. Though you can omit oil if you want to cut down on fats.

gobi manchurian in a pan and fried rice in a bowl

Soy sauce

Dark soy sauce works best though you can use light soy sauce also. I like to use low-sodium soy sauce.

Red Chili sauce or hot sauce

You can use something very basic like Huy Fong, Cholula, Franks RedHot, buffalo sauce, or any fancy hot sauce that you like. I used Indian red chili sauce in the air fryer Manchurian recipe. Just adjust the quantity as per your heat tolerance.

Tomato ketchup

Use the tomato ketchup that you have at home. Adjust the amount of chili powder if you are using some hot and spicy ketchup.

White Vinegar

Artificial white vinegar is most used in Gobi Manchurian recipes. Though you can replace it with any neutral-flavored vinegar.

MSG (Monosodium glutamate)

Also known as Ajinomoto gives the authentic umami flavor to the air fryer Gobi Manchurian recipe. It is optional.

Ingredients for the batter

Corn Starch: You can replace the corn starch with tapioca starch.

All-purpose flour: It gives body to the batter.

Spices and flavorings: You can add whatever spice and flavor you like. I have just added some salt, black pepper, chili powder, and garlic powder. You could add a little bit of hot sauce if you want more heat. Chili powder can be substituted with freshly crushed black pepper. You can substitute garlic powder with finely minced garlic.

🍶Equipment

Air fryer

I am using an 8 qt air fryer. You might be using a smaller or oven-sized air fryer. Find the details for using them in the procedure section.

🔪How to prepare Gobi Manchurian in an air fryer

collage of images showing stages in battering and air frying gobi Manchurian

Step 1 Prep Ingredients

Start by preparing the veggies first. Cut the cauliflower to separate even-sized florets. Soak them in hot water with salt and let it sit for 15 minutes. Now wash thoroughly under running cold water. Now let the cauliflower dry. You can use a paper towel or a clean kitchen towel to pat dry the washed cauliflower florets.

Alongside also wash and thinly slice a pepper. You also need to thinly slice onions and mince garlic and ginger. Set all these prepped veggies aside and make the batter for air-frying gobi florets.

Step 2 Make the batter

Spread a tablespoon of flour on the washed and dried cauliflower florets. It absorbs all the left-out moisture. Now, in a bowl add all the dry ingredients for the batter. Whisk and combine everything to incorporate spices evenly throughout the flour and cornstarch. Now add water. I added 5 tablespoons of water to make the batter. Whisk to make an even and smooth batter.

Step 3 Coat cauliflower florets in the batter

Now pour batter over the cauliflower florets and coat them nicely with the batter.

You can also place them in a ziplocked bag and then add the batter. Shake to coat every floret evenly.

Step 4 Air fry battered cauliflower

Preheat the air fryer for 3 minutes at 370^o F and then place the batter-coated cauliflower florets in the air fryer basket. You can also use parchment paper or a silicone mat for mess-free air frying.

Air fry the cauliflowers at 370^o F for 16-18 minutes or until they turn crispy. Do not forget to flip them halfway through the cooking time.

Add ⅓ cup of water to the bowl that had the battered cauliflower. Wipe the edges and a tablespoon of cornstarch. Mix well to make a cornstarch slurry and set aside. We will add this to the Gobi Manchurian gravy.

Step 5 Making gravy for the air fryer Gobi Manchurian

step by step pprocess of making manchurian using cauliflower

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic, grated ginger, and finely chopped onion to the pan, and stir fry for a few seconds until fragrant. You can also add chopped spring onions at this point.

Then add tomato ketchup, Chili sauce, vinegar, and soy sauce to the pan, and stir well.

Now, add the cornstarch slurry and stir well. Bring the mixture to a boil. Add ½ teaspoon of salt (or to taste) and stir well.

Reduce the heat to low, and let the gravy simmer for a few minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency. I have made more of a dry Gobi Manchurian. Taste the Manchurian sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Step 6 Add air-fried cauliflower to the gravy

Now add the air fried cauliflower florets to the Manchurian gravy. Mix to coat well. Add spring onion and remove to a serving plate. Serve hot with fried rice or noodles.

🫙Storage Instructions

Leftover air fryer Gobi Manchurian can be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. Here are the steps you can follow:

Allow the Gobi Manchurian to cool down to room temperature before storing it.

Use an airtight container with a lid that fits tightly.

Place the leftover Gobi Manchurian in the container and cover it with the lid.

Label the container with the name and date, so you can easily identify it later.

Store the container in the refrigerator.

♨️Reheating Instructions

When you're ready to reheat the Gobi Manchurian, you can either air fry it, microwave it or reheat it on the stovetop.

For air frying transfer the leftover Manchurian to a pparchment-linedair fryer basket and air fry it at 340 ^oF for 4-5 minutes or until hot.

To microwave, simply transfer the Gobi Manchurian to a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a lid or microwave-safe wrap, and heat on high for 1-2 minutes until hot.

For reheating on the stovetop, transfer the Gobi Manchurian to a pan and heat it over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until hot.

a close up shot of the gobi manchurian made using the air fryer

💭Pro Tips for Gobi Manchurian in air fryer

Replace red onions with shallots or yellow onions.
Substitute fresh ginger and garlic with ginger garlic paste.
The batter should be very thin else the air-fried cauliflower Manchurian will not be crispy.
You can substitute corn starch with tapioca starch.
Do not forget to flip the Gobi Manchurian halfway through the cooking time. This ensures even cooking on all sides.
There could be a differential of 2-3 minutes to get the same results with different types or sizes of air fryers. So, pull out the air fryer basket towards the end of the cooking time and see for yourself, how much more time you need.
You can adjust the amount of water and cornstarch to achieve the desired thickness of the gravy. Additionally, you can add other seasonings or ingredients to customize the flavor to your liking.

❓Frequently Asked Questions

Is air-fried Gobi Manchurian Healthy?

Gobi Manchurian made in an air fryer is a healthier alternative to the traditional deep-fried version of the dish, but its overall healthiness will depend on the specific recipe and ingredients used.

Gobi Manchurian typically consists of cauliflower florets that are coated in a batter made with all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and various spices, and then deep-fried until crispy. Therefore, it is high in calories, and full of unhealthy fats, and sodium.

Air frying is a healthier way to prepare this dish because it uses little to no oil, which reduces the calorie and fat content. However, it's important to note that even air fryers may still require a small amount of oil to achieve the desired crispy texture.

To make gluten-free air-fried Gobi Manchurian, consider using rice flour, chickpea flour, or other healthy flour instead of all-purpose flour. You can also use a low-sodium soy sauce and reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe. Additionally, incorporating more vegetables and reducing the amount of starch and oil can also help make the dish healthier. It's important to choose the ingredients that align with your personal health goals and dietary preferences.

Is gobi Manchurian an Indian or Chinese dish?

Gobi Manchurian is a dish that is commonly served in Indian restaurants, especially in the northern and western parts of India. It is a fusion dish that combines Indian cooking techniques and ingredients with Chinese flavors and influences.

The dish is made with cauliflower florets that are first coated in a spiced batter, deep-fried until crispy, and then tossed in a sweet and sour sauce that typically includes ingredients like soy sauce, garlic, ginger, tomato ketchup, and chili sauce. The name "Manchurian" is likely derived from the Manchurian region of China, which is known for its cuisine and which likely served as an inspiration for the dish.

So, while the dish has some Chinese influences, it is generally considered to be an Indian dish.

Why is my Gobi Manchurian not crispy?

There are several reasons why your Gobi Manchurian might not be crispy. Here are a few possible reasons:

1.     The batter: If the batter is too thin or watery, it may not coat the cauliflower evenly, resulting in a soggy texture. Try making a thicker batter by adding more corn flour or rice flour to the mixture.

2.     The oil temperature: If the oil is not hot enough, the Gobi Manchurian may not get crispy. Make sure the oil is hot enough (around 375°F or 190°C) before frying.

3.     Overcrowding: If you add too many pieces of cauliflower to the oil at once, the temperature of the oil will drop, resulting in a soggy texture. Fry the cauliflower in small batches to ensure that the oil temperature remains constant.

4.     The cauliflower: If the cauliflower is not dry before you coat it in the batter, the excess moisture can make the batter soggy. Make sure to pat the cauliflower dry with a paper towel before dipping it in the batter.

5.     The cooking time: If you overcook the Gobi Manchurian, it can become soft and lose its crispiness. Make sure to fry the cauliflower until it is just golden brown, and then remove it from the oil immediately.

By keeping these factors in mind and making adjustments, you can make your Gobi Manchurian crispy and delicious.

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I hope you will like this Gobi Manchurian recipe made in an air fryer recipe. Share it with friends if you find it helpful.

Till then,

Make it quick and delicious!

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Air Fryer Gobi Manchurian

Course Main Course

Cuisine Chinese, Indian

Keyword air fried gobi manchurian, air fryer gobi manchurian, cauliflower manchurian air fryer, dry gobi manchurian, gobi manchurian air fryer, healthy gobi manchurian

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 25

Total Time 35

Servings 4

Calories 173kcal

Author Meenakshi

Equipment

air fryer

Ingredients

Ingredients For Batter

4 tablespoon Corn Starch 3+1 tablespoon divided
4 tablespoon All-purpose flour 3+1 tablespoon divided
¼ teaspoon Black pepper
½ teaspoon Chili powder
½ teaspoon Salt
1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
5 tablespoon Water
1 tablespoon oil for brushing ( or cooking oil spray) optional

Ingredients for Gobi Manchurian Gravy

1 Cauliflower head Medium sized
1 Red Onion large ( thinly sliced)
5-6 Garlic cloves mined
1- inch Fresh Ginger grated
2 tablespoon Vegetable oil
2 tablespoon Soy sauce
1 tablespoon chili sauce
2 tablespoon Tomato Ketchup
½ teaspoon MSG optional
1 tablespoon White Vinegar