Air fryer recipe · Starters
Air-Fried Lauki Kofta Bites
Grated bottle gourd koftas turn golden and tender without a drop of frying oil.
- 24 minTotal time
- 190°CAir fryer
- 4Serves
- VegetarianDiet
Nutrition per serving
- 60kcal
- 3.2 gprotein
- 9.7 gcarbs
- 1.0 gfat
- 1.7 gfibre
Per serving, about 4 servings. Figures are estimates from standard ingredient databases, not medical, dietetic, or nutritional advice.
Ingredients
- Grated lauki (bottle gourd), squeezed dry2 cups
- Gram flour (besan)6 tbsp
- Ginger-green chilli paste1 tbsp
- Garam masala1 tsp
- Chopped coriander3 tbsp
- Saltto taste
Method
Drain the gourd
Squeeze the grated lauki hard inside a clean cloth until almost no water remains, then drop it into a mixing bowl. Removing the moisture is what stops the koftas from turning soggy or falling apart later.
Bind the dough
Add the besan, ginger-chilli paste, garam masala, coriander and salt to the gourd and mix into a soft, scoopable dough. If it feels wet, sprinkle in another spoon of besan until it just holds together.
Shape and chill
Roll the mixture into small walnut-sized balls between lightly oiled palms and rest them in the fridge for ten minutes. The short chill firms the dough so the koftas keep their round shape in the basket.
Mist and arrange
Brush or spray each ball with a thin coat of oil and place them in a single layer with space between, so hot air circulates around every side. Crowding the basket steams them instead of crisping them.
Air-fry until golden
Air-fry at 190C for 14 minutes, gently turning the koftas at the halfway mark for even colour. They are done when the shells are deep golden and firm to a light press.
