Cauliflower Gobi 65
Gobi 65 delivers all the fiery, crispy goodness of the classic South Indian restaurant appetizer with a fraction of the oil. Cauliflower florets are marinated in ginger, garlic, and spices, coated in a gluten-free chickpea flour batter, and air-fried to absolute perfection. It's a healthier, vegan-friendly snack that's utterly addictive and perfect for parties, game day, or a flavorful side dish. Ready in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients
For the First Marination:
- 1 Large head of Cauliflower Cut into bite-sized florets
- 1 tsp Ginger paste
- 1 tsp Garlic paste
- ½ tsp Salt 🧂
- ½ tsp Turmeric powder
- 1 tbsp Lemon juice
For the Second Coating (Batter):
- ½ cup Chickpea flour esan
- 2 tbsp Rice flour for extra crispiness
- 1 tbsp Cornstarch or arrowroot powder
- 1.5 tsp Kashmiri red chili powder for color and mild heat
- ½ tsp Garam masala
- ½ tsp Ground cumin
- ½ tsp Ground coriander
- ¼ tsp Baking soda Secret for a light, crispy crust!
- Salt to taste
- ⅓ cup Water Adjust as needed
For the Air Frying & Finishing:
- Avocado oil or any high-heat oil spray
- 1 tbsp Chopped cilantro
- 1 tbsp Chopped mint leaves
- A squeeze of fresh lemon juice
- Thinly sliced onion and lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prep and First Marination: Start by washing your cauliflower florets thoroughly.Pat them completely dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. This is a crucial step! Any excess water will steam the cauliflower and prevent it from getting crispy. Place the dry florets in a large mixing bowl. Add the ginger paste, garlic paste, salt, turmeric powder, and lemon juice. Using your hands, massage the marinade into every nook and cranny of the cauliflower. Set this aside for at least 10-15 minutes while you prepare the batter. This allows the flavors to penetrate and the acid to tenderize the florets slightly.
- Create the Spiced Batter: In a separate bowl,whisk together all the dry ingredients for the batter: chickpea flour, rice flour, cornstarch, Kashmiri red chili powder, garam masala, cumin, coriander, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add water, a few tablespoons at a time, whisking continuously. You are aiming for a thick, pancake-batter-like consistency that will heavily coat the back of a spoon. It should not be runny or watery. If it is, add a bit more chickpea flour. If it's too thick, add a teaspoon more water.Please Also Check Our Air Fryer Tandoori Chicken 🍗
- Coat the Cauliflower: Pour the spiced batter over the marinated cauliflower florets.Gently fold everything together until each floret is uniformly and generously coated in the vibrant red batter. Don't be afraid to get your hands in there to ensure even coverage.
- Preheat and Load the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F(190°C) for about 3 minutes. This helps kickstart the cooking process for maximum crispness. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil. Arrange the battered cauliflower florets in a single layer, ensuring they are not crowded. You will likely need to cook in batches for the best results. Lightly spray the top of the florets with oil—this will help them brown and crisp up beautifully.
- Air Fry to Perfection: Air fry for 12-15 minutes,pausing to shake the basket or flip the florets halfway through the cooking time. Keep a close eye on them after the 10-minute mark. They are done when the coating is deeply reddish-brown, crispy, and the cauliflower is tender but not mushy.
- The Final Toss: As soon as the cauliflower comes out of the air fryer,place it in a clean bowl. While it's still piping hot, toss it with the chopped cilantro, mint, and an extra squeeze of lemon juice. This final flourish adds a layer of fresh, aromatic flavor that makes all the difference.
- Serve Immediately: Serve your Air Fryer Gobi 65 immediately while it's hot and crispy!Traditional accompaniments include thinly sliced raw onions, lemon wedges, and a cool cilantro-mint chutney or even a simple vegan raita for dipping.If You like This Recipe Please Check Paneer Tikka – A Smoky Restaurant-Style Treat at Home
Notes
🔹️Spice Level: Kashmiri chili powder provides fantastic color without overwhelming heat. For a spicier kick, add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the batter.
🔹️Avoid Sogginess: The key to crispiness is dry cauliflower and not overcrowding the air fryer basket. Patience with batches is rewarded!
🔹️Oven Method: No air fryer? No problem. Bake on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
🔹️Make it a Meal: Turn this snack into a main course by serving it over a bed of lemon rice or cilantro rice with a side of dal.
🔹️There you have it! A healthier, hassle-free way to enjoy a restaurant-quality Indian snack right in your own kitchen. This Air Fryer Cauliflower Gobi 65 is sure to become a regular in your recipe rotation. Happy cooking
Nutrition
Calories: 500kcal
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