- By Ridam Sharma
- Mon, 03 Aug 2026 02:11 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Protein-Rich Pakora Recipe: A rainy day without crisp pakoras seems incomplete. So, this monsoon, if you also crave something hot, crispy, comforting, and healthy, opt for this protein-rich pakora recipe that brings all that goodness without the guilt of deep frying. This recipe is made with wholesome ingredients and cooked more lightly; it is a perfect tea-time snack for rainy evenings.
What Makes This Pakora Recipe Protein-Rich And Healthy?
This easy protein-rich pakora recipe is made with sprouts, besan, and puffed rice (murmura). Unlike traditional deep-fried pakoras, these are air-fried or cooked in a pan using very little oil, making them a lighter yet delicious option.
Key Protein-Packed Ingredients:
Ingredient | Benefit |
Sprouts | Packed with plant-based protein, fibre, vitamins, and minerals. |
Paneer | High-quality protein and calcium, making the pakoras soft and filling. |
Besan | A protein- and fibre-rich flour that helps bind the mixture. |
Murmura | Adds crunch with fewer calories than deep-fried coatings. |
Air-frying/Pan-cooking | Uses much less oil than deep frying while keeping the pakoras crispy. |
Ingredients You'll Need To Make Protein-Rich Pakora Recipe:
Ingredient | Quantity |
Onion, finely chopped | 1 medium |
Mixed sprouts | 1 cup |
Grated/crumbled paneer | ½ cup (75–100g) |
Besan (gram flour) | ½ cup (add 1–2 tbsp more if needed) |
Murmura (puffed rice) | 1 cup |
Jeera (cumin seeds) | 1 tsp |
Green chillies, finely chopped | 1–2 |
Grated ginger | 1 tsp |
Ajwain (carom seeds) | ½ tsp |
Salt | To taste |
Chopped coriander (optional) | 2 tbsp |
Oil (for pan cooking, optional) | 1–2 tsp |
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Step-By-Step Recipe Instructions:
- Step 1: Take a clean and big bowl, add chopped onion, grated paneer and mixed sprouts in it.
- Step 2: Then, add jeera, green chillies, grated ginger, ajwain, and salt to taste.
- Step 3. Now, finally add besan and murmura to the bowl.
- Step 4. With the help of your hands, mix the batter together; the mixture should retain some texture.
- Step 5. Then, shape the batter into small bite-sized pakoras using your hands.
- Step 6. Place the pakoras in an air fryer and cook at 180°C for 12–15 minutes, turning them halfway through until golden and crisp.
- Step 7. You can also make these pakoras on tawa; just lightly grease your tawa and cook the pakoras on low flame, flipping occasionally until they are evenly browned and cooked through.
- Step 8: Voila, your healthy protein-rich pakora recipe is ready to serve hot.
Serving Suggestion:
Serve these crispy protein-rich pakoras with homemade green chutney for a comforting and nutritious monsoon snack.
Tips For Extra Crispy, Low-Oil Pakoras
- In case the batter feels too dry, you can add 1-2 teaspoons of water.
- Crumbed paneer is better to add to the mix than cubed, because grated paneer also helps to bind the pakora batter.
- You can also add chopped coriander leaves into the batter for added refreshing flavours.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Add 4-5 pakoras at a time.
- Pakoras taste best when hot.
ALSO READ: Chef Ranveer Brar Shares Quick And Yummy Soya Chilli Manchurian Recipe: Step-By-Step Guide
Lastly, this protein-rich, healthy pakora recipe proves that you do not need excess oil to enjoy a crunchy, satisfying snack. Serve it fresh with your favourite chutney and make your monsoon breaks both tasty and nourishing.
Additionally, it is important to know that a healthy diet is not just about healthy ingredients, but also about portion control, and that eating in moderation helps maintain health in the long run.
