Mirchi Bhajii is a popular snack from Andhra Pradesh. It’s made with green chillies stuffed with tangy tamarind paste, coated in a crispy chickpea flour batter, and fried until golden. This air fryer version gives you the same crunchy and spicy taste as the traditional deep-fried ones, but uses much less oil.
Ingredients
UNITSIngredients
6 tbspTamarind paste (For the Stuffing)
1 tbspSesame seeds (dry roasted and powdered)
1 tspCoriander powder
1 tspCumin powder
1/2 tspSalt
1 cupBesan (chickpea flour) (For the Batter)
2 tbspRice flour
1/4 tspAjwain (carrom seeds)
1/4 tspHaldi (turmeric powder)
1/2 tspSalt
120 mLWater (or as needed for thick batter)
8-10Light green long chillies (mirchi) slit lengthwise, deseeded
1 tsp Oil (for brushing)
Air fryers
Follow
Directions
Description - Step 1
Step 1: Prepare the Chillies
Wash and pat dry the green chillies. Slit each one lengthwise, making a pocket but not cutting all the way through. Use a small spoon to scrape out the seeds and white pith to reduce the heat.
Description - Step 2
Step 2: Make the Tamarind Stuffing
In a small pan, dry roast the sesame seeds until lightly browned and aromatic. Cool and grind to a fine powder. In a bowl, mix the sesame powder, tamarind paste, coriander powder, cumin powder and 1/2 tsp salt into a thick paste.
Description - Step 3
Step 3: Stuff the Chillies
Using your fingers or a butter knife, carefully fill the pocket of each chilli with the tamarind paste, pressing it in gently. Set aside.
Description - Step 4
Step 4: Prepare the Batter
In a large bowl, combine the besan, rice flour, ajwain, turmeric and 1/2 tsp salt. Gradually add the water, whisking constantly to prevent lumps, until you have a smooth batter thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Description - Step 5
Step 5: Coat and Air Fry
Preheat the air fryer to 200°C. Line the basket with perforated parchment paper or a silicone liner. Dip each stuffed chilli in the batter, turning to coat evenly, then place in the air fryer basket. Make sure the bhajjis aren't touching. Air fry for 8 minutes, then brush lightly with oil, increase the temperature to 220°C and air fry for 2-3 more minutes until crisp and browned. Work in batches if needed.
Description - Step 6
Step 6: Serve Hot
Remove the Mirchi Bhajjis from the air fryer and serve immediately with green chutney, tomato ketchup or your favourite dipping sauce. Enjoy while hot and crispy!