Gobi Manchurian Recipe in Air Fryer - Crispy & Healthy Version You’ll Love

Today we can discuss something most of us struggle with: binging on our favorite Indo-Chinese street food without the guilt. A sizzling plate of Gobi Manchurian most certainly doesn’t help. The perfect crunch on the outside, the spicy and tangy sauce that clings to that florets and the aroma that hits all the right notes. 

My question is what if I tell you, “what if you could have the same delicious Gobi Manchurian with all the crunch and flavor but none of the guilt”.

That’s right it’s possible! Gobi Manchurian can now be guilt-free. A very simple change can be made: an air fryer

The use of air fryers has suddenly exploded in many Indian kitchens. So today we can talk about an easy recipe of Gobi Manchurian in an air fryer. This one is absolutely as delicious as the restaurant style, maybe even better!

Why Make Gobi Manchurian in an Air Fryer?

Credits: Glen India

• Air fryers use significantly less oil, which means lower calories and saturated fat content.
• You get the same crispy texture as deep frying, without the mess of hot oil and all the cleaning that comes with it.
• Cooking in an air fryer is faster, cleaner, and much more efficient.
• You can experiment with the same method for other veggies or dishes, once you get the hang of it.

Ingredients 

For the Gobi (Cauliflower)

• 1 medium-sized cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
• 4 tablespoons cornflour
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (maida)
• 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• Water as required to make a thick batter
• 1 tablespoon oil (for brushing or spraying)

For the Manchurian Sauce

• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped garlic
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped ginger
• 2 tablespoons chopped spring onions (white part)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 small capsicum (bell pepper), diced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon red chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon tomato ketchup
• 1/2 teaspoon vinegar
• 1 teaspoon cornflour mixed in 2 tablespoons water
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander and green onions (green part) for garnish
  
  

Step Wise Recipe: How to Make Gobi Manchurian in Air Fryer

Credits: Glen India

1. Prepping the Cauliflower

• First, wash the cauliflower florets thoroughly and soak them in warm salted water for 10 minutes. This helps get rid of any hidden impurities or insects.
• Drain the florets and pat them completely dry using a kitchen towel. This step is crucial because moisture can make the coating soggy.
  

2. Making the Batter

• In a mixing bowl, combine cornflour, all-purpose flour, ginger-garlic paste, salt,pepper, and red chili powder.
• Slowly add water to form a thick, smooth batter. It should be thick enough to coat the florets well.
• Toss the dry cauliflower florets in the batter, ensuring each piece is well coated.
  

3. Air Frying the Cauliflower

• Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (about 390°F) for 4-5 minutes.
•  Arrange the battered florets in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Do not overcrowd.
• Lightly spray or brush them with oil.
• Cook at 200°C for 15-18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. You’ll see the florets turn beautifully golden and crispy.

4. Preparing the Manchurian Sauce

Credits: Canva

• a pan or wok, heat a tablespoon of oil.
• Add chopped garlic, ginger, and the white part of the spring onions. Sauté for a minute until fragrant.
• Add chopped onions and capsicum. Cook for 2-3 minutes until they soften slightly.
• Now add soy sauce, chili sauce, tomato ketchup, and vinegar. Mix well.
• Add the cornflour-water slurry to thicken the sauce. Stir continuously to avoid lumps.
• Add salt to taste and let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes.
  

5. Combining the Two

• Once your air-fried gobi is ready and your sauce has reached the desired consistency, add the crispy florets into the sauce.
• Toss everything together quickly so that the sauce coats the gobi evenly. Keep the heat high so that the crunch is maintained.
  

6. Garnish and Serve

• Garnish with freshly chopped coriander and green onion stalks.
• Serve immediately as a starter or even as a side dish to noodles or fried rice.
  

Tips to Make It Perfect Every Time

• Always dry the cauliflower well after washing. Any moisture can ruin the crispiness.
• Don't skip preheating the air fryer. It ensures even cooking.
• For extra crispiness, you can double-coat the florets by dipping them in batter again before air frying.
• If you prefer a dry version, reduce the sauce quantity accordingly.
• Want it spicier? Add green chilies or increase the chili sauce.

Why This Recipe Works for Every Lifestyle

Credits: Freepik

Gobi Manchurian often get a bad rep for being too greasy or unhealthy, especially when deep fried. This air fryer version gives you all the bold flavors and satisfying crunch with just a fraction of the oil. It’s ideal for people who are:

• Trying to lose weight but don’t want to give up on their favorite foods
• Parents looking for a healthier snack for their kids
• Fitness enthusiasts craving a cheat meal that’s not really a cheat
• Anyone who enjoys good food but wants to keep cholesterol and heart health in check

Plus, making this at home means you control everything—from the spice level to the ingredients. No MSG, no food coloring, just wholesome goodness.

Air Fryer vs Deep Frying: The Real Deal

• Traditional deep-fried Gobi Manchurian can absorb a lot of oil, making it heavy and calorie-dense.
• Air-fried Gobi Manchurian uses 90% less oil, yet gives you that same crunch and flavor.
• Cleaning up after air frying is a breeze compared to dealing with greasy frying pans and leftover oil.

The convenience and health benefits make this air fryer recipe a total win.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

• Store the gobi and sauce separately to maintain crispiness.
• Keep them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheat the gobi in the air fryer for 4-5 minutes at 180°C. Heat the sauce in a pan and combine them just before serving.

Conclusion

The perception that nutritious meals cannot be indulgent is entirely false. The air fryer Gobi Manchurian proves that you can enjoy your favorite foods without guilt with a few smart swaps. It’s crispy, spicy, and satisfies the taste buds and gives that nice feeling of eating something that's good for you.

And if you are looking for an air fryer that gives you the same output each and every time, check out Glen India’s range of air fryers which combines modern technology with the day to day Indian culinary requirements.