Name: Gobi Manchurian In Air Fryer
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: ½ cup flour; 1/4 cup cornstarch; 1 tsp kashmiri red chili powder; ¼ tsp turmeric powder; ¾ cup water; Salt to taste; 1.5 lb cauliflower; 1 green bell pepper (diced); ¼ cup green onions (chopped); 1 tsp ginger (grated); 3 garlic cloves (chopped); 2 tbsp soy sauce; 2 tbsp tomato chili sauce (or hot sauce); 2 tbsp tomato ketchup; 2 tsp oil (sesame or olive ); Salt to taste; 2 tbsp cilantro (optional)

Air fryer Gobi Manchurian is a healthier alternative to the traditional deep-fried version.

This popular Indo-Chinese street food dish is typically air-fried cauliflower florets tossed in a sticky, sweet, and spicy red chili sauce.

A bowl of air fried gobi manchurian is on the table with forks by the side.

I have a great variation of the original Manchurian recipe by air frying the florets instead of deep frying. The result is a unique flavor that will tantalize your taste buds.

An air fryer allows you to enjoy your favorite dishes guilt-free, as it uses very little oil compared to deep-fried versions. You can now indulge in delicious chili gobi without worrying about the added calories and fat.

Like my air fryer recipes like lasuni gobi, tandoori gobi, and air fryer cauliflower 65, this recipe is perfect for those looking for healthier options without compromising taste and flavor.

My kids were very excited when I made this Indo-Chinese cauliflower Manchurian for the first time in the air fryer. They loved the crispy texture of florets simmered in the Manchurian gravy. You should try this too!

Jump to:

Why I love this dish
Ingredients
Instructions
Serving Suggestions
Variations
Top tips
Can I add store-bought Manchurian sauce?
Storage
Can I add any sweetener to the recipe?
Related recipes
📖 Recipe
Comments

Why I love this dish

This dish is a healthier version of the traditional deep-fried gobi manchurian, making it guilt-free and perfect for those watching their calorie intake.
The air fryer gives the cauliflower florets a crispy texture without excessive oil.
Using an air fryer, you can make this dish in just minutes, saving you time and effort.
It's a great main dish if you pair it with sticky rice and a side dish of sliced cucumbers.
This dish is a great way to add some variety to your meals while still incorporating healthy ingredients like cauliflower.
Lastly, make your favorite appetizer at home for a fraction of what you would pay for Chinese cuisine.

Ingredients

Cauliflower
Capsicum/bell peppers
Green onions
Soya sauce or tamari - for a gluten-free option.
Tomato ketchup or tomato sauce.
Chili sauce or sriracha - adjust according to your spice preference.
Vinegar or lemon juice - adds tanginess to the dish.
All-purpose flour, cornstarch, and spices

See the recipe card for a list of ingredients and quantities, plus recipe instructions. You can find the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Instructions

A bowl is with water and cauliflower florets.

Wash the cauliflower florets and place them in hot-boiled salt water for 30 minutes. Drain the water and set it aside.

A bowl is with flour batter and cauliflower dipped into them.

In a small bowl, prepare a thick batter by combining all-purpose flour, cornstarch (corn flour), and spices of your choice. Dip each cauliflower floret in the batter, ensuring it is evenly coated.

Place the battered cauliflower florets on a baking cooling rack to let the extra batter drip down.

Preheat the air fryer to 370°F for 3 minutes.

Air fryer basket is with batter coated cauliflower florets.

Place the cauliflower florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 15 minutes, shaking occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Repeat if you have a smaller air fryer basket.

Meanwhile, place a large pan over medium heat and add a few teaspoons of sesame oil.

A pan is with ginger and garlic over the heat.

Once hot, add the chopped spring onions, chopped ginger, and garlic. Cook for a minute or until golden brown.

A pan is with green onions, bell peppers for the Gobi Manchurian sauce.

Add the diced bell peppers and cook for 2 minutes or until slightly tender.

A pan is with Gobi Manchurian sauce over the heat.

Add tamari or dark soy sauce, ketchup, chili sauce, salt, cornstarch, and a tablespoon of water.

Gobi Manchurian sauce cooking over the stove top.

Mix well until everything until it is well combined.

Air fried Gobi is on the Manchurian sauce.

Add the air-fried cauliflower florets to the pan and toss them around with the sauce.

Cook for another minute on high heat so that all the ingredients are coated evenly in the sauce. Turn off the heat.

Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

Serving Suggestions

Accompanying Rice: Serve it with steamed jasmine or basmati rice for a satisfying meal.
With Noodles: You can toss it with some Hakka noodles or chow mein for a delightful one-pot meal.

Variations

Gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour like rice flour instead of all-purpose flour, and ensure your sauces are gluten-free too.
Spicier Version: Add extra red chili powder or red pepper flakes if you prefer your Gobi Manchurian spicier.

Top tips

If you don't have an air fryer, you can still make this dish by baking the cauliflower florets in the oven at 400°F for 20 minutes.
You could use ginger garlic paste if you do not have fresh ingredients.
For a crispier texture, lightly spray the batter-coated cauliflower florets with oil before placing them in the air fryer.

Can I add store-bought Manchurian sauce?

You can use store-bought Manchurian sauce instead of the homemade sauce mentioned in this recipe. However, read the ingredients carefully and choose a brand with minimal preservatives and additives.

Storage

This dish is best enjoyed immediately after cooking for maximum crispiness. You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the gobi Manchurian in the microwave for a few minutes until heated through.

Can I add any sweetener to the recipe?

The combination of tomato ketchup, and chili sauce, provides a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors. However, if you prefer a sweeter version, you can add 1-2 teaspoons of maple syrup or brown sugar to the sauce. Adjust the amount according to your taste preference.