I recently tried this Baby Corn Manchurian in the air fryer, and I have to say, it’s become a new favorite in my household!
The baby corn turns out incredibly crispy without the excess oil, and the combination of veggies and sauces brings that irresistible Indo-Chinese flavor we all love. I love making this when I’m craving something crunchy yet healthy.
It’s perfect as a snack, a party appetizer, or even a side with fried rice or noodles. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll keep coming back for more!
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Course: Appetizer, Snack
- Cuisine: Indo-Chinese
- Servings: 4
- Calories: 180 kcal per serving
- Estimated Cost: $8
Equipment Needed
- Air Fryer
- Mixing Bowl
- Non-stick Pan
- Tongs or spatula
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- 8-10 baby corns, cut into 4 pieces each
- 3 tbsp cornflour
- 3 tbsp rice flour
- ½ cup onions, capsicum, and cabbage, cut into large pieces
- 2 tbsp tomato puree
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp green chili sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- Salt, to taste
- Red chili powder, to taste
- 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tsp oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Baby Corn:
Start by washing the baby corns and cutting each one into four pieces. This ensures they are bite-sized and easy to coat. - Make the Batter:
In a mixing bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of rice flour, 3 tablespoons of cornflour, salt, and a teaspoon of ginger-garlic paste. Add water slowly to make a smooth batter. The consistency should be medium – not too thick or too thin, just enough to coat the baby corn evenly. - Air Fry the Baby Corn:
Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F) for about 5 minutes. Meanwhile, coat each piece of baby corn in the batter. Place the battered baby corn in the air fryer basket in a single layer and air fry at 180°C for 8-10 minutes, or until golden and crispy. Shake the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. Remove and let them cool slightly. - Prepare the Stir-Fry Vegetables:
While the baby corn is air-frying, heat 1 teaspoon of oil in a non-stick pan. Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Toss in the chopped onions, capsicum, and cabbage. Stir-fry on high heat for just a minute – you want the veggies to stay crunchy. - Make the Sauce:
Add the tomato puree, soy sauce, green chili sauce, and honey to the pan. Stir everything together. To thicken the sauce, mix a little rice flour with water and pour it into the pan. Allow the sauce to simmer and thicken for about 2 minutes. - Combine and Serve:
Once the sauce has thickened, add the air-fried baby corn and gently toss everything so that the baby corn is well-coated with the sauce and veggies. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to let the flavors meld together. - Serve:
Serve hot, garnished with spring onions or fresh coriander. Enjoy this crispy, flavorful Baby Corn Manchurian as an appetizer or snack!
Also, check out how to prepare tasty soya chaap curry.
Cooking Tips
- Crispier Baby Corn: For an extra crispy texture, you can double-air fry the baby corn. Air fry them once, let them cool, and then air fry again for 3-4 minutes before adding them to the sauce.
- Adjust the Spice Level: Feel free to tweak the amount of green chili sauce and red chili powder to suit your spice preference. You can also add crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Veggie Variations: If you don’t have cabbage or capsicum on hand, you can use bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas instead.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 5g
- Fiber: 3g
Additional Tips for Perfect Baby Corn Manchurian
- Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the batter-coated baby corn ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, just pop them into the air fryer for a quick snack.
- Vegan Alternative: To make this recipe fully vegan, swap out the honey for agave syrup or maple syrup. The sweetness will balance the spices just as well.
- Sauce Thickness: If the sauce becomes too thick, simply add a splash of water or vegetable broth to adjust the consistency.
- Crispier Texture: For an extra crispy finish, lightly spray the baby corn with cooking oil before air-frying. This will give you that deep-fried crunch without the excess oil.
- Extra Flavor: Add a dash of white vinegar or lemon juice to the sauce right at the end for a tangy kick that brightens the flavors.
Serving Suggestions
- As an Appetizer: Serve the baby corn Manchurian as an appetizer at parties or gatherings, with toothpicks for easy dipping.
- With Fried Rice: Pair it with vegetable fried rice or noodles to create a complete Indo-Chinese meal.
- Healthy Snack: Serve as a healthy evening snack alongside a cool cucumber yogurt dip to balance the heat from the chili sauce.
Variations You Can Try
- Paneer Manchurian: Swap out baby corn for paneer cubes if you’re in the mood for a protein-packed option.
- Mixed Veg Manchurian: Use a combination of cauliflower, broccoli, and baby corn for a mixed veggie version.
- Spicy Garlic Manchurian: Add extra garlic and double the chili sauce for a spicier, garlic-heavy flavor.
Storing and Reheating
- Storing: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes at 180°C to maintain crispiness.
- Reheating Tips: Avoid microwaving the Manchurian as it will make the baby corn soggy. Instead, reheat in the oven or air fryer to retain the crunchy texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen baby corn for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen baby corn, but make sure to thaw and pat them dry before using. Excess moisture may prevent the batter from sticking properly and result in less crispy corn.
What can I use instead of cornflour?
If you don’t have cornflour, you can substitute it with arrowroot powder or all-purpose flour. These alternatives will give a similar crispy coating but may slightly alter the texture.
Can I bake the baby corn instead of air frying?
Absolutely! If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the coated baby corn in the oven. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F), place the baby corn on a greased baking sheet, and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Can I skip the tomato puree?
Yes, you can skip the tomato puree if you prefer a drier version of the Manchurian or if you don’t have it on hand. You can also replace it with a bit of ketchup or a dash of tomato sauce for a different flavor profile.
Last Words
After making this Baby Corn Manchurian in the air fryer, I’m genuinely thrilled with how it turned out. It’s one of those recipes that gives you the satisfaction of crispy, indulgent food without the guilt of deep frying. The flavors are perfectly balanced, and I love how easy it is to customize the spice levels and even swap in different veggies if you’re feeling creative.