Karela chips, also known as bitter gourd crisps, made in an air fryer are a crunchy, flavorful snack—perfect for tea time. These chips are a healthier alternative to deep-fried versions and are simple to prepare.
Bitter gourd is naturally bitter but offers many health benefits. To reduce the bitterness, the slices are treated with salt and a little lemon juice, then rinsed and squeezed dry. After that they are thinly sliced, coated with spices and flours, and air fried until crisp.
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Healthy Karela Sabzi Recipe
How to Make Bharwa Karela
Karela (bitter gourd) is used with care in Indian cooking. I grew up eating simple karela stir fry as well as the more elaborate bharwa karela (stuffed bitter gourd). This chips recipe is an easy way to enjoy karela in a crispy, snackable form.
Health Benefits of Karela or Bitter Gourd:
1. Karela has long been part of diets for people with diabetes in India and is believed to help regulate blood sugar.
2. It may contribute to lowering bad cholesterol in the body.
3. Rich in antioxidants, karela supports skin and hair health.
4. High in fiber and vitamins, regular consumption can help with weight management when included in a balanced diet.
5. Its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties help purify the blood and aid in flushing out toxins.
Here is the karela chips recipe:
How to Make Karela Chips or Bitter Gourd Chips (with Pictures)
Start by thinly slicing the bitter gourd into rounds. Toss the slices with salt and 1 tsp lemon juice and set aside for 30 minutes. This draws out some of the bitterness.
After 30 minutes, squeeze out the released water and rinse the slices to remove excess salt. Pat them dry and they’re ready for marination.
Combine the dry spices with chickpea flour (besan) and rice flour, then sprinkle the mixture evenly over the bitter gourd slices. Mix well so each slice gets a light, even coating. Let them marinate for about 20 minutes.
After marination, add 1 tbsp oil and toss again. The oil helps the spice mixture adhere and aids in crisping during air frying.
Air Fry
Preheat the air fryer to 160°C (320°F) for 5 minutes. Lightly brush the basket or use parchment paper to prevent sticking, then arrange the coated bitter gourd slices in a single layer.
Air fry at 160°C for 10 minutes, turning once midway. Then increase the temperature to 200°C (390°F) and air fry for another 6–8 minutes, turning once more. The chips should become golden brown and crisp.
Serve hot with chai or as a crunchy snack. These are a healthier, crisp alternative to deep-fried chips and make a great accompaniment or appetizer.
Try this karela chips recipe and let me know how it turned out.
Karela Chips Recipe | Crispy Bitter Gourd Chips
Rachna Parmar
Pin Recipe
Equipment
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Airfryer
Ingredients
- 2 bitter gourd sliced into thin rounds
- 3 tbsp. chickpea flour or besan
- 1 tbsp. rice flour
- ½ tsp. carom seeds or ajwain
- 1 tsp. cayenne
- 1 tsp. amchur or dry mango powder
- 1 tsp. coriander powder
- 1 tsp. garam masala powder
- salt to taste
- 1 tsp. lemon juice
- 1 tbsp. oil
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Instructions
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Toss thinly sliced karela with salt and 1 tsp lemon juice and let rest for 30 minutes. Squeeze out the water and rinse to remove excess salt — this reduces bitterness.
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Sprinkle the spice powders, chickpea flour and rice flour over the slices and mix well so they are evenly coated.
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Allow the coated slices to marinate for about 20 minutes.
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Add 1 tbsp oil and toss so the spice coating adheres well.
Deep Fry
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If deep frying, heat oil and fry the rounds slowly until crispy. Drain on paper towel before serving.
Air Fry
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Preheat the air fryer to 160°C (320°F) for 5 minutes.
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Brush the basket or line with parchment and arrange the chips in a single layer to avoid overcrowding.
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Air fry at 160°C for 10 minutes, turning once midway.
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Increase temperature to 200°C (390°F) and air fry for another 6–8 minutes, turning once, until golden and crispy.
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The chips should be crisp and golden brown when ready.
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Serve hot with chai or as a crunchy snack.
Notes
2. To reduce bitterness further, add a little tamarind juice with salt when drawing out bitterness. If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the coated slices instead of deep frying.
3. Use a mandolin for even, thin slices—the thinner the slice, the crisper the chip.
Nutrition
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