Gobi Manchurian is a popular Indo-Chinese dish. It is vegan, gluten-free, and served with rice or noodles. Check out this easy recipe to make dry gobi Manchurian in the air fryer for parties and potlucks.
In a bowl, add the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, and red chili powder.
Slowly add water and mix it with a whisk until a smooth batter is formed. The batter should flow freely but should not be runny nor too thick.
Add the cauliflower florets to the batter and coat them well and evenly with the help of a spoon.
Air fry cauliflower florets
Preheat the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 390°F.
Spray some oil in the air fryer basket with an oil sprayer.
Place the coated cauliflower florets in the air fryer and cook for 10 minutes.
Open the air fryer basket after 5-6 minutes and spray some oil on the cauliflower florets.
Continue to cook for the remaining time.
Open the air fryer basket and shake the florets.
Air fry for another 2 minutes at 390°F.
Check for doneness with a fork. The top of the cauliflower will be crispy and the inside well cooked.
Make gobi manchurian gravy
Place a frying pan on the stove on medium heat.
Add oil, once the oil is hot, add onions, scallion whites, ginger, garlic, and green chilies.
Saute for a few minutes until onions are translucent.
Add soy sauce, chili sauce, salt, and sugar, and mix well.
Saute everything for about 1-2 minutes.
Add water and continue to cook until the gravy starts bubbling.
Prepare a cornstarch slurry by mixing water and cornstarch and ensuring there are no lumps.
Pour the cornstarch slurry in the gravy, a teaspoon at a time, until you get a desired consistency.
Allow the gravy to boil for a minute, the gravy will have a shiny glaze.
Add the pepper and cauliflower florets and mix well.
Add scallion greens and turn off the flame.
Notes
The air frying time will vary depending on the size of the cauliflower florets.
Substitutions
Tamari sauce - instead of soy sauce, you can use tamari sauce to make it gluten-free.
Rice flour - instead of cornstarch, you can use rice flour to make the batter.
Variations
Deep fry - instead of the air fryer, the gobi florets can be deep fried on medium-high heat until golden brown and crispy.
Spicy - add more serrano pepper to make it spicy.
Gravy - to enjoy it as a main course, you can make a gravy version by adding two more cups of water and a little bit more cornstarch slurry if needed. You can adjust the salt and pepper according to your taste. Add the florets to the gravy just before serving.