Air Fryer Bitter Gourd

I’m back on my everything can be air fried series and up today is bitter gourd! I know a lot of people are put off by the name, but it’s actually a palatable vegetable. Bitter gourd is also known as bitter melon and it has a really unique flavor that is both bitter and sweet. It’s often used in Asian cooking, but can be cooked in a variety of ways.

If you’ve never had bitter gourd before, I would recommend trying it air fried. It’s a great way to cook it because the air fryer helps to cut down on the bitterness. And, as an added bonus, it comes out nice and crispy.

How to fry bitter gourd in air fryer

Ingredients

• Bitter gourd (frozen, sliced)
• Oil
• Salt, to taste
• Chilli flakes

Instructions

1. Preheat your air fryer to 390F.
2. Add the sliced bitter gourd to the air fryer basket and cook for 2 minutes to defrost it.
3. After 2 minutes, remove from the air fryer basket spray with spray oil, sprinkle with chilli flakes and salt. 
4. Cook for 8 minutes. 

Recipe tips and variations

If you find that your bitter gourd is still too bitter, you can soak it in salt water for 30 minutes before cooking. This will help to draw out some of the bitterness.

You can also add other seasonings to the bitter gourd before air frying. Some other great options include garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.

For a little bit of sweetness, you could also drizzle a bit of honey over the cooked bitter gourd.

This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled if you’re feeding a crowd. Simply adjust the cook time as needed.

Leftover air fried bitter gourd can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer before serving.

FAQs

Can I use fresh bitter gourd for this recipe?

Yes, you can use fresh bitter gourd. Just slice it thinly and follow the rest of the recipe as written.

Do you need to thaw it?

No, you don’t need to thaw it. Just add it straight from the freezer to the air fryer.

What else can I serve with air fried bitter gourd?

This dish goes great with rice and a simple salad. You could also serve it as a side dish alongside your favourite protein.

What is bitter gourd?

Bitter gourd, also known as bitter melon, is a fruit that is commonly used in Asian cuisine. It has a unique flavor that is both bitter and sweet. Bitter gourd can be eaten raw, cooked, or pickled. It’s often used in stir-fries, soups, and curries.

How do you eat air fried bitter gourd?

You can eat it as is or add it to your favourite dish. Air fried bitter gourd makes a great side dish or addition to a stir-fry.

Is air fried bitter gourd healthy?

Yes, air fried bitter gourd is a healthy option. Bitter gourd is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and iron. It also contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.

What does it taste like?

Air fried bitter gourd has a unique flavor that is both bitter and sweet. It’s often used in Asian cooking, but can be cooked in a variety of ways.

Can I make bitter gourd kulambu with this recipe?

Yes, you can make bitter gourd kulambu (this is a type of Tamil curry which uses a very spicy tamarind gravy). As with this recipe. Just add all of the ingredients for the kulambu to the air fryer basket and cook until heated through. Serve over rice or with bread.

How do I store leftovers?

Leftover air fried bitter gourd can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer before serving.

How can I turn this into a bitter gourd egg omelette?

To make a bitter gourd egg omelette, just add 2 eggs to the air fryer basket with the sliced bitter gourd. Cook for 10 minutes, then remove from the air fryer and sprinkle with chilli flakes. Serve immediately.

Whether you’re a fan of bitter gourd or not, I hope you’ll give this recipe a try. It’s a great way to enjoy a unique vegetable. And, as always, let me know how it turns out in the comments below!