Easy Macher Chop (Air Fryer) – Bengali Fish Croquettes
This easier version of Macher Chop is a keeper. I made this with some skepticism in the air fryer and am really thrilled with the results. A more authentic version of this can be found here, but this healthier easier version will hold its own next to them. And if you want to make them even healthier you can adapt this version with sweet potatoes. Perfect on this rainy day. It is a calm and peaceful sort of Monday. In fact, almost too calm with the festive season upon us. However, this is the year where we will learn how to find our own calm, and the beauty of simply things. But, enough with this philosophy. I am actually really excited to share this creation with you.
Now, I will warn you, that making chops are a labor of love. So, even this simplified version will need some planning. However, it is certainly well worth the effort.
Macher Chop Refresher and Why this is simpler and Streamlined.
A Macher chop is a classic Bengali fish croquette, I tell you all about it here.
So, a few things that I have done to make this really simple and fuss free
- I am using canned tuna for this recipe.
- The spices are simpler and pretty much a shake and fix kind of affair.
- Last but not the least, I am using an air fryer for this recipe. Now, using the air fryer in addition to making it a little healthier also ensures that is less messy. And of course, it can be done with minimal attention.
- The added bonus is that you do not waste extra oil and when the craving strikes you can just pop in a couple of the chops into your air fryer for and enjoy!
- Do not skip the step of letting the chops rest in the refrigerator for about 20 to 30 minutes before air frying them.
While I am normally flexible about the kind of potatoes, if you are air frying I recommend using good old russet potatoes. The lower moisture and higher starch helps. A few thoughts and idea before I unleash this recipe on to you.
Storage: They will last if kept for 2-3 days over paper towels in the refrigerator.
Other cooking options: You can absolutely fry them the conventional way. I am never one to get in the way of old fashioned indulgence. So without much ado here is my easy version of macher chop.
If you like this recipe and want more ideas, do join my Indian Instant Pot Facebook group and Legume Love Group. Of course Instant Indian is ready for order, joining its siblings The Bengali Five Spice Chronicles and Spices and Seasons.
A healthier take on classic Bengali Fish chops
Ingredients
- Ingredients
- 2 large russet potatoes, about ¾ pounds
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon red cayenne pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon amchur (dried mango powder) or 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, such as canola oil
- 1 teaspoon whole cumin seeds
- 1 medium sized onion, diced
- 2 teaspoons minced ginger
- 2 cans of water packed tuna, drained
- 2 green chilies, such as serrano minced
- 2 teaspoons garam masala powder
- 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 egg, beaten
- ½ cup flour
- Water to make a thick batter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups breadcrumbs (a mixture of panko and regular breadcrumbs lends extra crunch)
- Oil or cooking spray for cooking
Instructions
- Halve the potatoes and boil them in their jackets, until soft. Make sure they do not get mushy. Cool and peel.
- Place in the mixing bowl and mash well with the salt, red cayenne pepper and the dried mango powder. Set this aside.
- In the meantime, heat the oil for the filling and add the whole cumin seeds. When then sizzle add in the diced onion and ginger and sauté for about 5 minutes, until the onion wilts and begins to turn softly golden.
- Add in the water packed tuna and green chilies and mix well. Add in the garam masala, salt, and chopped cilantro and sugar. Cook until the mixture is fragrant and fairly dry.
- When this is cool enough to handle. Create bring the potato mixture to shape the croquettes.
- Take about 3 tablespoons of the potato mixture, using your hands shape into a hollow pocket. Fill comfortably with the tuna mixture. Your goal into have a good amount of filling inside a potato shell. Cover and fill with the potato mixture.
- Flatten to shape into a flatter shape.Continue until all the potatoes are used up.
- Beat the egg and flour with enough water to make a thick batter.
- Spread the breadcrumbs on a large piece of parchment paper. Dip the formed potato fish ball in the batter and then coat well with the breadcrumbs, this should fill dry and uniform. Place on a paper towel lined tray.
- Complete all the chops and place the tray in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- To air fry, spray the chops with oil or cooking spray place in the basket.
- Air fry at 375 degrees for 12 minutes, turn and air fry on the other side for 4 minutes.
- Enjoy piping hot. It will probably take two batches to make them all.