Aratikaya Bajji is one of those irresistible South Indian tea-time snacks that instantly brings comfort, warmth, and nostalgia to the plate. Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and full of homely flavors, these plantain fritters are a staple in Telangana and Andhra kitchens — especially during rains or festive evenings.
If you’ve ever savored street-style mirchi bajjis or pakoras, this recipe brings the same charm but with a nutritious twist. Aratikaya (raw plantain) not only gives the bajji a satisfying bite but also adds a subtle sweetness that beautifully complements the spicy besan batter.
✅ What is Aratikaya Bajji?
Aratikaya Bajji is a traditional South Indian snack made by dipping thin slices of raw plantain in a seasoned gram flour batter and deep-frying them until golden and crisp. The plantain fritters are often served with chutneys, especially coconut chutney, green chutney, or even simple tomato ketchup. They’re crunchy, comforting, and incredibly easy to make.
✅ Health Benefits of Plantains
Plantains aren’t just tasty — they’re packed with nutrition:
- 🌱 Rich in dietary fiber – Supports digestion
- 💪 High in potassium – Helps maintain electrolyte balance
- 🍃 Good source of Vitamin A & C – Boosts immunity and skin health
- 🔥 Low in fat – Fitting even for light-snack days
- 🌾 Complex carbohydrates – Provide slow, steady energy
🍽️ Aratikaya Bajji – Plantain Fritters Recipe
Aratikaya Bajji, also known as raw banana bajji or South Indian plantain fritters, is a crispy, golden, tea-time snack loved across Andhra and Telangana. This Andhra bajji recipe uses a perfectly spiced crispy bajji batter to create fritters that are crunchy outside and soft inside. If you’re searching for a simple and addictive South Indian evening snack, this easy plantain fritters recipe hits every note.
- To make crunchy besan-coated fritters, start by peeling the plantain and cutting it into thick-ish slices. You can also cut them into round discs if you like.
- Drop the slices into a bowl of water so they don’t turn brown.
- In a bowl, add besan and rice flour.
- Mix in turmeric, chilli powder, a pinch of hing, and salt.
- Give everything a good stir so the spices blend evenly.
- Add water slowly and whisk until the batter becomes smooth without any lumps.
- Add baking soda and mix lightly.
- Heat oil over medium heat for deep frying
- Take the plantain slices out of the water and pat them dry.
- Dip each slice into the batter and coat both sides well.
- Slide them gently into hot oil and deep-fry, stirring now and then.
- Fry until the bajjis turn crispy and nicely golden.
- Lift them out with and place them on a paper towel to remove extra oil.
- Deep fry remaining plantain slices the same way.
- Transfer crispy green plantain fritters to a serving plate.
- Enjoy your freshly made Andhra tea-time Aratikaya Bajjis with mint chutney and a hot masala chai.
- Looking for more snack inspiration? Browse through our collection of fritters recipes to find your next favorite.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions for Aratikaya Bajji
- Serve with coconut chutney, green chutney, or tamarind-date chutney.
- Pair with masala chai, ginger tea, or filter coffee.
- Serve as a side in festive meals along with upma, pongal, or lemon rice.
- Add chopped onions and coriander on top for street-style flair.
🔄 Variations for Plantain Fritters
- Masala Stuffed Bajji – Fill plantain slices with spiced potato before dipping in batter.
- Extra Crispy Bajji – Add more rice flour or a spoon of corn flour.
- Green Chilli Version – Add crushed green chillies and ginger to the batter.
- Herb Bajji – Add chopped curry leaves and coriander to the batter.
- Spicy Andhra Variation – Mix a pinch of garam masala into the batter.
💡 Tips for Perfect Plantain Bajji
- Slice plantains evenly for uniform frying.
- Batter should be neither too thick nor too runny.
- Fry on medium heat — too hot will burn outside and leave inside raw.
- Add 1 tsp hot oil to batter for extra crispiness.
- Serve immediately for best texture; fritters lose crispness as they cool.
- Use rice flour to keep the fritters light and crunchy.
- Want street-style? Add a pinch of baking soda to the batter.
⭐ You Might Also Love
- 🥔 Aloo Bonda – Crispy, golden potato dumplings dipped in besan batter.
- 🍃 Karela Tikkis – Flavor-packed bitter gourd patties that are surprisingly delicious!
- 🥬 Cabbage 65 – A crunchy, spicy Indo-fusion snack you’ll want to make again and again.
Aratikaya Bajji Recipe - Crispy Plantain Fritters
Ingredients
- 1 raw plantain aratikaya
- ¾ cup besan gram flour
- ⅛ th cup rice flour
- ¼ tsp turmeric
- ½ tsp red chilli powder
- ⅛ tsp of asafoetida hing
- ¾ tsp salt
- ½ cup water
- ⅛ tsp baking soda
- Oil for deep frying
Instructions
- Peel raw plantains and slice them lengthwise or into thin rounds.
- Place the slices in a bowl of water to prevent discoloration.
- In a bowl, add besan, rice flour, turmeric, red chilli powder, hing and salt.
- Add water little by little to form a smooth, lump-free, flowing batter.
- Add baking soda and gently fold it into the batter.
- Heat oil in a deep pan over medium flame.
- Drain the plantain slices and pat them dry to remove excess moisture.
- Dip each plantain slice into the batter, ensuring full coating.
- Gently slide into hot oil.
- Fry until golden and crisp on both sides.
- Remove and place on tissue-lined plates to absorb excess oil.
- Enjoy Street-Style Aratikaya Bajji at Home with chutney or ketchup.
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