Aloo ki tikki, also called aloo kabab or potato cutlets, are a popular Indian and Pakistani street food made with mashed potatoes, onions, herbs, and spices. They’re crispy, savory, perfectly spicy and so addictive! These aloo ki tikki are naturally gluten-free and vegetarian (or optionally vegan).
Aloo ki tikki are one of those traditional South Asian foods that I’m forever amazed by. They’re stupidly simple, yet so clever in their flavor profile. The bold, pungent heat of the spices is perfectly balanced with the cooling fresh herbs and starchy potatoes.
Though aloo ki tikki are traditionally considered a street food or chai-time snack, they are incredibly versatile and go with any meal as an ever-welcome side dish. I like to let these shine by serving them as an entrée with some kind of pulao (like chana pulao) and raita. They’re also delectable in a sandwich or bun with all your favorite toppings and ketchup or green chutney.
Tips on Making Aloo ki Tikki
To make aloo ki tikki, you simply combine the prepared ingredients, shape them into patties, coat them in an egg wash, and shallow fry. I did my share of experimentation to perfect this Aloo Ki Tikki recipe. Here’s what I found:
- I tried making the tikkis with and without the egg as a binding agent. I found the ones with the egg were easier to shape and held up better. If you want to make them vegan, simply omit the egg within the potato mixture and use breadcrumbs to help bind them from the outside. You will need to be extra gentle when turning them so they retain the shape.
- To make prep time easier, I omitted any manual chopping by using a food processor. Just use the pulse setting to finely chop the mixture instead of blending it so that the onion doesn’t break down too much and create excess liquid.
- Aloo ki Tikki can take a good amount of salt. If you feel something is ‘missing’, it’s likely an extra dash of salt.
- If you feel they’re not holding up well, try covering the mixture and refrigerating it for 15-20 minutes.
How to make the Aloo Ki Tikki extra crispy
Using breadcrumbs to coat the aloo ki tikki after the egg wash is a fool-proof method to make them crispy. Though this isn’t a traditional step, I find it’s a great way to add an extra layer of crunch.
Keep in mind that the breadcrumbs tone down the other flavors. So if you go with this method, try sprinkling extra salt and spices.
Answers to your frequently asked questions:
Can these be made a day or two in advance and refrigerated before pan-frying?
Yes! You can keep the mixture (either shaped or as-is) in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. After that, the potatoes will tend to release water. Just be sure to keep them covered in an airtight container!
Can these be frozen?
I have tried freezing these before pan-frying and that was a disaster! They lost shape, the potatoes released water, and the texture changed. I do not recommend freezing them before pan-frying. I have not yet tried freezing them after pan-frying, but I believe they should be okay.
Can these be baked?
I have not tried baking aloo ki tikki, but I heard back from someone who tried this recipe baked! She said to bake them at 500°F sprayed with a little olive oil and they came out just as crunchy!
How do you reheat leftovers?
To rewarm leftovers, bake them uncovered at 350 °F for 5-7 minutes to help retain their crisp. You can also microwave them for 1-2 minutes.
More Aloo Tikki Tips & Ideas
I love using this as a ‘base recipe’ to use up leftover chicken, fish, or vegetables. Just decrease the number of potatoes, chop up your leftovers with the rest of the ingredients, and continue with the recipe.
If you’re into savory snacks, check out my Pan-Fried Pakora recipe!
If you try this recipe, please let me know in the comments below and tag me on Instagram so I can see your creations. I love hearing from you!
Easy Aloo Ki Tikki
Ingredients
- 3 large russet potatoes unpeeled and cut into chunks (around 1.5 lbs)
- 1 small onion peeled and roughly chopped
- 1-2 Thai or Serrano green chili peppers stems removed and chopped in a few pieces
- 2 tbsp cilantro leaves
- 1-2 tbsp mint leaves
- 2 tsp kosher salt or to taste
- ½ tsp each black pepper powder, red chili flakes, coriander powder, and cumin powder
- pinch red chili powder or more to taste
- ½ tsp cumin seeds
- ¼ tsp chaat masala optional
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 egg whisked
- breadcrumbs (I use gluten-free) optional – if needed to help shape
To pan-fry
- neutral oil as needed
- 1-2 eggs whisked
- breadcrumbs (I use gluten-free) optional
Instructions
- Place the potatoes in a medium saucepan and add enough water to cover them. Bring to a boil over high heat and cook 15-20 minutes, or until you can run a fork through them without any resistance. Remove promptly, drain the potatoes and allow them to cool. Transfer to a medium bowl. Peel the potatoes and use a potato masher to mash them until no large lumps remain.
- Meanwhile, in a food processor, combine the rest of the ingredients except and eggs and use the pulse function to chop so that the onions are finely chopped but not blended. You don't want the onions to break down too much and end up releasing water. If you do notice any excess water in the mixture, tilt the food processor to drain it.
- Add the chopped onion mixture to the mashed potatoes and taste and adjust salt and seasoning. Lastly, add the egg and mix well. Ideally, allow this mixture to rest, covered, in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes (though I often skip this step). If you feel that they are not holding the shape as much as you'd like, add breadcrumbs, if needed.
- Using your hands, shape about 1/3 cup of the mixture into a flat, round patty about 2 ½ inches in diameter. Continue with the rest of the mixture. You should have 10-12 patties.
- Place the egg and breadcrumbs (if using) in shallow bowls so that you can dip them as you cook. Heat a large skillet, frying pan, or cast iron pan over medium-high heat. Add enough oil to lightly coat the bottom of the pan.
- Dip both sides of each patty into the egg wash, and then the breadcrumbs, if using. Place 4-5 patties in the pan and allow them to cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, using a spatula to turn them over. Reduce heat as necessary.
- Remove from the pan, and place on a plate lined with a paper towel to absorb any extra oil. Repeat until you have finished pan-frying all the patties. Cook any leftover egg in the remaining oil and serve with the patties.
- Transfer to a serving platter and serve with a side of raita or chutney.
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Hi! For the coriander and mint, are you using fresh? Or dried? Can I use fresh coriander and mint? If so how much?
Hi Maya, I use fresh coriander and mint for this one and most other recipes. It’s no exact science, but about 2 tbsp of cilantro what I use for this recipe. You can include less mint (1-2 tbsp) as it’s a bit more prominent in taste.
Hello, can this be baked on a sheet pan rather than fried in oil? Thanks
Great question, Nadia! I haven’t tried that but I believe you could try at 500F for 10-15 minutes, turning midway. I’d love to know how they turn out and I plan to try it sometime too!
Would these freeze well? I’m having a baby in a few months in sha Allah and I’m looking for healthy snacks to stock in my freezer.
Thank you!
Hi Cathy! I believe they should be fine if you freeze after cooking, but they certainly wont freeze well before cooking. I once did that the potatoes got watery, didn’t retain shape, and changed the texture. If you eat meat, seekh kabob from the blog would be great for freezing!
These look fantastic. Do you think sweet potatoes could be used in place of white potatoes? I have those on hand.
Hi Julie! Yes, you can certainly use them! I haven’t tried them but they sound delightful and I’ve seen people make sweet potato tikkis!