Aloo tikki is a popular Indian street food snack made with boiled potatoes, aromatic spices and herbs. Aloo is the Hindi name for potatoes and tikki is a patty. So aloo tikki literally translates to potato patties. These Indian style potato patties are delicious, crisp and flavorful as a good amount of spices and herbs are used. They are eaten as a snack.
There are 2 ways aloo tikki is made. One is with the stuffing and the other without the stuffing. The stuffed aloo tikkis are much popular in North India. The most common stuffing is made with boiled chana dal, chaat masala, herbs and spice powders.
But in many other states, aloo tikki is made without stuffing. In restaurants we get to see different kinds of stuffed tikkis on their menu, made with paneer or even with keema.
In this post I am sharing a real simple and easy recipe to make crisp and perfect aloo tikkis. These are great to serve with mint chutney or to make an aloo tikki chaat. You can also place them inside a burger bun and make an aloo tikki burger.
My kids love chaats & most often I make them at home for health reasons. So in this post I have also shared tips to make aloo tikki chaat and aloo tikki burger as well towards the end of this post.
Step-by-step photos
Preparation for aloo tikki
1. Rinse and peel 4 to 5 medium potatoes (about 450 to 500 grams). Boil them just until cooked. I cooked them by placing in a bowl and the bowl inside the cooker. Depending on the potatoes and the brand of cooker, you may need anywhere from 3 to 5 whistles to cook them on a medium heat. Cool them.
If using your instant pot, Place them on a trivet and pressure cook for 7 to 8 mins. Let the pressure release naturally. Then peel them.
2. Grate or mash them with a masher.
3. Ensure potatoes are completely cooled before adding the other ingredients otherwise the flour and bread crumbs will turn sticky.
4. Next add the following:
- 2 tablespoons chopped coriander leaves
- ½ teaspoon ginger (grated or paste)
- 1 chopped green chili
- ¾ teaspoon garam masala
- ½ teaspoon chaat masala
5. Add ¾ teaspoon salt and ½ to ¾ teaspoon red chili powder. Optional – Heat 1 tablespoon ghee until very hot, add that to the red chilli powder. This removes the raw smell of the red chilli powder.
6. Optional – Then add 2 tablespoons chopped cashews (about 6 to 8).
7. Add 2 tablespoons rice flour or cornstarch (corn flour) and 4 tablespoons bread crumbs. You can substitute bread crumbs with powdered poha. To make that, add some poha to a small grinder and powder it.
8. Bind the mixture together to make a ball. Add more bread crumbs if the mixture turns sticky. Ensure the mixture is non-sticky. Sticky or soggy mixture will make soft aloo tikkis. Taste this and add more salt or spice if needed.
How to make aloo tikki
9. Divide the mixture to equal sized balls. You can make big ones to make large tikkis. But thin tikkis turn out crispy and tasty. If you are making it for burger, then divide only to 4 portions.
10. Flatten them and stick up the cracked edges.
11. Heat oil in a cast iron or non-stick pan. You can pan fry them or shallow fry them. I did the shallow frying here to make the aloo tikkis extra crisp. Do the heat test by dropping a small piece of the mixture to the hot oil. If the oil is hot enough the mixture will rise up without browning a lot.
12.Then gently slide them one after the other. Fry on a medium heat in hot oil. Do not disturb them until the base turns firm and golden. Flip them and fry on both the sides until golden and crisp. Remove them to a kitchen tissue.
Serve aloo tikki hot with mint chutney or serve as a patty in a burger. I have also shared below how to make aloo tikki chaat and aloo tikki burger below.
Here are some tips that will help you make the best Indian style potato patties.
Tips
Boiling potatoes correctly is the crucial step to make crisp and firm potato patties. Boil them just until fork tender. Avoid overcooking them. Overcooked potatoes often turn mushy and become paste like due to the excess moisture.
Mushy potatoes will need a lot of flour or bread crumbs to reduce the moisture.
How to boil them perfectly?
One way is to boil the whole potatoes in a pot without peeling the skin. Cooking them in a pot will help you keep an eye on them so they are not overcooked. You can also cook them in a pressure cooker.
The other way is to cube them and steam over a steamer or a pot. A perfectly boiled potato should be fork tender but not mushy.
Preparing the mixture: Cool the potatoes completely then mash them well with a masher. Alternately you can also grate them using a grater.
Avoid mashing them while still hot. Avoid adding the bread crumbs or flour to the potatoes when they are still hot. Both these will make the potatoes pasty and sticky.
The prepared mixture should be dry and non-sticky. Sticky mixture will make soft and mushy aloo tikkis. They may break while frying. If the mixture turns even slightly sticky use more bread crumbs or flour to absorb the excess moisture.
Tips to fry aloo tikki perfectly
Aloo tikkis are mostly shallow fried. However they can also be pan fried, air fried or grilled in an oven. If shallow frying, Oil in the pan should come to at least half the height of the aloo tikki. Use a cast iron or a non-stick pan otherwise the base of the tikkis may get stuck to the pan.
Ensure the oil is hot enough, otherwise the aloo tikkis will stick to the pan and mess up. To check if the oil is hot enough, drop a small piece of prepared mixture to the hot oil. It should come up steadily without browning a lot. This is the right temperature.
After sliding the aloo tikki to hot oil, do not disturb them until the base turns firm and golden. Allow the base to firm up first, then flip them. Otherwise they will break and mess up.
Substitutes
Bread crumbs are always the best to absorb excess moisture in potatoes. However if you do not have them then toast a few slices of bread on a griddle until slightly crisp, tear them and pulse them in a dry grinder to make crumbs. Use these as a substitute to bread crumbs.
Alternately, you can also use corn starch, rice flour, poha powder or roasted gram flour (besan). To make your own poha powder, make a fine powder of flattened rice and use.
For more Potato recipes
Hara bhara kabab
Veg cutlet recipe
Samosa
Aloo bonda
Chilli potato
Aloo pakora/bajji
Recipe
Aloo tikki recipe | How to make aloo tikki | Crispy alu tikki recipe
For best results follow the step-by-step photos above the recipe card
Ingredients (1 cup = 240ml )
- 4 medium potatoes (450 to 500 grams)
- 1 teaspoon ginger paste or ¼ tsp ginger powder
- ¾ teaspoon garam masala or any spice powder
- ½ teaspoon chaat masala
- ½ to ¾ teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ghee or oil (very hot) optional
- 2 tablespoon coriander leaves (finely chopped)
- 1 green chili chopped
- 2 tablespoon corn flour (cornstarch) or rice flour or poha powder (2 tbsps more if needed)
- 4 tablespoon bread crumbs or poha powder ( more if needed)
- ¾ teaspoon Salt (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoon cashews (chopped, optional)
- 4 to 6 tablespoon Oil or as needed
Instructions
Preparation
- Boil potatoes just until cooked. Do not overcook them. They should be firm and not mushy or soggy. (check the tips above in intro for details).
- Cooker: Add them to a cooker and pour water to partially cover them. Cook for 3 to 5 whistles depending on the size of your cooker. Instant pot: Pressure cook them for 7 to 8 minutes and let the pressure release naturally.
- Cool them completely and remove the skin. Grate or mash them in a mixing bowl. Make sure there are no chunks of potatoes.
- Add coriander leaves and green chilies.
- Add ginger paste, garam masala, chaat masala, salt and red chili powder.
- Heat 1 tbsp ghee till very hot in a kadai. Pour that over the red chili powder to remove the raw flavor.
- Ensure the potatoes are cooled first then only add flour and bread crumbs. Begin to mix and make a firm and non sticky ball. If needed you can add more bread crumbs or flour to absorb moisture.
- The mixture must be firm and non-sticky. If it is sticky, it means it is too moist. So add more bread crumbs or flour.
How to make aloo tikki
- Divide the mixture to 6 to 8 equal parts and make balls. If you prefer large tikkis, you can make fewer large balls. But thin tikkis cook well and get crispy when fried. If making for burger, then you can make them as wide as the size of a burger.
- Flatten them and make the aloo tikki. Place them in a tray and set aside.
- Heat 4 to 6 tbsps oil in a medium sized non-stick or cast iron pan.
- Check if the oil is hot by gently sliding a small portion of the mixture to the hot oil. It has to rise without browning a lot. This is the right temperature. If it sinks it means the oil is not hot yet.
- Wait until it becomes hot, then gently transfer one after the other to the oil. Do not disturb them until the base of the tikki firms up.
- When you see the base of the aloo tikki has turned firm, then flip them. Fry until golden & crisp on both the sides.
- Remove them to a absorbent kitchen paper or a colander. For extra crisp tikkis, you can refry them in the oil again.
- OR for grilling in oven Alternately brush the patties with oil & place on a greased wire rack over a tray. Grill in a preheated oven for 18 to 20 mins at 390 F (200 C) or until crisp. Flip them to the other side after 10 to 12 mins. Adjust the timing based on your oven.
- For Air frying: Brush the tikkis & place them in the air fryer wired rack. Air fry at 360 F (180 C) for 8 to 10 mins on each side. Keep check and adjust the timing as needed. If your air fryer needs preheating, preheat it first before air frying.
- Serve aloo tikki hot with mint chutney or serve them inside your burger. (to make check the tips in intro)
Video
NUTRITION (estimation only)
Notes
- Adjust the amount of spices to suit your taste.
- Do not overcook the potatoes as they become mushy. Mushy potatoes are no good to make aloo tikki.
- If the tikkis soak up lot of oil, it means the oil is not hot enough or the mixture has a lot of moisture. Adding some flour or bread crumbs to the mixture will fix the problem.
- Adjust the grilling time as it depends on the size of the tikkis and the oven.
Alternative quantities provided in the recipe card are for 1x only, original recipe.
For best results follow my detailed step-by-step photo instructions and tips above the recipe card.
© Swasthi’s Recipes
How to make aloo tikki burger?
My way of making aloo tikki burger is super simple. I toast the sliced buns with little butter.
Then spread this mint yogurt chutney, then place a lettuce, and then the aloo tikki over that. Followed by some sliced onions, tomatoes, sliced cucumbers and then smear some chutney again on the other sliced bun. Cover and enjoy.
Mint yogurt chutney goes very well in a aloo tikki burger. Alternately you can also use this green chutney or mayonnaise mixed with some tomato sauce.
How to make aloo tikki chaat?
Follow this tamarind chutney recipe and green chutney recipe to make both the chutneys. Both the chutneys must be of thick pouring consistency. If needed bring them to consistency by adding some water. Keep this aside.
Whisk half cup thick yogurt with 1 tsp of sugar and salt until the sugar dissolves completely. It must be of a pouring consistency.
Place the crisp fried aloo tikkis in a serving bowl. Pour 2 to 3 tbsps of yogurt. Followed by the tamarind chutney and green chutney. Add the chopped onions, tomatoes & coriander leaves. Then sprinkle a handful of nylon sev over it. Serve it immediately.
Troubleshooting
If the aloo tikki soaks up lot of oil, it means either the mixture has too much moisture in it or the oil is not hot enough. To fix, add more bread crumbs to the mixture. Ensure the oil is hot enough by doing the heat test.
Can I freeze the tikkis?
Yes you can. Place them on a tray and keep in the freezer until firm. Remove them and store in a freezer safe container or a zip lock bag.
When you want to use them, thaw them first and roll them in a bit of corn starch. Dust off the excess flour and fry them.
Can I crumb coat aloo tikki?
Tikkis are never crumb coated. But if you prefer to use them in a aloo tiki burger, then you may. Mix half cup gram flour with little water in a bowl to make a thick flowing batter. It should not be too runny or too thick.
Then dip the aloo tikki in the batter and coat it well with the prepared batter. Immediately place the aloo tikki in bread crumbs and coat it well. Press down gently so the bread crumbs stick to the tikki.
Repeat these steps and crumb coat all of the aloo tikkis. Set aside for 10 mins and fry them as mentioned below. Typically oil in your pan should be atleast to half the height of aloo tikki. This way they turn extra crisp. You can check my veg burger recipe for the same step by step pictures.
Subhendu says
Hi Swasthi!
Can I skip the cashews and use besan instead of bread crums?
swasthi says
Hi Subhendu
Yes you can skip the cashews.
Can use besan but it needs to be roasted well & cooled first. Instead you can also powder some poha or roasted gram (fried gram) and use.
Casey says
I like Tikki recipe, I was looking for Bombay style Ragda Patties, Could you upload that recipe please
Thanks
swasthi says
Yes I will share it
Didina Gnagnide Angorinie says
Hi Swasthi,
I wanted to tell you there is a way to boil potatoes that is easy and gets rid of a lot of moisture, so it’s perfect for patties. Simply microwave the potatoes! You can check tutorials online and ce you get it, it’s easy. I could never get the correct consistency for tikkis with stovetop boiling, then I learned the microwave method and never had problems again. No more breadcrumbs flour etc.
Have a nice day, Didina
swasthi says
Hi Didina
Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful tip.
You too have a nice day!
🙂
Ramya Arun says
Such a yum and easy to make recipe. Thank you. I baked the patties though. Came out really well.
swasthi says
Glad to know Ramya
Brian , UK says
Hi Swasthi
Made these last week
They tasted fantastic , only problem was they soaked a lot of oil up.
The oil was hot and just wondering if either to hot or not hot enough ?.
The crispy base came away with the spatula when lifting up , I did make them slightly bigger so could this be the issue.
Still fantastic and everone loved them, put one in bread roll next day delish.
Regards
Avid follower
Brian . UK
swasthi says
Hi Brian
Thank you! Next time increase the quantity of bread crumbs or flour slightly.If the aloo tikkis soak up lot of oil it means too much moisture in the prepared mixture. There are different kinds of potatoes. Some kinds absorb lots of water when boiled & become paste like when mashed. It is good not to use that kind of potatoes. They are too moist and may need more flour or bread crumbs. The base comes off if the potatoes are soggy inside. Size may not be the issue. Please take a look at the video that may help you. I will update the post with detailed tips. Hope these help.
Sonia Tharani says
Hi Swasthi,
Can you freeze the tikkis? If yes then do I have to fry them first or half fry first then freeze?
Also can you bake these instead?
Thank you
swasthi says
Hi Sonia
Yes you can freeze raw patties and can also bake them. Place them on a tray in the freezer. Once firm transfer to a ziplock
Jane says
These were over the top fantastic! We all loved them. I used potato flour instread of rice flour, garlic-ginger paste instead of ginger paste, was lightish on the ingredients with heat and a bit heavy on those without. Also added about 1 tsp of salt. I baked them for about 30 minutes then did a light fry in a non-stick pan. Made a date syrup for dipping. Served with rice and chana masala. Had leftovers. If you can call it that. They were gone in a few hours. Thank you for yet another amazing recipe! I’ve not been disappointed yet!
swasthi says
Hello Jane
So glad you all loved them. Thank you so much!
🙂
Isha says
Made these aloo tikki last night. My kids loved them very much. Thank you.
swasthi says
Hi Isha
You are welcome! Glad to know your kids loved them.
Sara khan says
These look delicious! What if I dont have bread crumbs?
swasthi says
Hi Sara,
Roasted besan or poha powder should work
Richa says
Hi! Swasthi,
This is Richa here again. I tried your Aloo Tikki recipe today and it was awesome. Everybody really liked it. Somehow I like your recipes a lot because they are easy to follow and make plus the dishes turn out to be really delicious.
swasthi says
Hello Richa
Thank you so much! Very very happy to know.
Thanks again
🙂
Vidya says
Hi Swasthi,
Thank you so much.. Tried the aloo tikki recipe today and it came out perfectly.
I have become an avid follower of your recipes and good thing is you have never disappointed me😀.Kudos to your efforts.
swasthi says
Hi Vidya
You are welcome! Thank you so much!
🙂
MM says
Hi Swasthi ,
I tried this tikki and it turned out awesome ..Your recipes are always perfect ..Thank you so much for sharing it .
swasthi says
You are welcome!
Thank you
Saswati says
Nice recipe
Thanks a lot
swasthi says
Welcome Saswati
Jasmine says
Too good
Instead of bread crumps what can be used
swasthi says
Thank you
You can use poha/ flattened rice
Usha says
Hi Swathi, should we just grind the poha or fry and then grind the poha
swasthi says
Just powder the poha and use. Don’t need to roast
Sireesha M says
Hi Swasthiji.
Sireesha here. Thank you so much for all ur tasty, wonderful and wide range of recipes. Oh I love each and every one. My kids love the dishes I make following ur recipes. U always make me go back to my childhood days, to my grandmother. The dishes she used to make almost match the ones I make using ur recipes. Thank you once again dear for ur everlasting tasty recipes.
May you always succeed in what ever u pray and wish for. God bless you always.
Thanking you,
Sireesha M
swasthi says
Hi Sireesha,
You are welcome! So happy to know! Glad your kids love them.
Thank you so much for the wishes!
🙂
Mz says
Nailed it! Ive tried masoor dhall n chana dhall too, always a hit.
A big thank you!!!
swasthi says
Welcome Mz
Glad you liked them. Thank you!
M Reddy says
Nice 🙂
swasthi says
Thank you!
Arshiya says
Can we preserve it for a day in Refrigerator and fry them later …
swasthi says
Hi Arshiya,
Yes you can keep the mixture in the fridge and use it with in 2 days.
S says
So you can leave them in the fridge shaped and coated with bread crumbs upto 2 days before frying?
swasthi says
Hi S
I have not coated aloo tikki with bread crumbs. You can make the tikkis and grease them with oil and keep in the fridge. If you want to coat them with bread crumbs, then mix together 3 tbsps of any flour with water to make a thin batter. Then dip the tikkis in the batter and then quickly place them in the bread crumbs.You can keep these as well in the fridge. Hope this helps.
Nancy S Farrell says
I made these last night and they were delicious! I especially like the videos as they bring to life what I should be doing as I discover my inner Indian cook.
Kavita says
Can this be shallow fried and also will it last for her afternoon break which is around 6 hours after making it?
swasthi says
HI Kavitha
Yes aloo tikki can be shallow fried but not sure if they turn as crispy as the fried ones. These are good to enjoy immediately. Don’t think they taste good for snack box. Just sharing- For the kids snack box I always pack only ladoo varieties made using jaggery, nuts, sesame, dry fruits like anjeer, dates etc. Very quick to make and healthy as well.
Jhansi says
Can I use powdered poha instead of bread crumb.
swasthi says
Yes jhansi, you can use powdered poha