Could these be pan dred rather than deep fried? Thanks, nt

A waffle iron is a GREAT idea! Thanks, nt

In the comments, Panfusine noted having success using a waffle pan - "I've taken to liberally greasing a waffle pan with oil and dropping the batter in to make waffle medu vada. seldom resort to the deep frying anymore!" - so I bet pan fried would work too.