Spice Level Up
One fantastic trick is to use your air fryer for roasting spices. Simply place whole spices like cumin seeds, coriander seeds, or even cardamom pods in the
air fryer at a low temperature for a short time. This intensifies their flavour, making them perfect for grinding into fresh spice blends for your dishes. It's an excellent way to unlock the full potential of your spices and create richer, more aromatic Indian meals. This method can be particularly effective for dry roasting spices before grinding them into garam masala or other complex spice mixes.
Perfect Vegetable Roasting
The air fryer is a fantastic tool for cooking vegetables. Chop your favourite veggies—cauliflower, potatoes, or even eggplant—and toss them with a minimal amount of oil and your preferred spices, such as turmeric, chili powder, or garam masala. Air frying at a moderate temperature ensures the vegetables become crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, a texture that's hard to achieve perfectly through other cooking methods. This technique not only brings out the natural flavours of the vegetables but also reduces the overall fat content compared to deep-frying or pan-frying.
Healthy Samosas
One of the most sought-after air fryer hacks is how to make healthier versions of your favourite snacks, and air-fried samosas are a prime example. Traditional samosas are deep-fried, but you can achieve the same crispy texture using your air fryer with much less oil. Prepare your samosa filling as usual, and then wrap it in the samosa pastry. Brush the exterior with a little oil and air fry at a medium-high temperature until golden brown. You'll get the satisfying crunch without the excess fat, making it a healthier alternative without sacrificing taste.
Foolproof Pakoras
Pakoras, those delightful fried fritters, are another dish you can healthify with your air fryer. Instead of deep-frying, lightly coat your vegetables—onions, spinach, or even paneer—in a spiced batter and air fry them. The air fryer circulates hot air evenly, giving the pakoras a crispy exterior without the need for a lot of oil. This results in a lighter, less greasy snack that still offers that beloved satisfying crunch. Serve them with mint chutney or tamarind chutney for the perfect treat.
Tandoori Chicken
Recreate the magic of tandoori chicken in your kitchen using the air fryer. Marinate the chicken pieces in the classic tandoori marinade—yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, and a blend of spices. Ensure the chicken is thoroughly coated and marinated for a few hours or even overnight to infuse the flavours. Then, air fry the chicken at a high temperature until it’s cooked through and slightly charred, just like from a tandoor oven. The air fryer can mimic the high-heat cooking environment, giving you tender, flavorful, and perfectly cooked tandoori chicken at home.
Roti/Naan Heating
If you want to reheat your rotis or naans to their original softness and taste, the air fryer can be a useful tool. Instead of using the microwave, which can sometimes make them dry, lightly spritz the roti or naan with water, then put it in the air fryer for a short duration. The moisture and heat combine to restore the bread to its original texture, ensuring it remains soft and pliable. This technique works well to retain the moisture and keep the bread from drying out. This method is more effective than dry heating, which can often make them too crispy.
Oil Reduction
Finally, a key aspect of using an air fryer is minimizing your oil use, which can lead to a healthier cooking style. When cooking with an air fryer, you often need only a fraction of the oil you'd use for traditional methods. Instead of drowning your food in oil, lightly brush or spray it. The hot air circulates evenly, ensuring everything cooks to crispy perfection without excessive oil. The reduction in oil consumption directly translates to lower fat content in your meals, offering a more health-conscious way to enjoy your Indian food.
