Eat healthier street food with air fryers

• Air fryers can reduce fat in snacks by up to 80 per cent
• Use a light oil spray to make crispy samosas and momos at 180°C
• Avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure even cooking and crunch

The love for street food in India is a shared emotion, from the crispy bite of a samosa to the steamy comfort of a momo. But this indulgence often comes with health concerns. What if you could enjoy these classics with far less oil?

The Healthier Crunch

The magic of an air fryer lies in its ability to mimic the results of deep-frying using superheated, circulating air. This method drastically cuts down on the amount of oil needed. While deep-frying can require cups of oil, air-frying often needs just a single tablespoon or a light spray. Many appliance brands claim this can reduce the fat content in foods by 70% to 80% compared to traditional frying. Instead of submerging food in oil, the appliance's powerful fan cooks the exterior quickly, creating the crispy, golden-brown texture that makes street food so irresistible. This means you get the satisfaction of a crunchy shell and a soft interior, but with significantly fewer calories and less fat.

Mastering the Air-Fried Samosa

The samosa is arguably the king of Indian snacks, and thankfully, it adapts beautifully to the air fryer. Whether you're using frozen samosas or making them from scratch, the key is a light coating of oil. A simple brush or spray of oil on each side is crucial to prevent the pastry from drying out and helps it achieve that signature golden hue. For homemade or frozen samosas, preheat your air fryer to around 180°C. Arrange them in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap, which would prevent even cooking. Cook for about 10-14 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. The result is a wonderfully crispy pastry that shatters just right, encasing the warm, spiced potato filling without the greasiness of its deep-fried counterpart.

Perfecting Air-Fried Momos

Momos, whether steamed or fried, are another street-side favourite that can be perfected in an air fryer. You can achieve two different textures. For crispy, fried-style momos, preheat the air fryer to 180°C. Lightly brush the momos with oil and place them in the basket in a single layer. Air fry for 12-14 minutes, flipping them at the halfway point to ensure they are golden and blistered on all sides. If you prefer a softer, steamed texture, you can place a small, heatproof bowl with a few tablespoons of water in the air fryer basket. This creates a steamy environment. Cook the momos on a piece of lightly oiled parchment paper at 160°C for about 10-12 minutes, until the wrapper is translucent and tender. This method works well for both fresh and frozen dumplings.

Beyond Samosas and Momos

The air fryer's versatility extends to a wide array of other beloved Indian snacks. You can easily make Hara Bhara Kababs, which come out perfectly cooked with a crisp exterior. Paneer Tikka develops a beautiful char, similar to what you’d get from a tandoor, in just minutes. Even classics like Aloo Tikki and Onion Pakoras can be made with a fraction of the oil, retaining their satisfying crunch. The appliance is also great for making healthier versions of snacks like Kurkuri Bhindi (crispy okra) and various lentil fritters (vadas), opening up a world of guilt-free indulgence.

Essential Tips for Air-Frying Success

To get the best results when air frying Indian street food, a few simple rules apply. First, always preheat your air fryer for a few minutes before adding food; this helps create a crispy exterior instantly. Second, don't overcrowd the basket. Food needs space for the hot air to circulate and cook it evenly. Cook in batches if necessary. Third, remember that a little oil goes a long way. A light spritz or brush is usually enough to achieve a crispy finish and prevent food from looking dry. Finally, for many items, it's a good idea to flip or shake the basket halfway through the cooking time to promote even browning.