The Samosa Makeover
The undisputed king of Indian snacks, the samosa, adapts beautifully to the air fryer. Whether you're using homemade dough or store-bought wrappers, the key is a light touch with oil. For the filling, a classic mix of boiled and mashed potatoes with peas,
green chillies, and garam masala works perfectly. Once you've shaped your triangles, brush them lightly with oil. This helps the exterior turn golden and crisp rather than dry. Place them in a single layer in your preheated air fryer basket. Cook them at approximately 180°C for about 15 minutes, flipping them halfway through. They emerge wonderfully crisp on the outside with a hot, steamy interior, capturing everything you love about a samosa without the mess of deep-frying.
Healthier, Crispier Kachori
Kachoris, with their flaky shells and flavourful fillings, can seem daunting to make without a deep fryer. However, an air fryer makes achieving that perfect texture surprisingly simple. Prepare your dough with whole wheat flour (atta) for a healthier option, incorporating a little ghee or oil to ensure flakiness. For the filling, a traditional spiced moong dal mixture is fantastic. After filling and sealing your kachoris, arrange them in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap. Bake them at 180°C for about 18 to 20 minutes, turning them over halfway through the cooking time. You’ll be rewarded with kachoris that are golden-brown and delightfully crunchy, proving that you don't need a lot of oil for a truly satisfying result.
Effortless Air-Fried Mathri
Mathri, the beloved flaky biscuit from North India, is another snack that transitions seamlessly to the air fryer. The dough is simple, typically made from flour, carom seeds (ajwain), and a fat like oil or ghee rubbed in to create a crumbly texture. Roll out the stiff dough and cut it into discs, pricking the surface with a fork to prevent it from puffing up. Brush the mathris very lightly with oil and place them in a single layer in the air fryer. Cook at a lower temperature, around 160°C, for 15-18 minutes, flipping them once at the halfway point. This gentle heat cooks them through, resulting in a pale golden, crispy snack that stores for weeks and pairs perfectly with a cup of chai.
Crunchy Chakli Spirals
Chakli, also known as Murukku in the South, is famous for its intricate shape and addictive crunch. Making it in an air fryer is not only possible but also highly effective. The dough, often made from rice flour and besan (gram flour), needs to be smooth and pliable enough to be pressed through a chakli maker. Pipe the spirals directly onto small squares of parchment paper for easy transfer. Preheat your air fryer to 180°C. Carefully place the chaklis in the basket, brush them lightly with oil, and air fry for about 15-18 minutes. It's crucial to flip them gently about halfway through and brush the other side with oil to ensure they cook evenly. They crisp up beautifully as they cool, delivering that signature crunch without being greasy.
