What Indian Food Can You Cook in an Air Fryer?
The air fryer is one of the most popular kitchen gadgets in recent years. It allows you to cook with little to no oil, which can be a healthier alternative to deep frying. The versatility of the air fryer has made it a go-to appliance for many home cooks, especially when experimenting with different cuisines, including Indian food. The question is, what Indian food can you cook in an air fryer? The answer might surprise you!
Air fryers work by circulating hot air around the food, creating a crispy outer layer while retaining the moisture inside. This makes it perfect for cooking a variety of Indian dishes that are traditionally deep-fried or slow-cooked in heavy oils or tandoor ovens. From snacks like samosas to main courses like curries, there’s a surprising number of Indian recipes that can be made in the air fryer.
In this article, we will explore the best Indian foods to cook in an air fryer and how to make them. We’ll cover popular snacks, main dishes, and even desserts. Plus, we’ll provide you with tips and tricks to get the best results, making your air fryer the perfect appliance for all your Indian cooking needs.
Why Use an Air Fryer for Indian Food?
The appeal of the air fryer is undeniable. Here’s why it’s especially great for Indian cuisine:
- Healthier Cooking: One of the primary benefits of the air fryer is the reduction in the amount of oil used. You can still achieve the crispy texture you love in Indian snacks without soaking your food in oil.
- Faster Cooking: Air fryers heat up quickly and cook food in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods, such as deep frying or baking in an oven.
- Crispiness Without the Guilt: Many Indian snacks like samosas, pakoras, and bhajis are typically deep-fried. With an air fryer, you can recreate these dishes with much less oil, making them lighter but still deliciously crispy.
To get started, there are some key accessories you’ll need for your air fryer, such as small metal pans that fit inside the basket for cooking curries. Check out this recipe for crispy Masala Fries in an air fryer to see how easy it is to make air-fried Indian snacks that taste just as good as their deep-fried counterparts!
Popular Indian Snacks to Cook in an Air Fryer
If you love Indian street food or snacks, you’re in for a treat. Many of your favorite snacks can be made effortlessly in an air fryer. Here are some popular Indian snacks you can cook in an air fryer:
1. Samosas
- Samosas are a popular Indian snack filled with spiced potatoes, peas, and sometimes meat, all wrapped in a crispy pastry shell. Making samosas in an air fryer is incredibly simple.
- Ingredients: Samosa pastry, boiled potatoes, peas, cumin, coriander, garam masala, and salt.
- Steps:
- Prepare the filling with boiled potatoes and peas.
- Wrap the filling in the pastry sheets and brush with a little oil.
- Air fry at 180°C (350°F) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
2. Aloo Tikki
- Aloo Tikki is a spiced potato patty that’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Traditionally deep-fried, you can easily make them in the air fryer for a healthier version.
- Ingredients: Potatoes, breadcrumbs, cumin, coriander powder, garam masala, and chopped cilantro.
- Steps:
- Mash the potatoes and mix them with the spices.
- Shape the mixture into patties and brush with a little oil.
- Air fry at 180°C (350°F) for about 12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
3. Pakoras
- Pakoras, or bhajis, are fritters made by dipping vegetables or meat in chickpea flour and deep frying them. In an air fryer, you can still achieve that crispy crunch with much less oil.
- Ingredients: Chickpea flour, onions, spinach, potatoes, cumin seeds, and chili powder.
- Steps:
- Prepare the batter with chickpea flour and spices.
- Coat vegetables or meat in the batter.
- Air fry at 200°C (400°F) for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes.
Want more air-fried Indian snacks? Try making Masala Fries in your air fryer for a delicious side or snack with Indian spices.
Air Fryer Indian Curries and Main Dishes
The air fryer isn’t just for snacks. You can also cook hearty Indian curries and main dishes in it. Here are some of the best main dishes you can try in your air fryer:
1. Chicken Tikka
- Chicken Tikka is one of the most popular dishes in Indian cuisine. It’s made by marinating chicken in yogurt and spices, then cooking it until tender and juicy. With an air fryer, you can achieve that perfect charred texture.
- Ingredients: Chicken, yogurt, ginger, garlic, garam masala, chili powder, and turmeric.
- Steps:
- Marinate the chicken for 1-2 hours.
- Air fry at 180°C (350°F) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
2. Chicken Jalfrezi
- Chicken Jalfrezi is a tangy, spicy chicken curry with bell peppers, tomatoes, and onions. Air frying the chicken and then simmering it with the veggies creates a delicious and healthy version of this curry.
- Ingredients: Chicken, onions, bell peppers, tomatoes, ginger, garlic, and spices.
- Steps:
- Air fry the marinated chicken until fully cooked.
- Sauté the onions, peppers, and tomatoes in a pan, then add the air-fried chicken.
- Cook everything together for 10-15 minutes to blend the flavors.
3. Lamb Rogan Josh
- Traditionally cooked low and slow, Lamb Rogan Josh can be made in an air fryer by first browning the lamb and then finishing it off in the air fryer for a tender, flavorful curry.
- Ingredients: Lamb, yogurt, ginger, garlic, garam masala, and Kashmiri red chili powder.
- Steps:
- Brown the lamb in the air fryer at 200°C (400°F) for 10 minutes.
- Cook the lamb with the curry sauce in a pan or metal pan inside the air fryer for 15-20 minutes.
4. Kidney Bean Curry
- This vegetarian dish is rich in protein and makes for a healthy, comforting meal. Kidney Bean Curry can easily be made in the air fryer with a bit of preparation.
- Ingredients: Kidney beans, onions, tomatoes, ginger, garlic, and spices.
- Steps:
- Cook the kidney beans in a pot until soft.
- Make the curry sauce and combine it with the beans in a metal pan.
- Air fry at 180°C (350°F) for 10-15 minutes.
5. Chicken Biryani
- You can even make a delicious Chicken Biryani in the air fryer by layering the rice and chicken and air frying it to perfection. This quick method ensures that the rice is tender and flavorful.
- Ingredients: Chicken, basmati rice, onions, tomatoes, garam masala, and saffron.
- Steps:
- Marinate the chicken and cook the rice separately.
- Layer the rice and chicken in a pan and air fry for 20 minutes at 180°C (350°F).
If you’re looking for a different take on biryani, try this Chicken Biryani in Air Fryer recipe!
Indian Desserts You Can Make in an Air Fryer
Did you know that you can also make traditional Indian desserts in an air fryer? Here are a couple of sweet treats that you can prepare:
1. Gulab Jamun
- These sweet, syrup-soaked dough balls are a classic dessert in India. Making them in the air fryer gives them a crisp outer layer and soft center without deep-frying.
- Ingredients: Milk powder, flour, sugar, ghee, and cardamom.
- Steps:
- Prepare the dough and shape it into small balls.
- Air fry at 160°C (320°F) for 10-12 minutes.
- Soak the fried gulab jamuns in sugar syrup for a few hours before serving.
2. Churros with Indian Spices
- While churros are traditionally a Spanish dessert, you can give them an Indian twist by adding cardamom and saffron. They are light, crispy, and absolutely delicious.
- Ingredients: Flour, sugar, butter, water, cardamom, and saffron.
- Steps:
- Prepare the churro dough and pipe it into small shapes.
- Air fry at 180°C (350°F) for 8-10 minutes.
- Roll in cinnamon-sugar and serve.
3. Gajar Halwa
- Gajar Halwa is a classic Indian dessert made from grated carrots, milk, and sugar. You can easily make it in the air fryer for a more convenient version.
- Ingredients: Carrots, milk, sugar, cardamom, and ghee.
- Steps:
- Grate the carrots and combine them with the milk and sugar.
- Air fry at 180°C (350°F) for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Tips and Tricks for Cooking Indian Food in an Air Fryer
- Choosing the Right Ingredients: The key to cooking Indian food in an air fryer is selecting the right ingredients. For most recipes, you can use fresh ingredients, but be mindful of the oils you use. Opt for healthier oils like olive oil or avocado oil.
- Air Fryer Accessories: Accessories such as small pans or racks can make it easier to cook curries, biryani, or even dessert in your air fryer. These accessories allow you to cook foods in layers and make the most of the air fryer’s small cooking space.
- Adjusting Cooking Times: Air fryers cook faster than traditional methods, so you may need to adjust the cooking times slightly. Always check the food periodically to avoid overcooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can you cook curries in an air fryer? Yes! While air fryers are typically used for crispy dishes, you can also make curries by using small metal pans that fit into the basket. The heat circulation will cook the ingredients evenly.
2. What are the best air fryer Indian snacks? Snacks like samosas, pakoras, and aloo tikki work wonderfully in the air fryer, giving you crispy results with less oil.
3. Can air fryers replace a tandoor for Indian food? While air fryers can replicate some of the tandoor’s effects, they won’t achieve the same smoky flavor. However, you can make tandoori chicken or naan in an air fryer with excellent results.
4. How do I make crispy chicken in the air fryer? For crispy chicken, make sure to coat the chicken in a thin layer of oil and cook at a high temperature, flipping it halfway through.
5. Is cooking Indian food in an air fryer healthier? Yes, air fryers require little to no oil, making it a healthier option for deep-fried Indian dishes. You can enjoy your favorite Indian foods with a fraction of the fat.
Conclusion
The air fryer is a game-changer when it comes to cooking Indian food. Whether you’re making crispy snacks or hearty curries, the air fryer offers a healthier, faster, and convenient way to enjoy these dishes. By following the recipes and tips shared in this article, you can explore a world of flavors with less oil and less effort. So, get your air fryer ready, and start cooking your favorite Indian foods today!