Air-Fried Poori: A Healthy Twist On A Classic?

Poori, a type of deep-fried Indian flatbread, can be made in an air fryer. While the texture of the poori may differ from the traditional deep-fried version, air-fried poori is healthier and crispier. The air fryer's ability to crisp food without the need for hot oil is a significant advantage, and it can produce a poori that is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. The process of making poori in an air fryer involves arranging the pooris on a wire rack in the air fryer basket, preheating the air fryer, and then air-frying for a few minutes.

Air-frying temperature and time

Pooris can be cooked in an air fryer, and this method of cooking them has gained popularity. Using an air fryer instead of deep-frying in oil reduces the calorie count and prevents the formation of unhealthy substances. However, it is important to note that the taste and texture of air-fried pooris differ from those that are deep-fried.

Before air-frying the pooris, it is recommended to preheat the air fryer. The ideal temperature and time for preheating the air fryer vary across sources. One source suggests preheating at 374°F (190°C) for about 7 minutes, while another recommends 400°F for 5 minutes.

Once preheated, the air-frying temperature for cooking the pooris is typically set between 320°F and 400°F. The cooking time ranges from 3 to 5 minutes for the first side and then an additional 3 to 5 minutes after flipping them. It is important to monitor the pooris during cooking, as the exact cooking time may vary depending on the air fryer model. The pooris are ready when they turn golden brown and crispy. If they are not golden after the initial cooking time, they can be air-fried for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until done.

To ensure even cooking, it is recommended to arrange 2-3 pooris in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding. Brushing or spraying the pooris with oil before air-frying will give them an oily shine and a crispier texture.

Dough consistency

After kneading, the dough should be covered with a damp cloth and left to rest for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour. This allows the dough to become smooth and soft. Once the dough has rested, it can be shaped into small, equal-sized balls, which can then be flattened with a rolling pin. It is important to roll the dough out evenly so that the pooris cook uniformly. They should not be rolled too thick or too thin.

Some recipes suggest adding plain yoghurt to the dough mixture to help moisturise it in the absence of oil. You can also add your favourite spices, such as cumin seeds, carom seeds, red chilli powder, or turmeric powder.

Pre-boiling

Pooris, or puris, are a type of deep-fried bread made with whole wheat flour. They are usually small in size and require deep frying. However, you can also cook them in an air fryer, which is a healthier alternative to deep frying as it uses less oil.

To make puris in an air fryer, you will first need to prepare the dough. The dough should be soft yet firm, and you can add ingredients like whole wheat flour, yogurt, salt, and spices such as cumin seeds, carom seeds, red chili powder, or turmeric powder. You can also add vegetable puree to make the dough fiber-rich. Make sure to knead the dough well and achieve the right consistency, as this will ensure that the puris puff up nicely in the air fryer.

Once the dough is ready, roll it out evenly. The thickness of the rolled-out dough should be just right—not too thin or too thick. A soft and smooth dough will ensure that the puris puff up in the air fryer. After rolling, cut the dough into small, evenly sized circles.

Before placing the pooris in the air fryer, it is important to preheat the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer for about 5-7 minutes at 360-374°F (190°C). The preheating time and temperature may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model.

Now you are ready to cook the pooris. Place the pooris in a single layer in the air fryer basket, being careful not to overcrowd them. Brush or spray the pooris with oil if you want a shiny, traditional look and a slightly darker colour. You can also add a tablespoon or two of oil to the air fryer if you prefer a crispier texture.

Air fry the pooris for about 4-6 minutes at 180-320°C. The cooking time and temperature may vary depending on your air fryer model, so adjust accordingly. You can flip the pooris halfway through cooking if you want an even colour on both sides.

Your air-fried pooris are now ready to be served! They will be crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with a puffed-up texture. Serve them with traditional sides such as potato curry, Amritsari chole, aloo bhujia, or pickles. Enjoy the delicious taste of pooris without the guilt of deep-frying!

Oil or dry flour

Pooris are a type of Indian fried flatbread, traditionally deep-fried to create a puffed-up, light, and airy texture. However, it is possible to make pooris in an air fryer, with some recipes claiming to use absolutely no oil.

The dough for air-fried poori is generally made by combining whole wheat flour, salt, and plain yoghurt, with water added gradually to form a soft yet firm dough. This dough is then covered and left to rest for at least 30 minutes. After this, the dough is kneaded again and shaped into a log, before being divided into small pieces and rolled into balls. These balls are then flattened into circles, with a drop of oil or a coating of dry flour added to the work surface to prevent sticking.

The use of oil or dry flour is a key decision when making poori in an air fryer. While traditionally, pooris are deep-fried in oil, air fryers use hot air instead of oil to cook food. This results in a healthier dish with fewer calories and less fat. However, the lack of oil can affect the taste and texture of the poori. Some people may not like the difference in taste and texture between air-fried and deep-fried poori, and the absence of oil can make the dish drier and less juicy.

To mitigate the potential drawbacks of using an air fryer, some recipes suggest adding a small amount of oil to the dough or brushing the pooris with oil before air frying. This can help to improve the taste and texture of the dish, making it closer to that of a traditional poori. However, even with the addition of oil, air-fried poori may still taste different from its deep-fried counterpart, and the lack of greasiness may be off-putting to some. Ultimately, the decision to use oil or dry flour when making poori in an air fryer depends on personal preference, with some people opting for the traditional taste and texture of deep-fried poori, while others may prefer the healthier, less greasy option that the air fryer provides.

Serving suggestions

Poori cooked in an air fryer can be served with a variety of dishes, depending on your preference. Here are some serving suggestions:

For a traditional Indian meal, serve the air-fried poori with a potato curry or a chickpea curry like Amritsari chole. You can also serve it with dal, such as channa dal, or any subzi. If you're serving poori as part of a larger meal, consider pairing it with chutney or a side dish of your choice.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can try making pani puri, a popular Indian street food. Pani puri is a round, ball-shaped, hollow puri filled with a spicy and flavorful potato mixture. It is typically served with tangy mint-cilantro pani (water). You can also add boiled black or white chickpeas for an extra burst of flavor.

To enhance the flavor of your air-fried poori, consider adding spices to the dough. Cumin seeds, carom seeds, red chili powder, and turmeric powder can add a kick to your dish. Additionally, you can experiment with different types of flour, such as whole wheat flour, to create a unique texture and taste.

When serving air-fried poori, you can enjoy it hot or at room temperature. If you prefer your poori warm, you can reheat it in the microwave for about 20 seconds to regain its freshness and taste. Remember to serve your poori puffed and crispy, achieving the perfect texture that air fryers are known for.

Frequently asked questions