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

Poori is a beloved Indian fried flatbread, usually deep-fried and made from whole wheat flour, water, and a pinch of salt. It is a popular dish during festivals and celebrations and is often served with potato curry or chickpea masala. However, with the growing trend of healthy eating, people are looking for alternatives to deep-fried foods. This is where air fryers come in—but can you make poori in an air fryer?

The answer is yes! Air-fried poori is a healthier twist on the classic deep-fried version. It is made without oil and results in a poori that is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. The preparation method is slightly different, as the pooris are boiled in water before being placed in the air fryer. This water-fried poori is then cooked in the air fryer for a few minutes until golden and puffed.

While the taste may not be exactly the same as the traditional deep-fried poori, it is still a delicious and healthier option. It might be a great way to enjoy the classic Indian bread without the guilt!

Poori recipe ingredients

Poori is a traditional Indian fried bread made with only three ingredients: whole wheat flour, salt, and water. Here is a detailed list of ingredients and the recipe to make Poori in an air fryer.

Ingredients:

• Whole wheat flour (atta)
• Salt
• Water
• Oil or ghee (optional)
• Yogurt (optional)

Recipe:

• Mix together the flour, salt, and oil or ghee (if using) in a large mixing bowl.
• Gradually add warm water and knead until a soft, non-sticky dough is formed. The dough should be stiff and tight, not soft like roti or bread dough.
• Cover the dough and let it rest for 10-30 minutes.
• Divide the dough into small or medium-sized balls.
• Flatten the balls and smear a little oil on them.
• Roll the dough balls evenly into circles that are about 1/8" thick. They should not be too thin or too thick, or they won't puff up properly.
• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F-374°F (about 180°C-190°C).
• Place the puris in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don't overlap.
• Air fry for 3-4 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. You may need to adjust the timing depending on your air fryer model.
• Serve the puris hot with your choice of curry, chutney, or any side dish.

Air fryer pros and cons

Pooris, or Indian flatbread, can be made in an air fryer. This cooking method is healthier than the traditional deep-frying method as it requires little to no oil. The air fryer method is also mess-free and easy to make, with the pooris turning out crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

Now, here are the pros and cons of using an air fryer:

Pros

• Air fryers cook food evenly and quickly, achieving a wonderfully crispy texture.
• They require less oil than deep frying, making them a healthier alternative.
• They are faster than an oven in most cases and don't need lengthy preheating.
• They are easy to clean, with most baskets being dishwasher-safe.
• They are excellent for roasting vegetables and potatoes, and for making oil-free recipes.
• They are great for cooking small meals and reheating leftovers like pizza, keeping them crispy.
• They fill the gap between the oven and the microwave, making them a good basic kitchen appliance.
• They are useful for quick frozen snacks like bagel bites, mini quiches, fries, nuggets, and wings.
• They are perfect for those who want to eat healthier or cook more meals for themselves.
• They are ideal for those with ill-equipped kitchens as they are simple to use and don't require much counter space.

Cons

• Air fryers can be expensive, with higher-end models costing $250 and up.
• They take up counter space, especially if you opt for a dual-basket model.
• They can be noisy due to the fan.
• They are not suitable for cooking large batches of food or for big groups.
• Some foods may get dried out, and certain types of food like battered or "wet" foods don't cook well in an air fryer.
• They may not give the exact same results as traditional deep frying in terms of taste and texture.

Overall, air fryers are a good investment for individuals or small households who want to cook quick, healthy meals and don't require a lot of cooking space. However, for those who cook for large groups or prefer the traditional deep-fried taste and texture, an air fryer may not be necessary.

Air fryer poori cooking instructions

Ingredients:

• Whole wheat flour
• Plain yogurt
• Salt
• Water
• Oil (optional)

Method:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour and salt.
• Add the plain yogurt and mix.
• Gradually add warm water and knead until a soft but firm dough forms.
• Cover the dough and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.
• After resting, knead the dough again and shape it into a log.
• Divide the dough into small pieces and roll them into equal-sized balls.
• Add a drop of oil to your work surface or coat the dough balls in dry flour.
• Using a rolling pin, roll each ball into a circle approximately 3-4 inches in diameter and evenly flat.
• Before air-frying, bring a pot of water to a boil.
• Gently drop a few puris into the boiling water and let them cook for about 2 minutes or until they puff up slightly.
• Remove the boiled puris with a slotted spoon and place them on a kitchen towel to absorb excess water.
• Preheat your air fryer to 190°C (374°F).
• Place the boiled puris in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap. You may need to cook them in batches.
• Air-fry the puris for about 4 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
• Once the puris are puffed and cooked to your liking, remove them from the air fryer basket and serve hot with your choice of curry, chutney, or any side dish.

Tips:

• For a vegan version, replace the yogurt with a dairy-free alternative.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute wheat flour with a gluten-free blend.
• To make masala poori, add spices such as cumin seeds, carom seeds, and red chilli powder to the dough.
• To make palak poori, replace water with spinach puree.
• To make methi poori, add freshly chopped fenugreek leaves or crushed fenugreek to the dough.

Poori dough preparation

Poori is a traditional Indian fried bread, usually made with whole wheat flour, salt, and water. Here is a step-by-step guide to making the dough:

Firstly, add 1 cup of whole wheat flour, ¾ teaspoon of semolina (optional), and ⅛ teaspoon of salt to a mixing bowl. You can also add a ¾ teaspoon of oil or ghee at this stage and mix well.

Next, gradually add water, a little at a time, and begin to mix and knead the dough. You will need approximately ¼ cup of water, plus an additional 1-2 tablespoons. The dough should be stiff, tight, and smooth, but not too soft. You can add a little more water if the dough feels dry, but be careful not to make it sticky.

Once the dough is kneaded, cover the bowl with a damp cloth or kitchen towel and let it rest. The resting time can vary from 10 minutes to 30 minutes.

After resting, knead the dough again briefly and divide it into small pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, aiming for a diameter of about 1 inch. You should end up with 8 to 10 balls of dough.

Now you are ready to roll out the dough. Add a drop of oil to your work surface or coat the dough balls with a dry flour alternative. Using a rolling pin, roll each ball into a circle with a diameter of approximately 3-4 inches. The circles should be evenly flat, and not too thin or too thick—this will ensure that the poori puffs up nicely when fried.

Follow these steps, and you will have the perfect poori dough ready for frying!

Poori serving suggestions

Poori is a versatile Indian dish that can be served with a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Here are some serving suggestions for poori:

Curries

Poori is often served with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian curries. Some popular curries that pair well with pooris include:

• Chana masala
• Aloo curry
• Paneer butter masala
• Chicken curry
• Potato masala
• Veg kurma
• Coconut chutney or coconut-cashew curry
• Chana curry with coconut

Scrambled Paneer

Another popular dish that is often served with poori is scrambled paneer. It is made by frying crumbled paneer (Indian paneer) with onions, tomatoes, and spices.

Pickles and Chutneys

Poori can also be served with various pickles and chutneys, such as:

• Mango pickle
• Mint chutney
• Tamarind chutney
• Coriander chutney

Curd

Poori can be served with curd, which helps to balance the spice level in the curry and adds a cool and refreshing element to the dish.

Masala Puri

For a more spicy and flavourful version, you can try making Masala Puri. It is made by adding spices like cumin, coriander, and red chili powder to the dough before rolling and frying.

Halwa, Basundi, Shrikhand, and Mango Shrikhand

If you prefer sweet meals, puris are best eaten with Suji halwa, Basundi, Shrikhand, or Mango shrikhand.

Frequently asked questions