Air-Frying Idlis: A Tasty, Healthy Twist On A Classic

Idli is a popular South Indian dish that can be made in various ways, including steaming, deep frying, and air frying. Air fryers have become an increasingly popular way to cook idlis, as they produce a crispy exterior and chewy interior texture that is preferred by many. This method is also healthier than deep frying, as it uses less oil. You can use leftover idlis or make them fresh and then cut them into bite-sized pieces before air frying. The air fryer temperature and timing may vary depending on your preferred level of crispness and the type of air fryer used. In this article, we will explore the process of making idlis in an air fryer, along with some tips and tricks to achieve the best results.

Idli Fry in an Air Fryer: a quick, yummy snack

Idli fry is a delicious and quick snack that can be made in an air fryer with minimal oil. It is an excellent way to use up leftover idlis and transform them into something new and tasty. The best part is that it only takes about 15 minutes to prepare and cook!

Ingredients

• Leftover idlis (or fresh idlis)
• Oil or oil spray
• Spices of your choice (optional): red chilli powder, turmeric powder, dry mango powder, sambar powder, etc.
• Dips of your choice: ketchup, coconut chutney, or any other dip you prefer

Instructions

• Cut the idlis into bite-sized pieces. You can cut them into your desired shape, but try not to make them too small, as you want a soft and chewy texture on the inside with a crispy exterior.
• Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (some sources suggest 400°F) for about 3-5 minutes.
• Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil or grease it with oil. You can also drizzle oil over the idli pieces if you prefer.
• Place the idli pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
• Air fry at 390°F (or 400°F) for 10-15 minutes, or until the idli bites are crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside. The timing may vary depending on your air fryer, so adjust as needed.
• Serve the crispy fried idlis with your favourite dip and enjoy!

Tips and Variations

• You can also deep fry or oven bake the idli bites, but air frying is a healthier and quicker option that still gives a delicious texture.
• If you want to spice up your idli fry, you can sprinkle a spice blend or masala of your choice (such as red chilli powder, turmeric powder, or amchur) on the idli pieces before air frying.
• For an even more flavourful experience, toss the air-fried idlis in a seasoning of sambar powder, mustard seeds, and fresh curry leaves, or fry some onions, tomatoes, and cilantro in oil, add sambar powder, and then toss with the fried idlis.
• Idli fry is a versatile dish that can be served as a snack, appetizer, or even a breakfast option.

Air-frying: a healthier alternative to deep-frying

Air fryers have become an increasingly popular kitchen appliance, and for good reason. They offer a convenient and healthier way to enjoy your favourite fried foods without the excessive oil and calories of traditional deep-frying. This method of cooking is particularly useful for dishes like idlis, which are traditionally deep-fried and can be time-consuming and messy to prepare.

Air fryers use rapid air circulation technology to cook food. Hot air is circulated around the food in the fryer, creating a crispy exterior similar to that of deep-fried foods. The key difference is that air-frying requires little to no oil, resulting in a much lower-fat alternative that is healthier and less messy.

Benefits of air-frying

One of the biggest advantages of air-frying is its convenience. For dishes like idlis, which are traditionally deep-fried, air-frying eliminates the need for a large pot of hot oil, which can be dangerous and time-consuming to prepare and clean up. Air-frying also produces less smoke and odour than deep-frying, making it a more pleasant experience for both the cook and those nearby.

In addition to being easier and less messy, air-frying is also a healthier alternative. Deep-frying foods can result in excessive oil absorption, leading to higher calorie counts and increased consumption of unhealthy fats. Air-frying uses little to no oil, reducing the overall fat and calorie content of the dish. This makes it a great option for those looking to cut down on fat and calories without sacrificing taste and texture.

Preparing idlis in an air fryer

When it comes to preparing idlis in an air fryer, the process is simple. You can use any standard idli recipe and cut the idlis into bite-sized pieces. Preheat your air fryer to a temperature between 375-400°F (depending on your model), and lightly spray the idli pieces with oil. Place them in the air fryer basket and cook for 10-15 minutes, until they are crispy and golden. You can serve them with ketchup or a dip of your choice.

Customisation and variations

One of the great things about air-frying idlis is the ability to customise and vary the dish. You can experiment with different types of rice, such as idli rava, brown rice, or red rice, to create unique flavours and textures. Additionally, you can toss the air-fried idlis in a variety of spices, such as sambar powder, mustard seeds, curry leaves, or chutney powder, to add a spicy kick to your dish.

Oil options: spray, drizzle or brush

When making idlis in an air fryer, you have the option to spray, drizzle or brush oil onto the idlis.

Spraying Oil

If you're using an air fryer with a non-stick surface, you usually don't need to spray the basket. However, for certain foods like salmon with skin, spraying or brushing the basket with oil is recommended. You can also spray the oil directly onto the food before and during cooking to prevent it from drying out.

Drizzling Oil

Before placing your idlis in the air fryer, you can toss them in a bowl with a drizzle of oil and your desired seasonings. This ensures that the idlis are evenly coated before cooking.

Brushing Oil

You can also brush the air fryer basket and the food with a little oil using a pastry brush. This method allows you to control the amount of oil being applied and ensures an even coating.

Oil Type

It's important to use the right type of oil when cooking with an air fryer. Oils with a high smoke point, such as avocado oil, peanut oil, sunflower oil, or light olive oil, are recommended. These oils can withstand higher temperatures without breaking down and producing smoke.

Air-frying temperature and duration

To make idlis in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to a temperature of between 375°F and 400°F. The duration of the air-frying process depends on the temperature you choose. For instance, frying at 400°F will take 6 to 8 minutes, while frying at 390°F will take 10 to 15 minutes. You can also preheat the air fryer to 375°F and fry the idlis for 10 to 11 minutes.

The duration of the frying process also depends on the type of air fryer you are using and the level of crispness you prefer. It is recommended to adjust the duration to suit your preferred texture.

When air-frying idlis, it is important to ensure that they are arranged in a single layer in the air fryer basket. This helps ensure even cooking. Additionally, you can drizzle or spray a small amount of oil on the idlis before placing them in the air fryer. This adds to the crispness of the idlis.

Serving suggestions: dips, chutneys, and spices

Idlis are often served with chutneys, dips, and spices. Here are some serving suggestions:

Chutneys

Chutneys are a common accompaniment to idlis and can be made with a variety of ingredients such as coconut, chillies, cumin, garlic, ginger, curry leaves, urad dal, and chana dal. Here are some specific types of chutney that pair well with idlis:

• Coconut Chutney: This chutney is made with grated or sliced coconut, green chillies, cumin, curry leaves, and tamarind. It is a staple in many South Indian households and can be stored in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.
• Tomato Chutney: A tangy chutney made by blending boiled tomatoes with spices.
• Onion Chutney: A sweet and spicy chutney made with onions, tamarind, and spices.
• Coriander Mint Chutney: A refreshing chutney made with coriander leaves, mint leaves, tamarind, and ginger.
• Street Style Chilli Chutney: A spicy chutney made with dried red chillies, green chillies, garlic, and coconut.

Dips

Idlis can be served with a variety of dips, such as:

• Ketchup: A common dip for fried idlis, adding a tangy and sweet flavour.
• Coriander Mint Chutney: This chutney also works as a dip for idlis, providing a refreshing taste.

Spices

Idlis can be tossed or tempered with spices like ghee or oil, and podi, a spicy ground lentil condiment. Here are some specific spice combinations that can be used:

• Podi Idli: A South Indian dish where steamed idlis are tossed in ghee or oil and podi, a spicy ground lentil condiment. The podi can be made with peanuts, roasted chana dal, sesame seeds, cumin seeds, and curry leaves.
• Tamarind: A small piece of tamarind can be added to chutneys or spice mixes to give a tangy flavour.
• Jaggery: A pinch of powdered jaggery can be added to spice mixes for a touch of sweetness.
• Mustard seeds: These can be tempered with ghee or oil to add a crunchy texture and nutty flavour.

Frequently asked questions