Air-Fried Momos: A Healthy Twist On A Street Food Classic

Momos are a popular snack, especially in Nepal, Tibet, India, and the small nooks and crannies of Delhi. They are soft, fluffy dumplings with a thin sheet of dough filled with vegetables or meat. Typically, momos are steamed or fried, but they can also be cooked in an air fryer with minimal oil. The air fryer method creates a crispy texture without the use of excessive oil, making it a healthier alternative to traditional frying. This technique is ideal for those who enjoy the taste of fried foods but are conscious of their health.

Air fryer temperature and time settings for making momos

Momos are a popular snack, especially in Nepal, Tibet, and India. They are also popular in parts of Delhi. They are usually steamed dumplings with a variety of fillings, but they can also be fried.

Air-Frying Momos

Air-frying is a healthier alternative to deep-frying momos, and it can be done with minimal oil. The air fryer's hot air rushes down onto the food, frying it evenly and giving it a crispy texture.

General Guidelines:

• Preheat your air fryer: This is an important step to ensure even cooking.
• Single layer: Arrange the momos in a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
• Flip halfway: For even cooking and to prevent burning, flip the momos halfway through the cooking process.
• Size and power variation: The cooking time may vary depending on the size and power of your air fryer, so adjust accordingly.

Recipe 1:

• Set the air fryer to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C) for 10 minutes.
• Line the baking tray with parchment paper.
• Arrange the steamed momos on the tray, spray with oil, and place in the air fryer.
• After 5-6 minutes, the momos will turn golden brown and crispy; turn them upside down.
• Total cooking time may be around 10 minutes, depending on the size of the momos and the air fryer.

Recipe 2:

• Heat the air fryer to 180 degrees C for 5 minutes.
• Put the momos in the air fryer, set the temperature to 160 degrees C, and the timer for 5 minutes.
• Brush the momos with a little oil.
• Set the temperature back to 160 degrees C and the timer for 3 minutes.
• Flip the momos, set the temperature to 140 degrees C, and the timer for 5 minutes.
• Total cooking time is around 18 minutes.

Recipe 3:

• Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Lightly coat the momos with non-stick cooking spray (optional).
• Place the momos in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
• Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until crispy and heated through.

The temperature and time settings for air-frying momos can vary depending on the recipe and the air fryer being used. It is important to keep an eye on the momos during cooking and adjust the settings as needed to avoid overcooking or burning.

How to make the dough for momos

Making the dough for momos is a straightforward process. Here is a step-by-step guide:

First, take a large bowl and add 2 cups of all-purpose flour, also known as maida, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Mix these ingredients together. You can also add 1/4 teaspoon of baking powder if you wish. Now, gradually add water and knead the mixture to form a semi-hard dough. You can add around 1/4 cup of water for kneading, or adjust as required. Coat all sides of the dough with oil, cover it, and set it aside for 15-30 minutes.

After this, you can divide the dough into equal-sized balls and roll them out into thin circles. You can use a little dry flour if required. Once you have prepared your filling, place a tablespoon of it in the centre of each circle. You can then shape your momos as desired. Some simple shapes include pleating the edges together to seal the filling inside, or folding up the ends together to form a modak shape.

How to make the stuffing for momos

Making the stuffing for momos is a simple process. The stuffing can be made with vegetables, chicken, or paneer. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make the stuffing for momos:

Ingredients:

• Oil
• Onion
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Green chilli
• Spring onions
• Cabbage
• Carrot
• Black pepper
• Salt

Method:

• Heat oil in a pan.
• Add onion, garlic, and green chilli. Stir for 3-4 minutes.
• Add spring onion and stir for a few seconds.
• Add cabbage and cook on high flame for 3-4 minutes.
• Add salt and black pepper.
• Cook on medium flame for 2-3 minutes.
• Turn off the heat and let the mixture cool down.

Once the stuffing is ready, you can start preparing the momo dough and assembling the momos. The above recipe is for vegetable stuffing. If you prefer chicken stuffing, you can follow a similar process but without precooking the chicken. Simply mix the raw chicken with the other ingredients and stuff the momos. The chicken will cook along with the momos as they steam.

How to shape momos

Yes, you can make momos in an air fryer! Here is a step-by-step guide on how to shape them:

Momos are delicious dumplings that are popular in Nepal, Tibet, and India. They can be made with a variety of fillings, including vegetables or meat. The soft and fluffy dough is typically made with Maida flour, and the fillings are spiced to perfection. Here is a guide on how to shape momos:

• Start by preparing your dough: In a bowl, mix Maida flour and salt. Then, add oil and mix well. Gradually add water and knead the dough until it comes together. Cover the dough and set it aside to rest for about 20 minutes.
• Make the stuffing: Heat some oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add finely chopped onions and stir-fry for a few minutes. Then, add your choice of finely chopped vegetables (such as cabbage, carrots, capsicum, or spring onions) or meat. Stir-fry the mixture for a few minutes until the vegetables are cooked yet still crunchy. Add spices like soy sauce, red chilli sauce, black pepper, and salt to taste. Mix well and cook the stuffing for a few more minutes before turning off the heat. Set the stuffing aside to cool.
• Divide the dough: After the dough has rested, divide it into equal-sized balls. This will make it easier to shape each momo.
• Roll out the dough: Take one dough ball and roll it out into a thin, even circle. You can use a little dry flour to prevent sticking. The circle should be thin enough to wrap around the filling without breaking.
• Place the stuffing: Put about 1 tablespoon of the prepared stuffing in the centre of the dough circle. Be careful not to overfill, as this can make sealing the momos difficult.
• Shape the momos: Now, it's time to shape your momos! You can give them any shape you like. A simple option is to bring the edges of the dough together above the filling and pinch them tightly to seal the momo. You can create pleats or leave the top open, similar to a traditional dumpling shape. Repeat this process for the remaining dough balls and stuffing.
• Prepare the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 180 degrees Celsius for about 5 minutes. This step ensures that your momos will cook evenly.
• Cook the momos: Place the shaped momos into the air fryer basket or tray. Brush them lightly with oil to promote even browning. Set the air fryer to the desired temperature and timer, following the specific recipe you are using. Remember to flip the momos halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.
• Serve: Once the momos are golden brown and crispy, they are ready to serve! You can enjoy them with a variety of dips or chutneys, such as spicy garlic-tomato chutney or mayonnaise.

Shaping momos is a fun and creative process, and you can experiment with different shapes and fillings to find your favourite combinations. Enjoy the delicious taste of crispy, air-fried momos made right in your own kitchen!

Dipping sauces to serve with momos

Momos are a popular snack, often served as street food in Nepal, Tibet, India, and Delhi. They are usually served with a dipping sauce, commonly called "momo achar" or momo dipping sauce. This sauce is tangy and spicy and pairs perfectly with the dumplings, whether they are fried or steamed.

Spicy Tomato-Based Sauce

A spicy, tangy tomato-based sauce is a perfect complement to momos, and it can be made with the following ingredients:

• Tomatoes (plum tomatoes are recommended)
• Ginger
• Garlic paste
• Green chilli
• Cilantro
• Spices: Turmeric powder, cumin seeds, red chilli powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, and Sichuan pepper (optional)
• Seasoning: Salt and black pepper
• Vegetable oil

Momos Chutney

Momos chutney is a spicy, fiery chutney that is commonly served as a dip with momos. It is made with tomatoes, red chillies, and garlic. It can also be made with Sichuan pepper, which adds a distinct pungency to the chutney. Other ingredients include:

• Sugar
• Salt
• Water for blending

Garlic Chutney

A garlic chutney is a great option to serve with momos, especially if you are looking for something with a spicy kick.

Mayonnaise

For a creamier option, mayonnaise can be served as a dipping sauce for momos.

Soy Sauce

Soy sauce is another option for a dipping sauce, adding a unique flavour to the momos.

Spicy Momo Achar

If you are looking for a spicy dipping sauce, momo achar is a great option. It is a tangy, spicy sauce that perfectly complements fried or steamed momos.

There are many options for dipping sauces to serve with momos, and you can choose the one that best suits your taste preferences and spice tolerance!

Frequently asked questions