Air Fryer Roti: A Quick, Easy, And Healthy Alternative?

Roti is a staple food in many parts of the world, and traditionally, it is cooked on a tawa or tandoor. However, with the advent of modern kitchen appliances, people are now exploring alternative ways to make this delicious flatbread. One such appliance is the air fryer, which has gained popularity for its convenience and ability to cook a variety of dishes. So, can we make roti in an air fryer? The answer is yes! By following specific recipes and techniques, you can create crispy, fluffy, and tasty roti in your air fryer. This paragraph serves as an introduction to the topic, and we will now delve into the methods and tips for making perfect roti using this convenient kitchen appliance.

Making roti in an air fryer vs. frying pan

Making roti in an air fryer is a convenient alternative to using a frying pan. The air fryer method can yield crispy, flaky, and fluffy roti without the use of oil, making it a healthier option. Here is a detailed comparison of the two methods:

Air Fryer Method:

• Start by preheating your air fryer to a temperature of around 180-350°C.
• Prepare your dough by kneading flour with water and optional spices or seeds like coriander, mint, ajwain, or kalonji.
• Roll the dough into balls and use a rolling pin to shape them into thicker-than-usual chapatis or rotis.
• Place the roti in the air fryer. You may need to weigh it down to prevent it from flying up and hitting the heating element.
• Cook for about 3-5 minutes, opening the drawer halfway through to flip the roti.
• The roti will fluff up and turn flaky. Grease it with butter and serve hot.

Frying Pan Method:

• Knead the flour with water and shape it into dough balls.
• Use a rolling pin to roll out the dough balls into thin, circular flatbreads.
• Heat a frying pan or tawa on a stovetop over medium heat.
• Place the roti on the pan and cook for a few minutes on each side until lightly browned and cooked through.
• Optionally, brush the roti with butter or ghee for added flavour and richness.

Both methods will result in delicious roti, but the air fryer method offers the convenience of minimal oil usage and less cleanup. The frying pan method allows for more control over the cooking process and is a traditional way of preparing roti.

How to make frozen roti in an air fryer

Yes, you can make frozen roti in an air fryer. Here is a simple method to make frozen roti in an air fryer:

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 180 degrees Celsius. While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare your frozen roti. Peel off the plastic from the frozen roti and place it inside the air fryer. It is important to note that the frozen roti may fly up and hit the heating element, so it is recommended to place something on top of it to weigh it down, such as a grilling tray accessory or a mini springform pan.

Once the air fryer is preheated, place the frozen roti inside and cook for about 3 minutes. Halfway through the cooking process, open the air fryer drawer and flip the roti over. The roti will begin to fluff up and develop flaky edges. After about 3 minutes of cooking, your frozen roti will be ready to enjoy! You can serve it with a hot cup of chai or with eggs.

If you are feeling more adventurous, you can also use frozen roti as a base for other dishes such as samosas or chicken rolls. For example, you can fill the roti with leftover chicken, cheese, and sauce, and then cook it in the air fryer for a delicious and crispy treat.

How to make roti from scratch in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• 1 cup atta or whole-wheat flour (sifted)
• 1 tablespoon oil (any oil)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt or salt to taste
• 1/4 cup warm water or as needed to knead the dough

Method:

• Make the dough: Add the flour and salt to a large bowl and mix well. Add the oil and mix again, breaking up any lumps by rubbing the flour between your palms. Slowly add the warm water and knead until you have a soft, stretchy dough. Cover the dough and let it rest for 10 minutes.
• Prepare the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F for 7 minutes. Clean the air fryer basket and line it with parchment paper.
• Shape the roti: Divide the dough into small balls. Using a rolling pin, roll out each ball into a disc shape, a little thicker than you would for a chapati.
• Cook the roti: Place the discs of dough into the air fryer basket and cook for 3 minutes. Flip them over and cook for another 2 minutes. The roti will puff up and become crispy.
• Serve: Remove the roti from the air fryer and brush with butter or ghee, if desired. Serve immediately while still hot.

Tips:

• To prevent the roti from flying up and hitting the heating element, place a grilling tray or a small weight (like a mini springform pan) on top.
• For a richer flavor, grease the dough balls with butter or ghee while shaping them.
• To add different flavors, try incorporating fresh chopped coriander, mint leaves, ajwain seeds, or kalonji seeds into the dough.

How long to cook roti in an air fryer

Yes, you can make roti in an air fryer! Here is a simple method for how to do it:

• Preheat your air fryer to 180°C for about 3 minutes.
• Roll out your chapati dough to a thickness slightly greater than usual.
• Cook the chapati on a tawa (flat pan) on a low flame on both sides.
• Place the semi-cooked chapati in the air fryer and cook for 5 minutes.
• Remove the chapati from the air fryer, grease with butter, and serve hot.

This method will give you a tandoori roti with a crispy, flaky texture.

If you are using frozen parathas, the process is slightly different:

• Preheat the air fryer to 180°C.
• Remove the plastic from the frozen paratha and place it in the air fryer, using a grilling tray accessory or a weight to prevent the paratha from flying up and hitting the heating element.
• Cook the frozen paratha for about 3 minutes, opening the air fryer drawer halfway through to flip the paratha.
• The paratha will cook into a crispy, flaky puri-style paratha.

Enjoy your freshly cooked roti or paratha!

What type of flour to use for roti in an air fryer

Roti is a type of Indian flatbread, also known as chapati or phulka. It is traditionally made with just two ingredients: Indian whole wheat flour ("atta") and water. When made correctly, it is soft, buttery, chewy, and tender.

The best type of flour to use for making roti in an air fryer is Indian whole wheat flour, or "atta". Atta is a type of flour made from stone-ground whole wheat and has a high protein content, which makes the dough strong and prevents it from falling apart when rolled out thinly.

If you cannot find atta flour, you can substitute bread flour, which also has a high protein content and will make the roti chewy. All-purpose flour can be used in a pinch, but the roti will not be as chewy. Using whole wheat flour is not recommended as it will make the roti tough and difficult to roll out.

To make roti in an air fryer, start by kneading the flour and water to form a soft dough. Then, divide the dough into equal portions and roll each portion into a thin, flat disc using a rolling pin. Preheat your air fryer for about 3 minutes. Cook the roti on a flat pan or tawa on low flame from both sides. Finally, air-fry the roti for about 5 minutes. You can grease the roti with butter before serving.

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