Air-Frying Appalam: A Healthy Crunch?

Appalam, papads, papadums, or poppadoms are thin, crisp Indian flatbreads often served as an appetizer or side dish. They are typically deep-fried, but can you cook them in an air fryer? Yes, it is possible to cook appalam in an air fryer, and there are several online resources that provide instructions on how to do so. However, some people have reported mixed results when trying this method, with some saying that it works better for papads than appalam.

Oil brushing

Oil-brushing is a crucial step in the process of making appalam in an air fryer. It helps the appalam become crispy when cooked in the air fryer. Firstly, transfer the rolled appalam onto a piece of parchment paper or a silicone mat. This will prevent it from sticking to the air fryer basket. Place the appalam side by side on the parchment paper or mat, ensuring they don't overlap. Now, lightly brush each appalam with oil on both sides. You can also spray the appalam with oil.

The oil helps to enhance the texture of the appalam, making it crispy and indulgent. It is important to note that the oil should be applied lightly and evenly to ensure that the appalam cooks properly and doesn't become greasy. The oil also helps to prevent the appalam from sticking to the air fryer basket, ensuring even cooking.

When brushing the appalam with oil, it is recommended to use a pastry brush or a silicone brush. This allows for a more controlled and even application of the oil. You can also use an oil spray bottle, which can help to distribute the oil more evenly and efficiently.

It is important to note that the amount of oil used should be minimal. Excessive oil may cause the appalam to become soggy or greasy, detracting from the desired crispy texture. A light coating of oil is sufficient to achieve the desired results.

Overcrowding

Yes, you can cook appalam in an air fryer, but there are a few things to keep in mind to avoid overcrowding and ensure the best results. Firstly, it is recommended to preheat your air fryer to 360°F or 180°C for about 5 minutes. This ensures an even cooking temperature for the appalam.

Now, let's talk about overcrowding. When cooking appalam in an air fryer, it is important to avoid placing too many pieces in the air fryer at once. This can cause the appalam to stick together or cook unevenly, resulting in an inconsistent texture and taste. It is recommended to cook one piece at a time or a maximum of two, depending on the size of your air fryer. By cooking in batches, you ensure that each appalam has enough space to cook evenly and develop the desired crispness.

Additionally, the lightweight nature of appalam can cause them to fly up to the heating element and burn if not properly secured. To prevent this, place the appalam in the bottom cavity of the air fryer, below the mesh in the main basket. This setup ensures that the appalam remains in place and cooks evenly without burning.

Cooking time for appalam in an air fryer is generally around 2-3 minutes per piece. However, it is crucial to keep a close eye on them as they can go from perfectly crispy to burnt in a matter of seconds. Use tongs to carefully check and remove the appalam from the air fryer, as they will be very hot to handle.

In summary, when cooking appalam in an air fryer, avoid overcrowding by cooking in batches, ensure even cooking by placing the appalam in the bottom cavity, and monitor the cooking process closely to prevent burning. With these tips, you can enjoy crispy and tasty appalam without the mess and oil of traditional frying methods.

Monitoring

Appalam, or papadum, is a crispy Indian snack that can be cooked in an air fryer. The process is quicker and healthier than traditional deep-frying methods. However, it is important to monitor the appalam carefully during the cooking process to avoid overcooking or burning.

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) or 360°F (180°C). This ensures even cooking and a crispy texture. While the air fryer is preheating, prepare the appalam dough by mixing lentil or rice flour, water, salt, and spices such as cumin, black pepper, or chili powder.

Once the dough is ready, divide it into small portions and roll them out to your desired thickness. Remember, thinner appalams will result in crispier snacks. Lightly brush each appalam with oil on both sides to enhance crispness.

Now, place the appalam on a piece of parchment paper or a silicone mat, ensuring they don't overlap. Place the parchment paper or mat into the preheated air fryer basket. It is important to avoid placing the appalam directly on the air fryer basket, as they are lightweight and can fly towards the heating element, causing burning.

Cook the appalam for approximately 3-4 minutes per side, monitoring them closely. The appalam is ready when it turns golden brown and crispy. Remove the cooked appalam from the air fryer and let them cool on a wire rack. Repeat the process with the remaining portions until all the appalam are cooked.

To store leftover appalam, allow them to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container or zip-lock bag to maintain crispiness.

Air fryer basket placement

Air fryers are small, powerful ovens that use hot air to cook food. They are not deep fryers and do not use fat as a vehicle for heat, so the food will not be identical to deep-fried food. However, air fryers are much less messy and oil-intensive than deep frying.

When it comes to basket placement, the most common type of air fryer is the basket-type air fryer, which has a removable basket. This basket should always contain a grate or perforated tray at the bottom to allow hot air to circulate around the food and prevent it from sitting in excess oil. The food should then be placed on top of this grate or tray, ensuring there is only a single layer of food to allow for proper airflow and even cooking. It is not recommended to place food directly on the bottom of the basket.

Some air fryers may also come with additional accessories, such as a raised metal rack or a crisper plate. These can be placed on top of the grate or tray to elevate the food and increase cooking capacity. However, using multiple layers can make it more challenging to flip the food halfway through the cooking process.

It is important to note that air fryers can be loud due to the whirring fans, and browning food may require removing the basket or tray to shuffle the food around every few minutes. Additionally, always ensure that the basket is pushed all the way in, or the air fryer will not turn on or function properly.

Reheating

To prevent the appalam from burning, it is recommended to place it in the bottom cavity of the air fryer, rather than on top of the air fryer basket. This will also help the appalam cook evenly. It is also important to avoid overcrowding the air fryer by putting in too many appalam at once, as they may stick together or cook unevenly.

If you are reheating the appalam after storing it, it is best to avoid storing masala papad, as it will get soggy.

Frequently asked questions