Frying Puris: Air Fryer Method Explored

Puri is a popular Indian deep-fried bread that is traditionally served with a side dish or curry. However, frying can be unhealthy due to the excessive use of oil. As a result, many people are turning to air fryers as a healthier alternative. Air fryers use hot air to fry food instead of oil, resulting in a similar crispy texture without the added calories. This method is also mess-free and requires less time and oil than traditional frying.

Puri dough preparation

Puri is an Indian fried bread made with whole wheat flour, water, and salt. It is a popular breakfast food in India and is often served with a variety of savoury and sweet dishes. Here is a detailed guide on how to prepare the dough for making puris:

Ingredients:

• Whole wheat flour (also known as chapati atta)
• Salt
• Water
• Oil (optional)
• Sugar (optional)
• Semolina (sooji, rava, or fine rava) (optional)

Step-by-Step Process:

• Combine the dry ingredients: Take a mixing bowl and add the wheat flour and salt. You can also add a teaspoon of sugar and a couple of tablespoons of semolina for a crispier texture and to help the puris stay puffed up for longer. Mix the ingredients well.
• Add oil (optional): Pour in a teaspoon of oil and mix it with the flour. Rub the mixture between your palms to break up any lumps.
• Knead the dough: Gradually add warm water to the mixture and start kneading the dough. You can use your hands or a stand mixer with a spiral dough hook attachment. The dough should be smooth, semi-soft, and slightly stiff. It should not be too soft like roti dough or too stiff like mathri dough.
• Rest the dough: Cover the dough with a damp cloth or kitchen towel and let it rest for at least 10 minutes to an hour. You can also refrigerate the dough in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Knead again and divide the dough: After the resting period, knead the dough briefly again. Then, divide it into small portions. The number of portions will depend on the size of the puris you want to make. Aim for about 1-inch diameter balls.
• Flatten the dough balls: Lightly roll each dough ball between your palms to smoothen it out. Do not knead them. Then, flatten each ball with your palms or a rolling pin.
• Roll out the puris: Use a rolling pin to roll each dough portion into a circle of approximately 3-4 inches in diameter. The puris should be rolled evenly to a moderate thickness. If they are too thin, they will become crispy, and if they are too thick, they will not puff up.
• Boiling the puris (optional): Before air-frying or frying the puris, some recipes suggest boiling them in water for about 2 minutes. This helps ensure they puff up and gives them a shiny glaze similar to deep-fried puris.

Once the dough is prepared and rolled out, you can fry or air-fry the puris until they are golden and puffed up. Serve them hot with your favourite curry, chutney, or side dish!

Air fryer settings

Air fryers are a healthier alternative to deep-frying, as they use hot air to fry food instead of oil. This results in a similar crispy texture without the added calories and mess of oil. Here are the steps to follow for making Puri in an air fryer, along with the recommended settings:

Ingredients:

• Wheat Flour (Atta) - 2 cups
• Semolina (Suji/Rava) - 1-2 tablespoons
• Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
• Oil - 1-2 teaspoons (for dough and brushing/spraying the air fryer basket)
• Water - As needed for kneading the dough and boiling the puris

Optional ingredients for variations:

• Sugar - 1 teaspoon
• Plain Yogurt - 3 tablespoons
• Tapioca Starch
• Baking Soda

Steps:

• Prepare the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the wheat flour, semolina, salt, and optional sugar. Gradually add water and knead the mixture into a soft, stretchy, and elastic dough. You can also add a little oil to smoothen the dough. Cover the dough and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes.
• Divide and Roll the Dough: After resting, divide the dough into small portions, roughly the size of a golf ball. Roll each portion into a thin, round disc using a rolling pin. You can use a cookie cutter to cut out small discs.
• Preheat the Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to 350-400°F (180-200°C) and preheat it for about 5-7 minutes. Oil or spray the air fryer basket to prevent sticking.
• Place Puris in the Air Fryer: Place 2-3 puris at a time in the preheated air fryer, making sure they don't overlap. You can brush or spray the puris with oil for a shiny glaze, but it's optional.
• Air Fry the Puris: Air fry the puris at 350-400°F (180-200°C) for about 3-7 minutes, depending on the desired level of browning and crispiness. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
• Flip and Cook Again: If needed, flip the puris halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning on both sides.
• Remove and Serve: Once the puris are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and serve them hot. You can enjoy them with your favourite curry, chutney, or pickle.

Tips for Perfect Air-Fried Puris:

• Always preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature for even cooking.
• Use all-purpose flour (maida) for traditional puris or whole wheat flour (atta) for a healthier option.
• Prick the puris with a fork to prevent excessive puffing during air frying.
• Cook the puris in a single layer without overcrowding the air fryer basket.
• Keep an eye on the puris as cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model. Aim for a golden-brown colour.
• Enjoy the puris immediately for the best texture and flavour.
• If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore their crispiness.

Rolling and flattening the dough

To roll out the dough, first ensure your work surface is lightly oiled or coated in a thin layer of flour. This will prevent the dough from sticking as you roll it out.

Take a portion of the dough and flatten it with a rolling pin. You can use a little flour to keep it from sticking. Roll it out evenly, so that the dough is not too thick or too thin. This is important for ensuring the puri puffs up properly in the air fryer. If the puri is rolled too thin, it will become crispy and fail to puff, whereas if it is too thick, it will be doughy inside. Aim for a moderate thickness that allows the puri to be soft and light, yet still puff up.

Once you have rolled out the dough, cut it into small circles. You can use a cookie cutter or the top of a small glass for this. The size of the circles will determine the size of your puris, so keep them small and evenly sized.

Oil amount and application

The amount of oil you use when frying puris in an air fryer is minimal compared to traditional deep frying. In fact, some recipes suggest that you can fry puris in an air fryer without using any oil at all. However, some recipes do recommend applying a small amount of oil to the puri dough to achieve the desired texture and colour. Here is a detailed breakdown of the oil amount and application process:

Oil Amount

The amount of oil used in air-fried puris is significantly less than in traditional deep frying. Most recipes suggest using a maximum of 1-2 teaspoons of oil per puri, depending on the size of the dough ball. This is in contrast to deep frying, which requires a large amount of oil to submerge the puris completely.

Oil Application

When using an air fryer, you can apply oil to the puri dough in a few different ways. One method is to brush or spray the puris with oil before placing them in the air fryer. This will give the puris a shiny, oily glaze and a golden colour. Alternatively, you can add a drop of oil to your work surface or coat the dough ball in dry flour before rolling out the puris. This helps prevent the dough from sticking and makes rolling easier.

Air Fryer Settings

To achieve the best results, it is important to preheat your air fryer before adding the puris. Most recipes recommend preheating the air fryer between 350°F and 400°F for about 5 minutes. It is also important to ensure that the air fryer basket is well-oiled or lined with parchment paper before adding the puris. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Cooking Time

The cooking time for air-fried puris can vary depending on the model of your air fryer. Most recipes suggest cooking the puris for 3-5 minutes, flipping them halfway through, and then cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes if needed. It is important to keep an eye on the puris to prevent burning, as the cooking time may be shorter or longer depending on your air fryer.

Advantages of Using an Air Fryer

Using an air fryer to fry puris has several advantages over traditional deep frying. Firstly, it is a healthier alternative as it uses less oil, resulting in a reduction of fat and calories in your meal. Secondly, the air fryer method is quicker since it eliminates the time needed for heating and cooling oil. Lastly, the air fryer method is mess-free and does not leave behind the greasy smell associated with deep frying.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for frying puris in an air fryer can vary depending on the model of your air fryer. It is recommended to preheat the air fryer before adding the puris. The ideal temperature for cooking puris in an air fryer is between 350°F and 400°F. The cooking time can range from 3 to 7 minutes, depending on the model. It is important to keep an eye on the puris to prevent burning.

For the air fryer method, preheat the air fryer to the desired temperature for 4-5 minutes. Then, place 2-3 puris at a time in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overlapping. Spray or brush the puris with oil if desired. Close the air fryer and cook at the set temperature for 3-7 minutes, or until the puris are golden brown and crispy. If they are not golden brown, cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.

It is important to note that the cooking time and temperature may vary depending on the model of your air fryer, so it is recommended to start with a lower temperature and shorter cooking time and adjust as needed. Additionally, it is not advisable to stack puris in the air fryer as it can prevent hot air from circulating and result in uneven cooking.

By following these guidelines, you can achieve perfectly cooked puris in your air fryer.

Frequently asked questions