Air-Fried Bhatura: A Healthy Twist On A Classic?

Bhatura is a type of Indian bread that is typically fried in oil. However, it is possible to make bhatura in an air fryer, a cooking appliance that uses hot air to fry foods. Making bhatura in an air fryer can be a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods, as it requires little to no oil. There are recipes and videos available online that provide instructions on how to make bhatura in an air fryer, including vegan options.

Baked bhatura in an air fryer

Bhatura is a type of Indian bread that is typically fried, but it is possible to make it in an air fryer for a healthier alternative. This recipe will guide you through the process of making baked bhatura in an air fryer, with step-by-step instructions.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups maida (all-purpose flour)
• 1/2 cup warm water
• 1/4 cup yogurt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Oil for brushing

Instructions:

Start by mixing the dry ingredients, including the maida, baking powder, and salt. Ensure they are well combined. In a separate bowl, mix the yogurt and warm water until smooth. Gradually add this liquid mixture to the dry ingredients and combine until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough for a few minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Cover the dough and let it rest for 30 minutes at room temperature.

After the dough has rested, divide it into equal-sized portions and roll each portion into a ball. Flatten each ball with a rolling pin to form circles about 1/4 inch thick. Brush one side of the bhaturas lightly with oil and place them, oil side down, in the air fryer basket. Brush the top side with oil as well.

Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (180°C). Place the basket in the air fryer and cook for 5 minutes. Carefully flip the bhaturas and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes, or until they are puffed and golden brown. Repeat this process for the remaining bhaturas. Serve warm with your choice of curry or chutney.

Tips and Variations:

For a vegan option, substitute the yogurt with a plant-based alternative and use a vegan butter or oil for brushing. You can also experiment with adding spices like ajwain or cumin seeds to the dough for extra flavour. Additionally, ensure that your air fryer is completely preheated before placing the bhaturas inside for even cooking.

Oil-free bhatura in an air fryer

Bhatura is a type of Indian bread that is typically fried in oil. However, it is possible to make oil-free bhatura in an air fryer. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Ingredients

• 2 cups maida (all-purpose flour)
• 1/2 cup warm water
• 1/2 cup yogurt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• A pinch of sugar
• Oil for brushing (optional)

Instructions

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the maida, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Mix well to ensure that all the dry ingredients are combined.
• Add the yogurt and warm water to the dry ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms. You may need to adjust the amount of water slightly depending on the consistency of your dough.
• Knead the dough for a few minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
• Cover the dough and let it rest for 30 minutes to an hour. This will allow the dough to relax and become more pliable.
• After the dough has rested, divide it into equal-sized portions and roll each portion into a thin circle.
• If desired, you can brush one side of the bhatura with a small amount of oil. This will give it a slightly crispy texture and a golden color.
• Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Place the bhatura in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overlapping. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
• Cook the bhatura for 5-7 minutes, or until they are puffed up and lightly browned.
• Serve hot with your favorite curry or chutney.

By following these steps, you can enjoy delicious, oil-free bhatura that are crispy and golden without the need for deep-frying. This method is a healthier alternative to traditional fried bhatura and can be easily prepared in your air fryer. So, go ahead and give it a try!

Vegan bhatura in an air fryer

Bhatura is a deep-fried Indian bread that is often served with a chickpea curry called Chole. It is a popular street food from North India, especially in the regions of Punjab and Uttar Pradesh. The bread is made with a leavened dough of all-purpose flour, yogurt, salt, and a leavening agent, and is known for its puffed-up shape and soft, chewy texture.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (maida)
• ¼ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1½ to 2 tablespoons fine semolina (fine suji, rava)
• 1 tablespoon oil or melted vegan ghee
• 4 tablespoons plain vegan yogurt
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ⅛ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ cup warm water (more may be needed)
• Oil spray

Method:

• In a large mixing bowl, mix together the flour, semolina, and salt.
• Add the yogurt and oil, and mix until well combined.
• Sprinkle the baking powder and baking soda, and mix again.
• Gradually add warm water and mix to form a soft dough. Add more water as needed, but be careful not to make the dough sticky.
• Knead the dough very well until it becomes soft and pliable. This step is important to achieve the chewy texture of bhatura.
• Grease the dough with a few drops of oil.
• Cover the dough and let it rest for 2 to 4 hours in a warm place. This step allows the dough to develop some flavor.
• Divide the dough into 5 or 8 portions, depending on the size of bhatura you want.
• Smoothen the dough balls to make them crack-free. If you find cracks, just join them and smoothen the dough balls again.
• Grease the dough balls and keep them covered.
• Grease your air fryer basket or rack and place a dough ball on it. Flatten it slightly with your hands.
• Begin to roll the dough into an oval or round shape, as desired. A convenient alternative is to use an electric tortilla press, which will give you a perfectly round bhatura in under 10 seconds.
• Repeat the process for the remaining dough balls.
• Spray the bhaturas with oil.
• Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (180°C).
• Place the bhaturas in the air fryer basket or rack, making sure they are not overlapping. You may need to cook them in batches.
• Air fry for 3 to 5 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, until puffed and golden brown.
• Serve the bhaturas immediately with chole, lemon wedges, and sliced onions.

Tips:

• For a softer bhatura, you can use milk instead of water to knead the dough.
• If you prefer a fermented flavor in your bhatura, you can let the dough rest for a longer period, up to 4 hours.
• Make sure your air fryer is preheated to the correct temperature before adding the bhaturas. This will ensure they puff up properly and don't turn greasy.

Non-fried bhatura

Bhatura is a type of Indian bread that is traditionally fried. However, it is possible to make non-fried bhatura in an air fryer. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make this delicious bread without using oil:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups maida (all-purpose flour)
• 1/2 cup warm water
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• A pinch of sugar
• Oil for brushing (optional)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Dough:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Mix the dry ingredients well. Then, add the yogurt and warm water gradually and knead the dough until it becomes soft and elastic. Cover the dough and keep it aside for 2-3 hours to allow it to rise.

Step 2: Shape the Bhaturas:

Once the dough has risen, divide it into equal-sized portions and roll each portion into a thin circle. You can use a rolling pin to achieve a uniform thickness.

Step 3: Air-Frying:

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (180°C). Place the rolled-out bhaturas into the air fryer basket, making sure they don't overlap. Brush the bhaturas with a thin layer of oil (optional). Air fry for 3-4 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until they are puffed up and golden brown.

Step 4: Serving:

Serve the bhaturas hot, paired with a spicy chickpea curry (chhole) or your favourite Indian gravy. Enjoy the fluffy, fried texture without the guilt of traditional frying!

Tips:

• For a vegan version, substitute plain yogurt with a vegan alternative or use a combination of lemon juice and water.
• Experiment with different flours like whole wheat flour or a gluten-free blend for a healthier twist.
• You can also add carom seeds (ajwain) or cumin seeds to the dough for extra flavour.

Cooking time and temperature for bhatura in an air fryer

Yes, you can make bhatura in an air fryer. While the exact cooking time is not known, you can follow a recipe that bakes bhatura in an air fryer. There is also a recipe for zero-oil vegan bhatura in an air fryer. The cooking time and temperature for bhatura in an air fryer will depend on the specific recipe you are following.

For the baked bhatura recipe, you can expect a cooking time of around 10-15 minutes at a temperature of between 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit. This will vary depending on the size and thickness of your bhatura, as well as the model and power of your air fryer.

It's important to note that every air fryer is different, and the cooking time and temperature may need to be adjusted slightly based on your own machine. It's always a good idea to keep an eye on your food while it's cooking, and adjust the time and temperature as needed to ensure perfect results.

When cooking bhatura in an air fryer, it's crucial to ensure that the dough is not too thin, as this can cause it to burn or cook unevenly. The ideal thickness will vary depending on your air fryer and the recipe you are following, but it should be thick enough to ensure a soft and fluffy texture on the inside while becoming golden and crispy on the outside.

Additionally, you may need to experiment with different cooking times and temperatures to find the perfect combination for your air fryer and the specific recipe you are using. It might be helpful to start with a lower temperature and shorter cooking time, and then adjust as needed until you find the perfect settings for your bhatura.

Frequently asked questions