Air-Fried Puri: A Healthy Indian Snack?

Puris are a beloved part of Indian cuisine, and while they are traditionally deep-fried, you can also make them in an air fryer. This method reduces the amount of oil required, making it a healthier option without compromising on taste or texture. In this article, we will discuss the ingredients and steps needed to make delicious, crispy, and puffed-up puris in an air fryer.

The ingredients you'll need to make Indian puri in an air fryer

Indian puri, also known as Gol Gappa, is a popular street food in India. It is typically deep-fried, but you can make it in an air fryer for a healthier twist. Here are the ingredients you'll need to make delicious, crispy, and puffed-up Indian puri in your air fryer:

Basic Ingredients:

• Whole wheat flour (atta): 1 to 2 cups. This is the main ingredient that gives the puri its nutty flavour and fibre content. You can also use all-purpose flour (maida) for traditional puris.
• Semolina (suji): 1 teaspoon to 1 cup. Semolina adds texture and flavour to the puri.
• Salt: ½ teaspoon or to taste. Adjust the amount according to your preference.
• Oil: 1 tablespoon to 2 teaspoons. Any type of oil can be used, and it helps to smooth out the dough.
• Water: As needed for kneading the dough and boiling the puris. Use warm water for kneading to form a soft and stretchy dough.

Optional Ingredients for Flavour and Texture:

• Plain yogurt: A few tablespoons add moisture, tanginess, and help with leavening, giving the puris a light texture.
• Sugar: A small amount, about ¼ teaspoon, can be added to enhance the flavour.
• Spices: You can add various spices to the dough to make masala puri. Try cumin seeds, carom seeds, crushed fennel seeds, red chilli powder, turmeric powder, hing, kasuri methi, or garam masala powder.
• Vegetable puree: Adding a vegetable puree, such as spinach puree for palak puri, is a great way to make the puri more nutritious and flavourful.

With these ingredients and your air fryer, you're well on your way to making delicious, crispy, and puffed-up Indian puri at home!

Step-by-step instructions to make Indian puri in an air fryer

Indian puri is a cherished part of Indian cuisine, traditionally deep-fried and made with a significant amount of oil. However, with an air fryer, you can make this treat with a healthier twist. Here is a step-by-step guide to making Indian puri in an air fryer:

Step 1: Prepare the dough

• In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of whole wheat flour (atta), 1 teaspoon of semolina (suji), 1/4 teaspoon of sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of oil. You can also add a pinch of baking soda for taste.
• Gradually add warm water and knead the mixture into a soft, stretchy, and elastic dough.
• Cover the dough and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes.

Step 2: Roll the dough

• After resting, divide the dough into small portions, roughly the size of a golf ball.
• Roll each ball into a thin, round disc using a rolling pin.
• If you want to make smaller puris, use a cookie cutter to cut small discs out of the rolled-out dough.
• Prick the rolled puris with a fork to prevent excessive puffing during air frying.

Step 3: Prepare the air fryer

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F-400°F (180°C-200°C) for about 5-7 minutes.
• Clean the air fryer basket and line it with parchment paper or brush/spray it with oil.

Step 4: Air fry the puris

• Place the rolled puris in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap.
• Air fry the puris at 350°F-400°F (180°C-200°C) for about 3-5 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
• Flip the puris halfway through cooking for even browning.
• Keep a close eye on the puris as cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model.

Step 5: Serve

• Once the puris are cooked to perfection, remove them from the air fryer and transfer them to a cooling rack.
• Serve the puris immediately while they are still hot and crispy. Enjoy them with your favourite curry, chutney, or pickle!
• If you have any leftover puris, allow them to cool completely and store them in an airtight container. You can reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore their crispiness.

Tips for making the perfect air-fried Indian puri

Air-fried puri is a healthier alternative to the traditional deep-fried Indian flatbread. It is made without oil, resulting in a crispy exterior and soft interior. Here are some tips to help you achieve the perfect air-fried puri:

Dough Consistency:

The dough should be soft yet firm. Add water gradually while kneading to achieve the right consistency. The dough is ready when it is soft but not sticky.

Ingredients:

You can experiment with different ingredients to add flavour and nutrition to your puri. Try adding spices such as cumin seeds, carom seeds, or red chilli powder. For a vegan version, use a dairy-free yoghurt alternative. You can also make gluten-free puri by substituting wheat flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Rolling:

Roll the dough evenly to ensure uniform cooking. The puri should be thin enough to puff up, but not too thin, or it will become crispy. Aim for a diameter of approximately 3-4 inches.

Boiling:

Before air-frying, boil the puri in hot water for about 2 minutes. This step helps the puri puff up in the air fryer and gives it a shiny glaze similar to deep-fried puris.

Air-Frying:

Always preheat your air fryer for even cooking. The ideal temperature for cooking puri is between 350°F and 400°F. Place the puri in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap. Air-fry for 3-5 minutes, keeping a close eye on them to prevent burning.

Serving:

Air-fried puris are best enjoyed hot straight from the air fryer. They can be served with your favourite curry, chutney, or side dish.

Storing:

Air-fried puris can be stored in an airtight container for up to one day at room temperature or up to two days in the refrigerator. To reheat, simply place them in the air fryer for about 20 seconds to regain freshness and taste.

The benefits of making Indian puri in an air fryer

Indian puri is a cherished part of Indian cuisine, often deep-fried to perfection. However, traditional puri recipes involve a lot of oil, which may not be considered healthy. Here are some benefits of making Indian puri in an air fryer:

Healthier Option

By using an air fryer, you can significantly reduce the amount of oil required for cooking. Air fryers use hot air circulation to give the puri a crispy texture without the need for excessive oil. This results in a puri that is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, all while being healthier.

Easy and Quick

Making puri in an air fryer is a mess-free, quick, and easy process. With just a few handy ingredients, you can make delicious, golden, puffed-up puri in around 20 minutes. The air fryer also ensures even cooking, so you don't have to worry about burning your puri.

Customizable and Versatile

The air fryer puri recipe is highly customizable and versatile. You can make it vegan by swapping dairy yogurt with a plant-based alternative, or gluten-free by substituting wheat flour with a gluten-free blend. You can also experiment with different spices and ingredients to add to the dough, such as cumin seeds, carom seeds, vegetable puree, or even spinach puree for a lush green puri.

Kid-Approved

Kids tend to be fussy about the taste of dishes, but this air-fried puri recipe is a hit with children. It allows them to enjoy the traditional taste of classic Indian puri without the health concerns associated with deep-fried food.

Retains Taste and Texture

The air fryer puri retains the soul-satisfying taste of traditional puri. The puri turns out golden and fluffy, with the beloved puffiness and flavor, all without the need for deep frying.

Making Indian puri in an air fryer offers a healthier, convenient, and versatile alternative to the traditional deep-fried method, without compromising on taste and texture.

Other recipes that can be made in an air fryer

Air fryers are a great alternative to deep-frying, offering a healthier way to cook your favourite foods with less oil and mess. You can cook just about anything in an air fryer, from snacks to main dishes and even desserts. Here are some delicious recipes you can make in an air fryer:

Chicken Wings

The air fryer is perfect for making crispy chicken wings without the need for a breading or batter coating. You can use a spice rub to add some kick to your wings, such as cayenne pepper.

French Fries

You can make delicious, crispy french fries in an air fryer. For an extra crispy texture, be sure to soak the cut potatoes in ice water for 15 minutes before cooking. This helps to remove excess starch and prevent the potatoes from turning brown.

Salmon

Cooking salmon in an air fryer is a straightforward and healthy way to prepare this dish. Simply drizzle olive oil and your choice of seasonings on the fish before air-frying. Air-fried salmon stays juicy on the inside while getting lightly browned on the outside.

Mozzarella Sticks

You can make these classic appetizers at home in your air fryer. The key is to double-bread the string cheese with flour and breadcrumbs to get that crunchy texture and prevent the cheese from oozing out.

Avocado Fries

For a unique and healthy snack, try making avocado fries in your air fryer. Slice up some avocados, coat them in cornmeal, and air-fry until crispy. Serve with your favourite dipping sauce or add them to tacos for a tasty twist.

Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies

You can even make desserts in your air fryer! These chewy cookies are ready in less than 10 minutes. Just flatten the cookies before adding them to the air fryer to ensure they cook through properly.

So, whether you're looking for a healthier way to cook your favourite fried foods or want to try something new, an air fryer is a versatile appliance that can handle a variety of recipes.

Frequently asked questions