Air-Fried Mandazi: A Tasty, Healthy Twist On A Classic

Mandazi is a type of fried bread from the Swahili Coast of East Africa. It is a popular snack that is often served with tea or coffee. Traditionally, mandazi is deep-fried, but some people are now making it in an air fryer to reduce the amount of oil used. While air-fried mandazi may not be as fluffy as the traditional version, it is still a tasty and healthier alternative.

Mandazi recipe ingredients

Mandazi is a type of fried bread from the Swahili Coast of East Africa. It is believed to have originated on the Swahili coast and is a delicacy there. Mandazi is a common choice for breakfast or snacks and can be enjoyed plain or with accompaniments like tea or coffee.

• Flour — Most recipes call for all-purpose flour, but you can also use whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste or gluten-free all-purpose flour if you are gluten intolerant.
• Sugar — White granulated or caster sugar is typically used, but you can also substitute with honey or maple syrup if you prefer a slightly different flavour profile.
• Baking Powder/Dry Yeast — These are leavening agents that help the mandazi rise and give it a light, airy texture. You can use self-raising flour, which already contains these agents, or add baking powder or dry yeast to regular flour. If you are using yeast, you can also use instant yeast or rapid-rise yeast as a quicker alternative.
• Salt — This helps to balance the sweetness of the mandazi and regulate the yeast.
• Cardamom — Ground cardamom gives the mandazi a warm, aromatic flavour. If unavailable, you can substitute with cinnamon or nutmeg for a different spice profile.
• Liquid — Most recipes call for coconut milk, which adds richness and a subtle coconut flavour to the mandazi. However, you can also use dairy milk, heavy cream, almond milk, or yogurt as alternatives.
• Fat — You will need some kind of fat to add moisture to the dough and give it a softer texture. Options include vegetable oil, olive oil, melted butter, ghee, or margarine.

Once you have your ingredients, you will typically need to mix the dry ingredients, add the liquid and fat, knead the dough, let it rest, cut it into shapes, and then fry the mandazi.

Air fryer preparation

Mandazi is a type of East African fried bread that is similar to a doughnut or beignet. While mandazi is traditionally deep-fried, it is possible to use an air fryer to make a healthier version with less oil. Here is a step-by-step guide to preparing mandazi in an air fryer:

Ingredients:

• Self-raising flour (or all-purpose flour combined with baking powder)
• Sugar
• A pinch of salt
• Vanilla extract
• Melted unsalted butter or margarine
• Yogurt (optional)

Method:

• Combine the dry ingredients (flour, sugar, and salt) in a bowl.
• In a separate bowl, mix the wet ingredients (vanilla extract, melted butter or margarine, and yogurt, if using).
• Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and combine until you have a smooth, homogenous dough. You may need to adjust the consistency by adding a little more flour or some water. The dough should not be too sticky.
• Cover the dough and let it rest in a warm place for at least 20 minutes, or overnight for the best results.
• Transfer the dough to a floured surface and divide it into four equally-sized portions.
• Roll each portion into a ball, then use a rolling pin to roll out each ball into a circle.
• Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, cut the dough into small rectangles or triangles.
• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (180°C). Spray the air fryer basket with a non-aerosol-based cooking spray, such as coconut or olive oil.
• Place the mandazi in a single layer in the air fryer basket, greased side down. Brush the other side with butter.
• Air fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the basket. Cook for 6-7 minutes, then flip and air fry the other side for another 5-7 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
• Serve warm with tea, coffee, or on their own.

Note: Air-fried mandazi tend to dry out quicker and are not as fluffy as traditionally fried mandazi, so it is best to store them in an airtight container as soon as possible.

Mandazi frying technique

Mandazi is a type of fried bread from the Swahili Coast of East Africa. It is a popular East African street food that is a cross between a doughnut and a beignet. Mandazi is usually deep-fried, but it can also be cooked in an air fryer.

Step 1: Prepare the dough

The dough for Mandazi is typically made with self-raising flour, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Some recipes also call for vanilla extract, melted butter or margarine, and coconut milk. Start by mixing the dry ingredients in a large bowl. Once combined, add the wet ingredients and mix until a smooth dough forms.

Step 2: Knead and rest the dough

Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic. This should take about 5 minutes. Cover the dough with cling film or a damp kitchen cloth and let it rest in a warm place for at least 20 minutes, or even overnight for the best results.

Step 3: Roll and cut the dough

Transfer the dough to a floured surface and divide it into equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball, and then use a rolling pin to flatten each ball into a circle. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut the circles into small triangles or rectangles.

Step 4: Heat the oil

For deep-frying, heat a flavourless oil suitable for deep-frying, such as coconut or vegetable oil, in a large pot or skillet. The oil should be very hot, about 350°F/175°C or almost smoking. If you are using an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F/180°C and spray the basket with a non-aerosol cooking spray.

Step 5: Fry the Mandazi

Carefully place the Mandazi into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan or air fryer basket. Fry in small batches if needed. For deep-frying, use a perforated spoon to agitate the Mandazi and encourage them to rise. You can also carefully pour small amounts of hot oil over the top. For air frying, arrange the Mandazi in a single layer and do not stack them.

Step 6: Flip and cook the other side

For deep-fried Mandazi, each side should cook for about 2-3 minutes or until golden brown. For air-fried Mandazi, cook for 6-7 minutes on the first side, then flip and air-fry for another 5-7 minutes.

Step 7: Drain and serve

Once the Mandazi are golden brown, remove them from the oil or air fryer and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Serve warm, with a dusting of icing sugar or cinnamon sugar, or plain. They go well with tea or coffee.

Mandazi is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days. They can be reheated in the oven, microwave, or air fryer.

Mandazi serving suggestions

Mandazi, a type of fried bread from the Swahili Coast of East Africa, can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions:

Plain

Mandazi are delicious on their own, with a slightly crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior.

With Toppings

Mandazi can be topped with a variety of things, such as honey, jam, chocolate sauce, or icing sugar. For a sweeter finish, dust the mandazi with powdered sugar while they are still warm.

With a Beverage

Mandazi are often served with tea or coffee, especially Kenyan tea or Kenyan coffee. They can also be served with masala chai or tangawizi chai (ginger tea with milk). For a cold drink, they go well with fruit juice or a blended Thai iced coffee.

As a Side

Mandazi can be used to sop up savoury stews, such as pigeon peas cooked in coconut milk, or lentil stew. They can also be served with bacon and scrambled eggs.

As a Snack

Mandazi are a beloved East African snack and can be enjoyed as a snack by themselves, at any time of the day.

As a Dessert

Mandazi can be served as a dessert after a meal, often with powdered or cinnamon sugar to add sweetness. They can also be dipped in caramel sauce or drizzled with rum sauce.

Mandazi storage

Mandazi are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored for later. If you have any leftovers, it is recommended to store them in a airtight container or a paper bag. They will keep for 2-3 days at room temperature.

Mandazi tend to dry out and harden quickly, so it is important to store them as soon as they have cooled down. If you are using an airtight container, make sure it is suitable for storing food and can be closed tightly. If you are using a paper bag, make sure it is not plastic, as Mandazi tend to sweat and become soggy when stored in plastic bags while still hot.

For longer storage, Mandazi can be frozen. First, let them cool down, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them. Once they are frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container. Frozen Mandazi will keep for up to 6 months. To reheat, thaw them overnight in the fridge and then warm them up in the oven, microwave, or air fryer. Keep in mind that they may become slightly chewy when reheated.

Frequently asked questions