Air-Fryer Papad: A Healthy, Crunchy Treat?

Papad is a traditional Indian snack made from lentils, rice, and/or potatoes. It is typically fried or roasted on a stovetop, but can you make papad in an air fryer? The short answer is yes. Air fryer papad is a healthier, easier, and quicker alternative to the traditional cooking methods, and it results in a delicious, crispy, and crunchy snack.

Can You Make Papad in an Air Fryer?

Air fryer vs. stovetop frying

Air fryers and stovetop frying are two very different cooking methods. Air fryers are compact, countertop appliances that use a fan to rapidly circulate heated air around food, cooking it from all angles and creating a crispy, fried layer. They are a healthier alternative to deep frying as they require little to no oil.

Stovetop frying, on the other hand, involves submerging food in hot oil to achieve a crispy texture. This method requires a lot more oil than air frying and can be messier and less convenient.

One of the main differences between air fryers and stovetop frying is the amount of oil used. Air fryers only require a light spritz of cooking spray or a gentle brush of oil, whereas stovetop frying involves submerging food in hot oil. This makes air fryers a healthier option as they reduce the amount of oil absorbed by the food.

Another difference is the cooking time. Air fryers typically cook food faster than conventional ovens, so you may need to adjust your cooking times accordingly. They are also more versatile as they can be used for a variety of dishes, including non-air fryer recipes.

In terms of size, air fryers are usually smaller than stovetop frying pans, making them ideal for smaller kitchens and compact spaces. They are also easier to store as they can be kept on the countertop or stored away when not in use.

However, one advantage of stovetop frying is that it allows for larger portions to be cooked at once, making it a better option for cooking for a big group. Additionally, stovetop frying can be a more affordable option as it does not require the purchase of a separate appliance.

Overall, both methods have their pros and cons, and the best choice depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you are looking for a healthier, more convenient, and versatile option, an air fryer may be the right choice. If you are cooking for a large group and prefer the traditional taste and texture of deep-fried food, then stovetop frying might be a better option.

Air fryer papad cooking time

Papad is a traditional Indian snack made from lentils, rice, and/or potatoes. It is usually fried or roasted on a stovetop but can also be cooked in a microwave or air fryer. Air-frying papad is a healthier alternative to frying, and it's easy to do.

To make papad in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 180 degrees Celsius or 355 degrees Fahrenheit. You'll need raw papad and either cooking spray or oil—brush or lightly coat the papad with oil or spray. You can also season the papad with spices or herbs like cumin, coriander, or chili powder before cooking for extra flavor.

Place up to two papads in the air fryer basket at a time and cook for about 2 minutes. You'll know they're done when they're crispy and golden brown. If you like your papad extra crispy, you can leave them in a little longer, but keep an eye on them so they don't burn.

Some people also like to add toppings to their papad. You can try mixing chopped onions and tomatoes with a squeeze of lemon juice and some fresh coriander and red chili powder for a tasty, easy-to-make snack.

So, the next time you're craving some papad, give the air fryer a go! It's a quick, simple, and healthier way to enjoy this delicious Indian snack.

Oil or cooking spray?

When making papad in an air fryer, you can use either cooking spray or oil to coat the papad before cooking. Cooking spray is a convenient option as it is already in liquid form and can be easily sprayed onto the papad. It provides an even and light coating, ensuring that the papad doesn't become greasy. Cooking sprays are typically made from a variety of oils, such as canola, soybean, or sunflower oil, and may include additives to prevent the oil from foaming or smoking. Some brands also offer cooking sprays with added flavours, such as butter or olive oil, which can enhance the taste of the papad.

On the other hand, using oil to coat the papad gives you more control over the amount and type of oil used. You can choose a specific type of oil that suits your taste or dietary preferences, such as olive oil, coconut oil, or avocado oil. When using oil, it is important to lightly brush or rub a thin layer onto both sides of the papad. This ensures that the papad doesn't become soggy and that it cooks evenly. Oils with a high smoking point, such as avocado oil, peanut oil, or refined safflower oil, are recommended to avoid any smoking or burning during the cooking process.

Both cooking spray and oil have their advantages. Cooking spray is quick and convenient, ensuring a light and even coating. It is also useful if you want to reduce the amount of oil you consume. On the other hand, using oil allows you to choose a specific type of oil that aligns with your taste preferences and dietary needs. It gives you more control over the amount used and can add flavour to the papad if you opt for a flavoured oil.

Ultimately, the decision between cooking spray and oil depends on your personal preference and what you have on hand. If you are looking for a quick and convenient option, cooking spray might be the better choice. However, if you want more control over the type of oil used and the ability to add flavour, then using a specific type of oil might be preferable.

How to stop papads from flying around in the air fryer

Yes, you can make papad in an air fryer. Papad, or poppadums, are a popular Indian appetiser and can be cooked in an air fryer to achieve a crunchy texture without the need for excessive oil.

To stop papads from flying around in the air fryer, follow these steps:

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 360°F or 180°C for about 5 minutes. This is an important step to ensure even cooking and the desired crispy texture.

Next, prepare your papads. Lightly brush or spray both sides of each papad with a small amount of oil. This step is optional but helps to achieve a golden colour and crispy texture. You can use vegetable oil or cooking spray.

Now, it's time to arrange the papads in the air fryer. Place them in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap. If you have small, round papads, you can place 2 at a time, or just one if they are larger. It is important not to place the papads on top of the air fryer basket. Instead, place them in the bottom cavity of the air fryer to prevent them from flying up to the heating element and getting burnt.

Once the papads are in the air fryer, place the air fryer basket on top and set the temperature to 400°F (200°C). Fry the papads for about 2-3 minutes, checking after 1 minute to ensure they don't burn. They can go from perfectly fried to overdone very quickly.

Finally, carefully remove the papads from the air fryer using tongs as they will be very hot. Your air-fried papads are now ready to serve!

Some additional tips to prevent papads from flying around in the air fryer include avoiding overcrowding by cooking only one or two papads at a time, and keeping a close eye on them as they cook, as they can burn easily.

Air fryer papad taste vs. fried papad taste

Air fryers are a healthier alternative to deep-frying papads, but how does the taste compare? Well, it depends on the method and your personal preference.

Deep-fried papads are cooked in hot oil, resulting in a crispy, golden brown treat. This traditional method imparts a distinctive fried flavour and appearance that some people prefer. On the other hand, air-fried papads are cooked with little to no oil, making them a healthier option. While they may not achieve the same golden colour, they can still attain a desirable level of crispiness.

The taste of air-fried papads is similar to roasted papads cooked on a stovetop. They have a less intense flavour and a lighter colour, which some people prefer. To enhance the flavour and colour of air-fried papads, you can brush or spray them with a thin layer of oil before cooking. This gives them a fried taste and appearance without the need for deep frying.

When it comes to convenience, air-fried papads are quicker and easier to prepare than deep-fried ones. There is no need for supervision, and the cooking time is significantly shorter. Additionally, air-fried papads are safer to prepare as there is less risk of burning yourself with hot oil.

Ultimately, the taste preference between air-fried and deep-fried papads is subjective. Some people may prefer the traditional fried taste and appearance, while others may opt for the lighter, healthier, and more convenient option of air-frying.

Frequently asked questions