Air-Frying Parathas: A Healthy, Quick Breakfast Option

Paratha is a delicious Indian flatbread that is typically fried on a tawa or in a pan. However, with the growing popularity of air fryers, many people are wondering if it is possible to make paratha in an air fryer. The answer is yes! You can make paratha in an air fryer, and it is a super simple and delicious hack. This method is especially useful if you have frozen parathas, as you can cook them directly from frozen without having to thaw them first. The air fryer also reduces the oiliness that you might get from cooking paratha on a tawa.

How to make frozen paratha in an air fryer

Frozen parathas can be cooked in an air fryer and turned into a crispy, flaky puri-style paratha. This is a simple hack to make a delicious breakfast to be enjoyed with chai or eggs.

Step-by-Step Guide:

• Preheat the Air Fryer: Start by pre-heating your air fryer to 180°C or 350°F.
• Prepare the Frozen Paratha: Take a frozen paratha and remove the plastic wrapping.
• Prevent Flying: To prevent the paratha from flying up and hitting the heating element, place a weight on top. A small pan or a grilling tray accessory can be used for this purpose.
• Cook the Paratha: Place the paratha in the air fryer and cook for about 3-5 minutes. Open the drawer halfway through to flip the paratha, ensuring even cooking.
• Enjoy: The paratha will fluff up and become flaky. It is now ready to be served and enjoyed.

Tips:

• You can experiment with different brands of frozen parathas to find your preferred taste and texture.
• Adjust the cooking time slightly for thicker or thinner parathas.
• For extra flaky layers, use a small rolling pin to gently roll over the paratha while cooking.
• You can stuff the parathas with spiced potatoes, paneer, or other fillings of your choice before air frying.
• Try adding minced garlic, chili powder, or other spices to oil or ghee for added flavor.

The benefits of using an air fryer

Yes, you can make paratha in an air fryer. Here is a simple hack to turn frozen parathas into crispy, flaky puri-style paratha. Preheat the air fryer to 180°C, remove the plastic from the frozen paratha, and place it inside the fryer. To prevent the paratha from flying up and hitting the heating element, place something on top of it, such as a grilling tray accessory. Cook for about 3 minutes, opening the drawer halfway through to flip the paratha.

Air fryers are a popular kitchen appliance that offers several benefits:

Healthy Cooking:

Air fryers use minimal oil, reducing the amount of fat and calories in your food. This makes it a healthier alternative to traditional deep frying, which can add unnecessary fat and calories. Air frying can also lower the amount of harmful chemicals produced during cooking, such as acrylamide, which is linked to an increased risk of cancer.

Taste and Texture:

Despite using less oil, air fryers still deliver the taste and texture of deep-fried foods. They create a crispy, golden-brown exterior while keeping the inside moist and juicy. This satisfying crunch and chewy texture are what make fried foods so appealing.

Versatility:

Air fryers can cook a wide variety of foods, including vegetables, chicken, fish, and even desserts. They can be used for frying, baking, roasting, and heating up leftovers. You can make everything from French fries and onion rings to cookies and fruit crisps.

Quick and Easy:

Air fryers heat up and cook food much faster than traditional ovens. They are easy to use and clean, making them perfect for busy weeknights. Simply put your food in, set the timer, and you're done. They also don't require preheating, so you can start cooking right away.

Energy Efficiency:

Air fryers use less energy than traditional ovens and stovetops, reducing your carbon footprint and saving you money on your electricity bill.

How to prevent the paratha from flying up

Yes, you can make paratha in an air fryer! Here's how to prevent the paratha from flying up:

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 180°C. Then, peel off the plastic from the frozen paratha and place it in the air fryer. To prevent the paratha from flying up and hitting the heating element, place a weight on top of it. A good option is to use the outer ring of a mini springform pan. Alternatively, if you have a grilling tray accessory, the curved shape of the tray will ensure the paratha stays put.

Cook the paratha for about 3 minutes, opening the air fryer drawer halfway through to flip it over. It will fluff up like a puri, with flaky edges. Enjoy your paratha with chai or eggs!

How long to cook the paratha for

The cooking time for parathas in an air fryer varies depending on the type of paratha being cooked and the desired level of crispiness. Here is a detailed breakdown of the cooking times:

Frozen Parathas:

If you are cooking frozen parathas, there is no need to thaw them first. Start by preheating your air fryer to 180°C or 350°F. Then, place the frozen paratha in the air fryer, making sure to remove any plastic packaging. To prevent the paratha from flying up and hitting the heating element, place a small weight on top, such as a mini springform pan, or use a grilling tray accessory. Cook the paratha for about 3 minutes, opening the air fryer drawer halfway through to flip it over. It is ready when it is golden brown and puffed up.

Homemade Parathas:

For homemade parathas, the cooking time will depend on the thickness of the paratha and your desired level of crispiness. First, preheat your air fryer to 370°F. Then, place one paratha in the air fryer basket and lightly brush the top with oil or ghee. Air fry for 2-3 minutes until lightly browned and slightly puffed up. Flip the paratha, brush the other side with oil or ghee, and air fry for another 1-2 minutes until golden brown spots appear. Repeat this process for any additional parathas, adjusting the cooking time as needed.

Avocado Parathas:

To make avocado parathas in an air fryer, preheat your air fryer to 200 degrees. Brush the basket of the air fryer with oil, then place the paratha inside and brush the top with oil. Cook the paratha at 200 degrees for 2 minutes. Flip the paratha, brush with oil again, and cook for another 2 minutes. After this, leave the paratha in the air fryer for an additional 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until golden brown dots appear.

What to serve with paratha

Paratha is a popular breakfast dish in Indian homes and can be served with a variety of side dishes. Here are some ideas for what to serve with paratha:

• Butter
• Curd
• Achar
• Raita
• Chutney
• Jam
• Gravies

Some specific chutney options include:

• Tomato chutney
• Lemon chutney
• Raw mango chutney with mint leaves
• Coconut chutney
• Amla (gooseberry) chutney

Other side dishes that go well with paratha include:

• Egg-less mayonnaise
• Guava jam
• Zucchini raita
• Green chilli pickle
• Turmeric pickle
• Potato curry
• Paneer korma
• Channa potato gravy
• Fresh toor/tuar/pigeon pea gravy
• Paneer barta gravy
• Simple potato kurma/gravy
• Butterbeans kizhambu/gravy

Paratha can also be enjoyed with a hot cup of chai, especially for breakfast.

Frequently asked questions