Vada In The Air Fryer: A Healthy, Tasty Treat?

Medu vada is a popular South Indian delicacy that is usually deep-fried. However, it is possible to make vada in an air fryer, reducing the oil content without compromising on taste. The air-fried version turns out crispy, crunchy, soft, and fluffy, with a near-perfect shape. The process is simple and mess-free, making it a healthy and delicious snack option.

How to make Medu Vada in an air fryer

Medu Vada is a savoury deep-fried doughnut that is a popular South Indian delicacy. It is usually made by deep-frying soaked lentils that have been ground into a paste and mixed with herbs and spices. However, you can also make Medu Vada in an air fryer. Here is a detailed recipe for making Medu Vada in an air fryer:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup urad dal/split black gram lentils
• Water for soaking the lentils
• 1 tsp. ginger chopped (optional)
• 1 pinch hing or asafoetida
• ½ tsp. whole or coarsely crushed pepper
• 1 tsp. green chillies or jalapeños chopped
• 1 tsp. cumin seeds (optional)
• 1 tsp. curry leaves chopped (optional)
• 1 tbsp. cilantro chopped (optional)
• 1 tsp. oil and some more for brushing the air fryer
• Salt to taste

Steps:

• Soak the urad dal in 3 cups of water after washing it. Soak it for about 6 hours.
• Drain the water and blend the dal in a blender. Use as little water as possible to get a smooth batter.
• Add salt and make a smooth batter.
• Mix in the cumin seeds, green chillies, crushed pepper, and curry leaves. You can also add ginger and cilantro if you want.
• Preheat the air fryer to 360 degrees Fahrenheit for about 4 minutes.
• Cut a parchment paper to the shape of your air fryer basket and place it in the basket.
• Using a ladle or large spoon, place large dollops of the Medu Vada batter onto the parchment paper. You can also make a hole in the centre using your spoon to give it a donut shape.
• Air fry at 360 degrees Fahrenheit for about 8 minutes.
• Lightly brush the vadas with oil, flip them over, and brush the other side with oil as well.
• Air fry again at the same temperature for another 8 minutes.
• Finally, increase the temperature to 390 degrees Fahrenheit and air fry for 2-3 minutes to get a golden brown colour and a crunchy texture.
• Serve hot with a dip or chutney of your choice.

Note: You can also use silicone cupcake moulds or ramekins to make the Medu Vada in the air fryer. The temperatures and method will remain the same, but the shape and taste will be better.

Ingredients for making vada in an air fryer

Medu vada is a savoury deep-fried doughnut that is a popular breakfast or snack option in South India. It is often served with sambar and chutney.

To make medu vada in an air fryer, you will need the following ingredients:

• Urad dal/split black gram lentils: These lentils have had their outer black skin removed. They need to be soaked in water for 4-8 hours until they are soft.
• Herbs and seasonings: This can include cumin seeds, green chillies, curry leaves, asafoetida, and ginger.
• Other ingredients: You will also need a small amount of oil, salt, and, optionally, baking soda, rice flour, and/or an onion.

First, grind the urad dal with minimal water to make a smooth batter. Then, add the herbs, seasonings, and other ingredients and mix well.

Next, brush or spray oil onto muffin tins or a parchment paper/tin foil sheet, and spoon the batter into the tins or shape it into vadas on the sheet. If using muffin tins, the batter should be spooned into the tins before the air fryer is preheated.

Finally, air fry the vada for 9-15 minutes at 340-360°F (170-180°C). If using muffin tins, the total cook time will be around 13-14 minutes. If the vada is browning too quickly, you can reduce the temperature to 300°F (150°C).

Step-by-step instructions to make vada in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Urad dal/split black gram lentils
• Ghee (clarified butter)
• Cumin seeds (jeera)
• Green chillies
• Ginger (optional)
• Powdered samo seeds (optional)
• Yogurt/dahi/curd
• Salt
• Cumin (jeera) powder
• Water
• Potatoes
• Peanuts, crushed
• Oil, for brushing

Method

• Wash the urad dal under running water and soak for 4-8 hours.
• Drain the water and grind the lentils to a smooth batter, adding only a small amount of cold water.
• Add salt and mix well. You can also add cumin seeds, green chillies, crushed pepper, and curry leaves to the mixture.
• Preheat the air fryer to 180C/360F or 170C/340F for about 4-5 minutes.
• Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper or tin foil. Brush the paper or foil with oil.
• Place spoonfuls of batter onto the parchment paper and shape into vadas. You can wet your hands to help with shaping. Make a hole in the centre of each vada using your finger or a chopstick/spoon.
• Air fry the vadas for 9-15 minutes, turning them over once during cooking. Brush the vadas with oil once or twice during cooking.
• Serve hot with chutney or sambar.

Tips for making vada in an air fryer

Preparation

Before you begin cooking, ensure you have soaked the lentils for 4-6 hours. This is an important step as it helps the vada attain the right consistency. You can also add a teaspoon of oil to the vada batter and mix gently.

Temperature

Preheat your air fryer to 170-180°C (340-360°F) for about 4-5 minutes. The temperature may vary depending on the type of air fryer being used.

Lining the basket

Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper or tin foil. Parchment paper is better as nothing sticks to it. Brush the paper or foil with oil.

Shaping the vada

Place spoonfuls of batter onto the parchment paper. Shape the batter into vadas with your hands—wetting your hands can make this easier. You can also use a donut mould to help create the desired shape. Make a hole in the centre of each vada with your finger or a spoon.

Cooking time

Air fry the vada for 8-10 minutes, then flip them over and brush with oil. Air fry for another 4-5 minutes. The total cooking time should be around 13-14 minutes.

Serving

Serve the vada hot with coconut chutney or tomato pachadi. Enjoy!

Other types of vada that can be made in an air fryer

Vada, a savoury fried snack native to India, can be cooked in an air fryer. The traditional method of frying vadas involves deep-frying the batter in hot oil. However, air-frying them is a healthier alternative that produces the same delicious taste with fewer calories.

Medu Vada

Medu vada, also known as urad dal vada, is a popular South Indian delicacy. It is made from urad dal (black gram lentils), green chillies, cumin seeds, chopped onions, and curry leaves. The batter is left to ferment, which makes the vada fluffy inside and crispy outside when fried. Its ring shape not only looks good but also ensures even cooking. Medu vada is typically served with sambar and coconut chutney.

Masala Vada

Masala vada is made with toor dal (whole lentils) and is shaped roughly like a disk. It is also known as aamai vadai in Tamil due to its resemblance to a tortoise. It is a common staple food in Kerala, India.

Sabudana Vada

Sabudana vada is a variety of vada popular in the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is made from pearl sago and can be served as a breakfast item or a snack.

Batata Vada

Batata vada, or potato vada, is a popular street food snack from Maharashtra. It consists of mashed potatoes seasoned with spices like turmeric, mustard seeds, and green chillies. The mixture is then coated in a chickpea flour batter and deep-fried until golden and crispy. Batata vada is often served hot with chutneys or as part of a pav.

Methi Dal Vada

Methi dal vada is made from chopped fenugreek leaves and soaked chana dal. These ingredients offer health benefits for the heart, weight management, and diabetes management.

Keerai Vada

Keerai vada, or spinach vada, is made with spinach-type leaf vegetables along with lentils.

Frequently asked questions