Air-Fryer Samosas: A Healthy Twist On A Classic

Samosas are a famous Indian snack, but they can be quite tedious to make from scratch and are often high in calories due to deep frying. However, air fryers offer a convenient and healthier alternative to prepare samosas without compromising on taste and texture. With an air fryer, you can enjoy crispy and flaky samosas with a variety of fillings, such as potato and green peas, cheese and jalapeño, or even a keto option with cauliflower and French bean masala. The cooking process is simple and quick, making it a perfect option for a delicious snack or appetizer.

How to make the filling for your samosas

Making the filling for your samosas is easy. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Ingredients

You can fill your samosas with a variety of ingredients, including potatoes, peas, paneer, chicken, lamb, beef, lentils, tofu, spinach, carrots, onions, and more. Below is a list of common ingredients used in samosa fillings:

• Potatoes
• Peas
• Oil
• Spices (cumin seeds, asafoetida, turmeric powder, cayenne, garam masala, amchur, coriander, Kashmiri red chilli powder, cumin powder, fennel powder)
• Ginger
• Green chillies
• Salt

Method

• Boil the potatoes until they are fork-tender. Do not overcook them as you want them to retain their shape. Peel and mash the potatoes, leaving some chunks.
• Heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds, finely chopped green chillies, and grated ginger. Sauté for a minute.
• Add the boiled peas to the pan and cook until done. If needed, add a little water to the pan.
• Now, add the mashed potatoes to the pan, along with salt and the desired spices. Mix well and cook until the filling mixture is dry.
• Taste the filling and adjust the seasoning as needed.
• Set the filling aside to cool before filling the samosas.

You can also get creative and experiment with different combinations of ingredients to make unique samosa fillings. Some popular combinations include chicken and noodles, jalapeno and cheese, spinach and cottage cheese, and lamb and beef.

How to assemble the samosas

To assemble the samosas, first, divide the shell dough into round balls. Then, roll them out using a rolling pin, making them oval in shape. Cut them into halves. Use water on the straight cut side to seal the shell in the shape of an open cone. Now, add the filling to the cone, leaving enough space at the top to seal the samosa. Add a little water along the lining to seal the samosa firmly shut. Make all the samosas in this manner and keep them aside for 15 minutes.

How to cook the samosas in an air fryer

How to Cook Samosas in an Air Fryer

Samosas are a famous savory Indian snack, traditionally deep-fried. However, air-frying is a healthier alternative, as it requires little oil and produces similar results. Here is a step-by-step guide to making delicious samosas in an air fryer.

Ingredients:

For the outer pastry or shell:

• All-purpose flour (Maida): 1 cup
• Spices: ½ tsp of Carom seeds or Ajwain
• Vegetable oil: 2-3 tbsp (you may use ghee or avocado oil instead)
• Cold water: As needed
• Salt: ½ tsp or as per taste

For the filling:

• Potatoes: 3 medium-sized, boiled, peeled, and mashed
• Peas: ½ cup (fresh or frozen)
• Oil: 2-3 tsp (for sauteing the filling)
• Spices: ½ tsp cumin seeds, ⅛ tsp asafoetida (optional), ½ tsp turmeric powder, ½ tsp cayenne, ½ tsp garam masala, ½ tsp amchur, and 1 tsp coarsely ground coriander
• Ginger and green chilies: 1-inch piece of grated ginger and 2 finely chopped green chilies
• Salt: As per taste

Method:

Step 1: Make the Outer Pastry

• Sieve 1 cup of all-purpose flour with ½ tsp of salt.
• Add ½ tsp of ajwain or carrom seeds (or dried oregano).
• Mix in 2-3 tbsp of vegetable oil (or ghee/clarified butter). You can use any vegetable oil, such as peanut or olive oil.
• Combine all the ingredients until they have a sand-like consistency.
• Slowly add cold water, a tablespoon at a time, and knead the dough. Use as little water as possible to make a stiff dough.
• Cover the dough with a damp cloth and set it aside for 20 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

• Heat 2-3 tsp of oil in a pan.
• Add ½ tsp of cumin seeds, grated ginger, and finely chopped green chilies. Saute for a minute.
• Add the peas. If needed, add a little water and cook until the peas are done (about 4 minutes).
• Mix in the mashed or chopped potatoes.
• Add salt, asafoetida, cayenne or red chili powder, ground coriander, garam masala powder, and amchur or dried mango powder.
• Stir well and cook until the filling mixture is dry.
• Set the filling aside to cool.

Step 3: Assemble the Samosas

• Divide the dough into round balls and roll them out into ovals using a rolling pin.
• Cut each oval in half.
• Use water to seal the straight cut side, forming an open cone.
• Spoon the filling into the cone, leaving space at the top to seal the samosa.
• Seal the samosa by applying water and pressing the edges together.
• Repeat this process until you have assembled all the samosas.

Step 4: Air Fry the Samosas

• Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C) for 5 minutes.
• Brush the samosas with oil and place them in the air fryer, ensuring they don't overlap.
• Air fry at 320°F (160°C) for about 8 minutes.
• Flip the samosas once midway for even cooking.
• Increase the temperature to 390°F (200°C) and air fry for another 6-8 minutes, or until the samosas are golden brown and cooked through.
• Serve hot with green chutney or ketchup.

Tips:

• You can use wholewheat flour or a combination of wholewheat flour and millet flour for the outer pastry.
• Instead of making the outer crust from scratch, you can use ready-made puff pastry dough or crescent roll.
• While potato and peas are traditional fillings, you can use various other fillings, such as cabbage, carrots, onion, lentils, tofu, paneer, or minced meat.
• Ensure that the filling is dry before assembling the samosas to prevent them from becoming soggy.
• You can store leftover samosas in the fridge for up to 2-3 days or freeze them for up to 1-2 months.
• To reheat samosas in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the samosas in a single layer and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.

Enjoy your crispy and delicious air-fried samosas!

How to store leftover samosas

Storing leftover samosas correctly is essential to keep them tasting great and maintain their texture. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to store leftover samosas:

Refrigerating Leftover Samosas

Allow the samosas to cool down completely before storing them in the refrigerator. Place them in an airtight container and store them in the fridge. Leftover samosas can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating Refrigerated Samosas

When you're ready to enjoy your leftover samosas, preheat your oven to 175°C. Place the samosas on a baking sheet and reheat them for 10 to 15 minutes until they are warmed through and crispy.

Freezing Leftover Samosas

If you have a large batch of leftover samosas, you can freeze them for longer storage. First, let the samosas cool down completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and put them in the freezer. Once they are frozen solid, transfer the samosas to an airtight freezer bag or container. Label the container or bag with the date, and return the samosas to the freezer. Frozen samosas can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating Frozen Samosas

To enjoy your frozen samosas again, preheat your oven to 175°C. Place the frozen samosas directly on a baking sheet and reheat them for 20 to 25 minutes until warmed through and crispy.

Tips for Storing and Reheating Samosas

• Always use an airtight container to prevent the samosas from drying out.
• When reheating, ensure the samosas are heated through properly to restore their original warmth and crispiness.
• You can also reheat samosas in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 390°F and heat the samosas for about 2-3 minutes.
• If you have a large batch, you can use the oven to reheat them at 400°F for about 5 minutes.

What to serve with your samosas

Samosas are a popular Indian snack, often served with masala chai. They are delicious on their own but serving them with the right side dishes can enhance the flavours and make your meal more enjoyable. Here are some ideas for what to serve with your samosas:

Chutneys

Mint chutney is a refreshing and tangy dip that goes well with samosas. Tamarind chutney is another option, with its sweet and tangy flavour. Coconut chutney and coriander chutney are other invigorating options. Mango chutney balances the flavours with its tangy sweetness.

Dips and Salads

Cucumber raita is a cooling, creamy yoghurt-based condiment that provides a contrast to the spicy flavours of samosas. A cilantro yoghurt dip is another creamy and herbaceous option. For something lighter, try a kachumber salad, a mixed vegetable salad, or a chickpea salad.

Breads

Naan bread is a soft and fluffy side that goes well with samosas. It's perfect for dipping into chutneys or raita. Garlic naan is another option that will enhance the overall dining experience.

Other Dishes

Spiced chickpeas, aloo gobi, paneer tikka, and vegetable pakoras are all delicious side dishes that complement the savoury taste of samosas. Chicken tikka masala, vegetable biryani, and lentil salad are other nutritious and tasty options.

Frequently asked questions