Air Fryer Samosas: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Samosas are a beloved Indian appetiser, but deep frying them can be a hassle. Air fryers offer a healthier alternative, producing samosas that are crispy and golden brown. The cooking time depends on the size of the samosas and the number of samosas in the air fryer basket. For example, one source recommends cooking frozen samosas at 360F/180C for 6-10 minutes, while another suggests cooking them at 380F/180C for 11 minutes. However, it's important to note that air fryer temperatures may vary, so adjustments may be necessary.

How long to cook frozen samosas in an air fryer

Frozen samosas are a great snack to have on hand, and cooking them in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get that crispy texture without having to deep fry them. Here's a guide to help you get perfect results every time.

The cooking time for frozen samosas in an air fryer will depend on the size of the samosas and the number of samosas in the air fryer basket. Most recipes recommend cooking frozen samosas in an air fryer for around 6-10 minutes at 360°F/180°C, turning them halfway through the cooking process.

For example, one recipe suggests cooking frozen samosas for 6 minutes at 360°F/180°C, while another recommends 11 minutes at 380°F. The key is to monitor the samosas to ensure they don't overcook.

Tips for Cooking Frozen Samosas in an Air Fryer:

• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook the samosas in batches if needed.
• There's no need to preheat the air fryer.
• You can spray the samosas with a light coating of oil (like olive or avocado oil) before cooking to enhance crispness, but it's not necessary.
• If you're using a brand of samosas that requires thawing, be sure to follow the package instructions. However, most frozen samosas can be cooked straight from frozen.
• Check the spice level of the frozen samosas before buying, especially if you're serving them to guests with varying spice tolerances.
• For best results, use a good brand of frozen samosas. Popular brands include Trader Joe's, Iceland, Shana, and Haldiram's, among others.

Reheating Frozen Samosas in an Air Fryer:

If you have leftover frozen samosas, you can reheat them in the air fryer. Set the air fryer to 340°F/160°C and reheat for 2-3 minutes or until hot and crispy. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as this can make the samosas soggy.

Dipping Sauces for Frozen Samosas:

Samosas are often served with a dipping sauce. Popular options include chutney (mango, cilantro, or tamarind), yoghurt dip, sweet chilli sauce, or a cheesy yogurt dip.

Now you're all set to enjoy perfectly cooked frozen samosas from your air fryer!

Air fryer temperature for frozen samosas

Frozen samosas can be cooked in an air fryer in a matter of minutes, making them a quick and easy snack or appetiser. The ideal temperature to cook frozen samosas in an air fryer is between 355°F and 380°F (180°C and 193°C).

Air Frying Tips

• Preheat the air fryer for 5 minutes at 380°F (193°C).
• Arrange the frozen samosas in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between them to allow the hot air to circulate.
• Spray the frozen samosas with oil before placing them in the air fryer. Olive oil, avocado oil, vegetable oil, or extra virgin olive oil are all suitable options.
• Check on the samosas 2 minutes before the cooking time is up to ensure they are not burning or overcooking.
• Turn the samosas halfway through cooking for the best results.
• If your samosas are not crispy enough, increase the temperature to 400°F (204°C) and air fry for an additional 2 minutes.

Cooking Times

The cooking time for frozen samosas in an air fryer will vary depending on the number of samosas and their size. As a guide, 6 medium-sized samosas will take around 6 minutes to cook in an air fryer, turning them halfway through. For smaller samosas, reduce the cooking time to 2 minutes, again, turning them halfway through.

Reheating Frozen Samosas

To reheat frozen samosas in an air fryer, simply follow the same instructions as above, but reduce the cooking time to 2 minutes.

Reheating samosas in an air fryer

It is best to reheat only the quantity you need, as samosas are best enjoyed when freshly cooked. However, if you have leftovers, wrap them in a paper towel and place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days, or in the freezer for up to three months.

When reheating, do not overcrowd the air fryer basket, and be sure to check the spice level of the samosas before reheating, so you can adjust the temperature accordingly. It is also important to note that reheating samosas with meat fillings in the microwave will make them soggy, so it is best to use the air fryer or oven.

How to cook non-frozen samosas in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Samosas (non-frozen)
• Oil (optional)
• Dipping sauce of your choice

Utensils

• Air fryer
• Air fryer basket
• Tongs

Method

• If you want, brush or spray the samosas with a light coating of oil. This will help them turn out crispier, but it is not essential.
• Place the samosas in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overcrowding the basket.
• Set the air fryer to 180°C/355°F.
• Cook for 4 minutes, then turn the samosas.
• Cook for a further 2 minutes, then turn the samosas again.
• Increase the temperature to 200°C/400°F.
• Cook for a final 2 minutes, or until the samosas are golden and crispy.
• Serve immediately with your chosen dipping sauce.

Tips

• If your air fryer has a grill function, you can finish the samosas with 1 minute on each side to enhance the colour.
• If your samosas are drying out during cooking, brush them with more oil.
• Different air fryers may vary in terms of temperature and cooking time, so keep an eye on your samosas during cooking and adjust the settings as necessary.
• This method is for non-frozen samosas. For frozen samosas, simply increase the cooking time and ensure they are cooked through before serving.

How to make the perfect samosa filling

The key to making the perfect samosa filling is to ensure that the vegetables are cooked through and well-seasoned. Here is a step-by-step guide to achieving this:

Ingredients:

• Potatoes
• Peas
• Onions
• Carrots
• Green chillies
• Ginger
• Whole spices (cumin seeds, fennel seeds, coriander seeds)
• Spice powders (garam masala, chilli powder, turmeric, amchur or dried mango powder, asafoetida or hing, coriander powder)
• Oil
• Salt to taste

Step-by-Step Guide:

• Start by chopping all the vegetables finely. This ensures even cooking and creates a mixture that binds together well. The key vegetables are potatoes, carrots, and onions. You can also add peas, corn, or other vegetables of your choice.
• Heat oil in a large pan and add the whole spices (cumin seeds, fennel seeds, and coriander seeds). Allow them to sizzle and release their aroma.
• Add the chopped ginger, green chillies, and onions to the pan. Sauté over medium heat until the onions are softened and translucent. Be careful not to brown the onions.
• Add the potatoes, carrots, and a splash of water. Cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid and cook over medium-low heat until the vegetables are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
• Once the potatoes and carrots are soft, add the peas and any other pre-cooked vegetables you are using, such as frozen peas or canned corn.
• Mix in the spice powders: garam masala, chilli powder, turmeric, amchur or dried mango powder, asafoetida or hing, and coriander powder. Adjust the quantities to your taste preference.
• Gently mash the mixture with a spoon to create a cohesive and fluffy filling. Don't over-mash, as you still want some texture in the filling.
• Taste the filling and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add salt or additional spice powders if necessary.
• Allow the filling to cool completely before using it to fill your samosas.

By following these steps and using fresh ingredients, you will create a delicious and perfectly seasoned samosa filling that your family and friends will love!

Frequently asked questions