Cody Casey
Indian cuisine is known for its vibrant, aromatic, and flavourful dishes. Cooking Indian food in an air fryer is a convenient and healthy way to enjoy your favourite dishes. Air fryers are perfect for creating crispy textures with minimal oil, making them ideal for Indian snacks and appetisers like samosas, pakoras, and onion bhajis. They are also great for cooking vegetarian dishes, chicken, and seafood. With an air fryer, you can make a variety of Indian meals, from bread rolls and Shahi Tukda (Indian bread pudding) to Tandoori chicken and Kukuri Bhindi (crispy fried okra). So, if you're looking to explore new ways to cook delicious Indian food, the air fryer offers a quick, easy, and healthy option.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Oil usage | Air fryers require less oil than traditional frying methods. |
| Oil type | Oils with a high smoking point, such as olive oil, avocado oil, grape seed oil, peanut oil, coconut oil, and ghee, are recommended. |
| Food texture | Air fryers can create crispy textures without the need for excessive oil. |
| Food type | Air fryers can be used to cook a variety of Indian dishes, including appetizers, main courses, and side dishes. |
| Examples of dishes | Tandoori chicken, naan, samosas, lamb chops, chicken tikka, chicken jalfrezi, chicken rezala, lamb rogan josh, bread rolls, Shahi Tukda (Indian bread pudding), Kukuri Bhindi (crispy fried okra), Aloo Tikki, Tandoori Broccoli Tikka, Gobi Manchurian, Sabudana Vada, and many more. |
| Time efficiency | Air fryers heat up quickly and require minimal supervision during cooking. |
| Ease of use | Air fryers are easy to use and allow for hands-free cooking. |
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What You'll Learn
Tandoori chicken and naan
Tandoori Chicken
To make tandoori chicken in an air fryer, you will need the following ingredients:
- Chicken thighs, legs or breasts
- Yogurt
- Olive oil
- Tandoori seasoning
- Lemon or lime juice
- Salt
- Ginger
- Garlic
- Red chilli powder
- Turmeric
- Garam masala
- Dried fenugreek leaves
First, pat the chicken dry and make 3-4 slits in the thickest parts. Then, in a large mixing bowl, add the yogurt, olive oil, tandoori seasoning, lemon or lime juice, and salt. You can also add ginger, garlic, red chilli powder, turmeric, and garam masala to the marinade. Mix the ingredients together, and coat the chicken evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours for more intense flavour.
Next, preheat your air fryer to 380°F and run it for 5 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil. Place the chicken in the basket, ensuring they are evenly spaced. For chicken thighs, cook for a total of 13 minutes, turning halfway through. For chicken legs, cook for a total of 10 minutes, flipping halfway. For skinless chicken breasts, cook for 7 minutes, then flip and cook for another 5 minutes. The internal temperature of the chicken should be 165°F.
Finally, garnish with fresh lime juice and a sprinkle of tandoori seasoning. You can also sprinkle some cilantro for added flavour. Serve with a side of basmati rice and/or naan bread.
Naan Bread
To make naan bread in an air fryer, you will need the following ingredients:
- Milk
- Active dry yeast
- Sugar
- Eggs
- Greek yogurt
- Flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Butter or ghee
- Garlic
- Fresh herbs (optional)
First, heat the milk in a jug until it is hand hot. Then, stir in the yeast and sugar, and cover with a cloth. Place in a warm place for 30-60 minutes, until the mixture becomes frothy. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs and yogurt together until smooth. Once the yeast mixture is ready, add it to the bowl and stir.
Next, add the flour, baking powder, and salt to the wet mixture. Mix until a smooth dough forms. If the dough is too wet, add small amounts of flour until it becomes manageable. Knead the dough for 5 minutes, then return it to the bowl and let it rise for a few hours or overnight. When ready to cook, knead the dough again and separate it into 10-12 smaller balls. Allow the dough to rest for at least 30 minutes.
Roll out each dough ball into a flat shape that will fit into your air fryer. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil. Place the flattened dough in the basket and cook at 370°F for 6 minutes, then flip and cook for another 3 minutes. The naan is done when a brown char forms and bubbles appear.
Finally, in a bowl, mix melted butter or ghee with garlic and fresh herbs like parsley or coriander. Brush this mixture onto the cooked naan for extra flavour.
Your tandoori chicken and naan are now ready to be served and enjoyed!
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Crispy fried okra
Air fryers are a great way to cook Indian food, as they can create crispy textures with less oil. One Indian dish that can be made in an air fryer is Kukuri Bhindi, or Crispy Fried Okra. Here is a recipe for how to make it:
Ingredients:
- Okra
- Avocado oil (or olive oil)
- Salt
- Arrowroot powder (or tapioca starch, cornstarch, or cornmeal)
- Spices (such as garlic powder, cumin, coriander, and turmeric)
Instructions:
- Wash and dry the okra.
- Trim off the ends of the okra and slice in half lengthwise.
- Place the okra in a large mixing bowl and drizzle with avocado oil (or olive oil). Toss to combine.
- Add salt and spices to the bowl and stir until each piece of okra is evenly coated.
- Sprinkle arrowroot powder (or tapioca starch, cornstarch, or cornmeal) over the okra and stir again until each piece is coated.
- Transfer the okra to the air fryer trays or basket, arranging them in a single layer.
- Air fry at 400°F for 20 minutes, rotating the trays halfway through (or shaking the basket).
- The okra is ready when it is crispy and golden brown around the edges.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
This recipe for Crispy Fried Okra is a vegan and gluten-free way to enjoy okra, and it's also lower in calories and carbs compared to traditional fried okra recipes. The air fryer helps to turn okra's naturally slimy texture into a crispy, crunchy delight.
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Bread rolls and Indian bread pudding
Bread Rolls
Air fryer bread rolls are a great breakfast option that is healthy, filling, and delicious. They are also a convenient grab-and-go option for busy mornings. Here is a simple recipe for Indian bread rolls stuffed with potatoes and peas:
Ingredients:
- Bread
- Oil
- Onion
- Boiled Peas
- Spices
- Mashed Boiled Potatoes
- Cilantro Leaves
Instructions:
- Heat oil in a large skillet and add chopped onions. Cook until the onions are translucent.
- Add boiled peas and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
- Stir in the spices, mashed boiled potatoes, and cilantro leaves.
- Take the mixture off the heat and let it cool.
- Stuff the bread with the potato and peas mixture.
These bread rolls can be shaped as desired and served with a spicy tomato ketchup or green chutney.
Indian Bread Pudding
Indian bread pudding, also known as Shahi Tukda, is a delicious dessert that can be made in an air fryer. It is a classic dish with a golden-brown exterior and a soft, creamy interior. Here is a simple recipe for Indian bread pudding:
Ingredients:
- Stale Bread (Italian, French, Brioche, or Challah)
- Milk (preferably whole milk)
- Heavy Cream
- Eggs
- Butter
- Raisins
- Vanilla Extract
- Cinnamon
- Sugar
- Flour
- Mixed Spice
- Fruit of your choice
Instructions:
- Cut the bread into cubes.
- Soak the bread cubes in a mixture of milk, cream, eggs, butter, raisins, vanilla extract, and cinnamon.
- Mush the soaked bread together to form a paste.
- Stir in the sugar, flour, mixed spice, and fruit of your choice.
- Pour the mixture into a tray that fits your air fryer.
- Air fry until the custard sets and the top is golden brown.
The pudding can be served hot with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Enjoy!
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Samosas and spicy chickpea curry
Indian cuisine is known for its vibrant and aromatic dishes, and an air fryer is a great way to cook these up quickly and with less oil. Here is a detailed recipe for making samosas and spicy chickpea curry using an air fryer.
Samosas
Samosas are a popular Indian snack, and you can make them in an air fryer with a crispy texture. You can make the samosa wrappers at home or purchase ready-made ones from Asian grocers. If you cannot find samosa wrappers, you can use Chinese spring roll wrappers, which are the same but with a different shape.
For the filling, heat some oil in a pan over medium-high heat and add cumin seeds. Once they become fragrant, add onions and chillies and fry for about 5-7 minutes until the onions are translucent and lightly browned. Then, add garlic and ginger paste and fry for another minute. After that, add potatoes and mixed powder, along with water or spice stock. Simmer until the potatoes are soft, and then add carrots and cook until they are al dente. Finally, add peas and coriander, and stir until the peas are cooked. Allow the mixture to cool before filling and folding the samosas.
When folding the samosas, divide the wrappers into three sections. Fold the top left corner to form a triangle, and then fold it over to the right. You can find images and videos online demonstrating this folding technique.
Once the samosas are filled and folded, place them in the air fryer basket without overcrowding it. Leave enough room for proper air circulation to ensure a crispy result. Fry the samosas in batches if needed, and keep the cooked ones warm while frying the rest.
Spicy Chickpea Curry
Chickpeas are a staple in Indian cuisine, and they can be cooked in an air fryer to make a delicious and healthy curry. You can use canned chickpeas or cook them from scratch. If using canned chickpeas, drain and rinse them, and if you are cooking them yourself, be sure to dry them thoroughly before air frying.
To make spicy chickpea curry, toss the chickpeas with olive oil or avocado oil and your choice of spices. You can use a variety of spices like garlic salt, onion powder, smoked paprika, or a fajita seasoning blend. Place the chickpeas in the air fryer basket and cook at 350-400°F for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket a few times during cooking.
Once the chickpeas are cooked to your desired level, remove them from the air fryer and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, or additional spices to taste. You can serve these chickpeas as a curry with rice or naan, or as a snack.
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Roasted Aloo Gobi
The beauty of cooking Roasted Aloo Gobi in an air fryer is that it is quick, easy, and hands-free. The air fryer also lends itself well to Indian cooking, as it can create crispy textures without the need for too much oil.
Ingredients:
- 2 small potatoes, peeled and cut into 3/4-inch pieces (or 1-inch pieces if you prefer them less crispy)
- 1 medium cauliflower head, cut into medium-sized florets
- 1 medium white onion, thinly sliced
- 1 medium Roma tomato, diced
- Oil (avocado oil is recommended)
- Spices: turmeric, coriander, cumin, red chilli powder (Kashmiri red chilli powder adds colour without heat), garlic powder or minced garlic, and salt
- Lime juice
- Fresh ginger (optional)
- Freshly chopped cilantro, to garnish
Method:
Add the potatoes, cauliflower, onions, tomatoes, oil, and spices to a large bowl. Mix until well combined. It is important to note that the cooking time will depend on how large the vegetables are cut, and how powerful your air fryer is. The potatoes should be cut a little smaller than the cauliflower, as cauliflower cooks faster.
Transfer the mixture to the air fryer basket, ensuring it is spread in a single layer to cook evenly. Air fry at 380F for 12-15 minutes, or until the vegetables are crispy on the outside and cooked well inside. You may want to shake the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Once cooked, sprinkle with lime juice and adjust salt and spices to taste. Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro.
Serving Suggestions:
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Frequently asked questions
Some easy Indian dishes to cook in an air fryer include:
- Kukuri Bhindi (crispy fried okra)
- Shahi Tukda (Indian bread pudding)
- Crispy Onion Pakoda (Indian-style onion fritters)
- Gobi Manchurian (Cauliflower Manchurian)
- Aloo Tikki (or Aloo Pattice)
- Tandoori Broccoli Tikka
Some Indian vegetarian dishes that can be cooked in an air fryer are:
- Aloo Gobi (a North Indian side dish made with potatoes and cauliflower)
- Onion Bhajis (made with sliced onions, gram flour, and spices)
- Samosas
- Sabudana Vada (sago fritters made with soaked sago, boiled potatoes, and coarsely ground peanuts)
Oils with a high smoking point are best for air frying. Options include:
- Olive oil
- Avocado oil
- Grape seed oil
- Peanut oil
- Coconut oil
- Ghee
Some Indian appetizers that can be made in an air fryer include:
- Tandoori Paneer Tikka (paneer and vegetables marinated in yogurt and spices)
- Tandoori Aloo Tikka (baby potatoes, bell peppers, and onions marinated in yogurt and spices)
- Tandoori Gobi (cauliflower florets marinated in a spiced yogurt-based marinade)
