Aloo Fry In An Air Fryer: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious!

Aloo fry is a versatile Indian dish that can be served as a side or a main course. It is typically made in a skillet, but an air fryer is a convenient option for a low-oil version. The basic ingredients include potatoes, oil, and spices such as turmeric, chilli powder, and coriander powder. The potatoes are cut into cubes, soaked in water, and then tossed with oil and spices before being air-fried. This results in a crispy and delicious dish that can be served with rice, bread, or yogurt.

Choosing the right potatoes

When making aloo fry in an air fryer, you can use any kind of potato, including red potatoes, Yukon Gold potatoes, King Edward, Russet, and Sebago. You can also make the dish with baby potatoes. However, it is important to choose the right type of potato for frying.

Russet, or Idaho, potatoes are a good choice for aloo fry because they have a high starch content, which makes them ideal for frying. Long white potatoes, which have a medium starch content, can also be used for frying. Yukon Gold and other yellow potatoes are low- to medium-starch potatoes and are better suited for roasting, mashing, baked dishes, and soups.

When choosing potatoes for aloo fry, it is also important to consider the size. If the potatoes are cut into small pieces, they may cook too quickly and burn in the air fryer. Therefore, it is recommended to cut the potatoes into 1-inch pieces or slightly smaller than the cauliflower.

Additionally, the moisture content of the potatoes can affect the crispiness of the dish. Soaking the potatoes in cold water for 3-4 hours before cooking can help to remove some of the starch and make them crispier. However, this step is optional.

Soaking the potatoes

Start by peeling and cutting the potatoes into uniform cubes. The size of the cubes will impact the cooking time, so aim for a consistent size. Once you have your potatoes cubed, place them in a bowl and cover them completely with cold water. Allow them to soak for 3 to 4 hours. This prolonged soaking time helps to remove excess starch, resulting in crispier potatoes.

While soaking the potatoes is optional, it is a recommended step if you want that extra crunch. If you're short on time, you can skip the soaking and proceed to the next step, but you may notice a difference in texture.

After the soaking period, drain the water from the potatoes thoroughly. It's important to remove as much water as possible, as any remaining water can affect the cooking process and the overall crispiness of your aloo fry.

Once your potatoes are drained, it's time to coat them with a small amount of oil. Take 1 tablespoon of your preferred oil, such as avocado oil or olive oil, and toss the potato pieces in it. At this stage, refrain from adding any salt or seasoning, as it can draw out moisture from the potatoes.

Now that your potatoes are prepared, it's time to move on to the next step of air-frying!

Remember, the soaking process is a key factor in achieving the perfect texture for your aloo fry. By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to creating delicious and crispy potatoes in your air fryer.

Preparing the seasoning

The seasoning for aloo fry in an air fryer typically includes a blend of spices such as turmeric, coriander powder, Kashmiri red chilli powder or paprika, cayenne, and garam masala. You can also include dried mango powder (amchur) for a tangy flavour, or ginger and garlic for a more pronounced flavour. Here is a step-by-step guide to preparing the seasoning:

Start by gathering all the spices mentioned above, adjusting the quantities according to your taste preferences. You can also add salt to enhance the flavour.

In a small bowl, combine all the spices and mix them well. You can use a spoon or a whisk to ensure the spices are thoroughly mixed. If you are using salt, make sure it is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

If you prefer a finer texture to your seasoning, you can use a spice grinder or mortar and pestle to grind the spices together. This step is optional but can help to intensify the flavours and create a more uniform coating on the potatoes.

Once your spice blend is ready, you can store it in an airtight container if you have made a larger batch. This way, you can ensure the seasoning is ready whenever you want to make aloo fry or any other Indian dish that requires similar spices.

When you are ready to use the seasoning, simply take the desired amount and mix it with oil to create a paste. This paste will be used to coat the potatoes before air frying. The oil helps the spices adhere to the potatoes and creates a crispier texture.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for aloo fry in an air fryer will depend on the specific recipe you are following and the type of air fryer you are using. Here is a general guide:

For aloo gobi, which is a dish made with potatoes and cauliflower, the cooking time will be around 15 minutes in the air fryer. The temperature should be set to 380 degrees Fahrenheit. It is important to cut the potatoes and cauliflower into even-sized pieces to ensure uniform cooking. You may need to adjust the timing slightly depending on your air fryer model.

For Bombay potatoes or aloo tikki, the cooking time will be around 12-13 minutes at 190 degrees Celsius, followed by an additional 8-10 minutes at the same temperature to achieve the desired crispness. You may need to stir the potatoes with a spatula a couple of times during the cooking process.

When making aloo tikki, it is recommended to freeze the patties before air frying. Preheat your air fryer to 190 degrees Celsius or 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes. Then, cook the frozen aloo tikki for a total of 18-20 minutes, using an oil spray in between and flipping them over. You can also use the grill option for a few minutes to make them crispier.

Serving suggestions

Aloo fry is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. Here are some serving suggestions to make the most of your air-fried aloo:

• As a side dish: Aloo fry makes a great side dish for a variety of Indian entrees. Serve it alongside a dal, roti, or naan, or with a scoop of Jeera rice for a complete Indian meal.
• As part of a chaat: Aloo fry can be served as a chaat, a popular Indian street food. To make aloo chaat, serve the aloo fry with chickpea curry, chopped onions, tomatoes, and lemon juice for a vegan treat. For a vegetarian option, top it with yogurt.
• As a snack: Aloo fry is a delicious snack on its own, but you can also serve it with a dipping sauce or turn it into a burger by serving it within burger buns, Mc Donald's style, with some French fries.
• As a main course: In a rush? Aloo fry can be a quick and tasty main course. It tastes great with some yogurt or pickle.
• With other vegetables: Aloo fry forms the base for many curries, where other vegetables are mixed with potatoes once they are cooked. Try adding beans, okra, aubergine, peas, fenugreek, or peppers to your aloo fry to create a hearty vegetable curry.
• With rice or bread: Aloo fry goes well with basmati rice or naan bread. For a comforting Indian meal, serve it with rice and dal.
• With chutney: If you're serving aloo fry as a snack or appetizer, consider pairing it with a spicy or sweet chutney, such as mint chutney or tamarind chutney.

Frequently asked questions