Air-Fryer Appalam: A Crunchy, Healthy Snack Made Easy

Appalam, also known as papad or poppadum, is a traditional Indian snack that can be cooked by frying, roasting on a stovetop, or using a microwave oven. However, cooking appalam in an air fryer is a healthier alternative that produces a crunchy and delicious snack. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make appalam in an air fryer:

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 350-360°F or 180°C for about 5 minutes. Then, lightly brush each appalam with oil for a fried appearance and taste, although this step is optional. Place one or two appalams in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap, and air fry for 2-3 minutes. Keep a close eye on them as they can quickly go from crispy to burnt. Once done, carefully remove the appalam and serve. Enjoy your crunchy, golden-brown appalam!

How to make appalam in the microwave

Appalam, also known as papad or poppadum, is a traditional Indian snack that can be cooked by frying, roasting on a stovetop, or using a microwave oven. Here's a microwave method to make appalam that tastes almost like deep-fried appalam with very little or no oil.

Ingredients:

• Appalam (papad) – 5
• Oil – 1 tsp (optional)

Instructions:

• Take the appalam and oil. You can use any flavourless oil or choose to skip the oil for a healthier option.
• Apply the oil on both sides of the appalam. You can use a brush or your hand to coat the appalam evenly.
• Place one appalam at a time on a microwave-safe plate.
• Microwave for 20 to 30 seconds. The cooking time may vary depending on the wattage of your microwave. Adjust the timing accordingly.
• Your perfectly roasted appalam is now ready to serve!

Tips:

• Use microwave-safe utensils to avoid any safety hazards.
• Keep an eye on the appalam while it's in the microwave to prevent overcooking or burning.
• If you want to reduce the amount of oil used, you can break the appalam into smaller pieces before microwaving.

How to make masala appalam in the air fryer

Making masala appalam in an air fryer is a quick and easy process. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Ingredients:

• Appalam (papad) - preferably raw
• Cooking spray or oil with a high smoking point
• Onion - 1 small, finely chopped
• Tomato - 2 small, chopped
• Coriander (cilantro) leaves - 1 tablespoon, finely chopped
• Lemon juice - 1 teaspoon, for garnish
• Red chilli powder - a pinch (optional) for garnish

Method:

• Preheat your air fryer to 360°F or 180°C for about 5 minutes.
• Lightly coat or brush each appalam with cooking spray or oil. This step is optional but helps achieve a fried appearance and taste.
• Place one or two appalams in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap. If using small, round appalams, you can place two at a time.
• Air fry for 2-3 minutes. Keep a close eye on them, as they can quickly go from perfectly fried to overdone.
• Carefully remove the appalams from the air fryer using tongs as they will be very hot.
• To make the masala topping, mix the chopped onion, tomato, coriander leaves, lemon juice, and red chilli powder (if using).
• Sprinkle the masala topping generously over the cooked appalam.
• Serve immediately. Enjoy the crunch of the appalam with the freshness of the toppings!

Tips:

• Avoid placing the appalam directly on the air fryer basket to prevent it from flying up to the heating element and burning. Instead, place it in the bottom cavity of the air fryer.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer by cooking only one or two appalams at a time to ensure even cooking.
• The appalam will continue to crisp up after removing it from the air fryer.
• Do not store leftover masala appalam as it will become soggy.

Enjoy your delicious and crispy masala appalam, a perfect snack or side dish!

How to prevent appalam from flying around in the air fryer

Appalam, also known as papad or poppadums, are a crispy crunchy treat often served with Indian meals. They are usually deep-fried or roasted on an open flame, but they can also be made in an air fryer.

To prevent appalam from flying around in the air fryer, it is recommended to place them in the bottom cavity of the air fryer, rather than on top of the air fryer basket. This prevents them from flying up to the heating element and getting burnt, ensuring even cooking without any burning.

• Use a stainless steel mesh or toothpicks to hold the appalam down while cooking. The weight of the mesh is enough to keep them from floating.
• If your air fryer has a crisper plate, you can place it on top of the appalam to weigh them down.
• If your air fryer comes with a stainless-steel rack, you can turn it upside down and place it over the appalam to keep them in place.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer by placing too many appalam in at once, as they may stick together or cook unevenly.

How to make appalam without oil

Appalam, also known as papad or poppadums, is a traditional Indian snack usually made from lentil flours, rice, and/or potatoes. It is typically fried or roasted and can now be made in an air fryer for a healthier alternative. Here is a guide on how to make appalam without oil:

Firstly, you will need to gather your ingredients and materials. The only essential ingredient is appalam, but you can also use oil, onion, tomato, coriander, and lemon juice for added flavour. Ensure you have an air fryer or a microwave to cook the appalam.

If you are using an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F or 180°C. Place one or two appalams in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap, as this can cause uneven cooking. Avoid placing the appalam on the air fryer basket, as they are very lightweight and may fly up to the heating element and burn. Instead, place them in the bottom cavity. Air fry for 2-3 minutes, checking after one minute, as they can quickly go from crispy to burnt. Once done, carefully remove the appalam and serve.

If you are using a microwave, take one appalam and apply oil on both sides, either with a brush or your hand. Place it on a microwave-safe plate and microwave for 20-30 seconds. You can also roast the appalam in the microwave without oil, but using oil will give it a deeper fried texture.

Your oil-free appalam is now ready to be served! You can enjoy it as a snack or a side dish.

How to make appalam in the air fryer without burning it

Air fryers are a great way to make crispy and delicious appalams without the mess and fuss of deep frying. Here are some tips to help you achieve the perfect appalam without burning it:

Preheat Your Air Fryer:

Start by preheating your air fryer to the desired temperature. Most recipes recommend preheating to around 350°F to 390°F (or 180°C). This step is crucial as it ensures even cooking and helps you achieve the desired crispiness.

Prepare the Appalam:

Lightly brush each appalam with oil. This step is optional, but it helps to get that deep-fried taste and appearance. You can use a silicone brush or spray oil on both sides of the appalam.

Place the Appalam in the Air Fryer:

Lay the appalam in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap. Depending on the size of your air fryer and the appalam, you may be able to cook two at a time. Avoid placing the appalam directly on the air fryer basket, as they can fly up to the heating element and burn. Instead, place them in the bottom cavity of the air fryer to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.

Air Fry:

Set the temperature between 350°F and 390°F, and air fry for 1-2 minutes. Keep a close eye on them, as they can go from crispy to burnt very quickly. Depending on the size and thickness of your appalam, you may need to adjust the cooking time. Start checking after one minute of cooking time.

Serve:

Carefully remove the appalam from the air fryer using tongs, as they will be very hot. They will continue to crisp up even after you take them out. Your crispy, oil-free appalam is now ready to be served as a delicious accompaniment to your favourite Indian dishes.

Tips to Prevent Burning:

• Always preheat your air fryer to ensure even cooking.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer. Cook one or two appalam at a time to prevent sticking and uneven cooking.
• Keep a close eye on the appalam while they are cooking, as they can burn quickly.
• Do not place the appalam directly on the air fryer basket. Place them in the bottom cavity to prevent them from flying up to the heating element and burning.

Frequently asked questions