Air-Fried Arbi: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Arbi, also known as colocasia or taro root, is a starchy root vegetable that is popular in Indian cuisine. It can be cooked in many different ways, including frying, sautéing, boiling, and air frying. Air frying arbi is a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods, as it requires minimal oil. Here are some steps and recipes to help you make delicious air-fried arbi at home.

How to peel and cut arbi

Arbi, also known as colocasia or taro root, is a starchy root vegetable with a hairy brown skin and white flesh. It is similar in taste and texture to potatoes and yams.

When preparing arbi, it is important to note that the vegetable can cause itchy fingers when handled raw. It is recommended to either wear kitchen gloves or coat your hands with oil when handling the vegetable.

To peel and cut arbi, first, wash the amount of arbi you plan to use. Then, place the arbi in a pan and cover with water. Boil the arbi for around 30 minutes, or until the peel comes off easily—the exact timing will depend on the size of the arbi, but the inside should not become mushy.

Once boiled, remove the arbi from the water and let it cool slightly. Then, using a toothpick or fork, prick holes through each arbi and peel off the skin. Finally, cut the arbi into the desired shape and size. For arbi fries, cut them into thin slices, similar to French fries.

Boiling arbi

• Wash the arbi thoroughly to remove all traces of mud.
• Place the arbi in a vessel and put the vessel in a pressure cooker with some water.
• Pressure cook for 2-3 whistles and turn off the heat.
• Once the cooker releases steam, remove the arbi and let it cool.
• Peel the skin off the arbi.

Alternatively, you can boil the arbi in a pot on the stovetop:

• Cook the arbi in enough water until it is soft.
• Let it cool and then peel the skin.

It is important to note that arbi should not be overcooked. It should be soft but still holding its shape.

Once the arbi is boiled and peeled, it can be cut into small pieces and used in various recipes, such as air-fried arbi kebabs, arbi fry, or arbi masala.

Air fryer temperature and timing

Air Fryer Temperature:

The ideal temperature for cooking arbi in an air fryer is around 180-190 degrees Celsius or 380 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature range ensures that the arbi cooks evenly and achieves the desired crispiness without burning.

Air Frying Time:

The cooking time for arbi in an air fryer can vary depending on the size and thickness of the pieces. For small to medium-sized arbi cut into thin slices or discs, the cooking time is generally around 15-17 minutes at 380 degrees Fahrenheit or 6-8 minutes at 180 degrees Celsius. It is important to keep an eye on the arbi and toss or turn the pieces halfway through to ensure even cooking and browning.

Preparation and Seasoning:

Before air-frying, the arbi should be washed, peeled, and cut into the desired shape (slices, discs, or small pieces). Some recipes suggest boiling the arbi until tender before peeling and cutting, while others recommend cutting the arbi into french fry shapes and directly air-frying without boiling. The arbi can then be seasoned with a variety of spices, such as salt, red chilli powder, turmeric, cumin, dry mango powder, carom seeds, asafoetida, or curry leaves.

Tips for Crispy Arbi:

To enhance the crispiness of your arbi, consider the following tips:

• Cut the arbi into uniform, thin pieces to ensure even cooking.
• Preheat the air fryer before adding the arbi to help achieve a crispy texture.
• Toss the arbi halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning on all sides.
• If desired, spray the air fryer basket with a small amount of oil before adding the arbi to promote browning and crispiness.

By following these guidelines for air fryer temperature and timing, you can create delicious, crispy arbi as a side dish, starter, or snack that your family and friends will surely enjoy!

Arbi frying technique

Arbi, also known as taro or colocassia, is a starchy root vegetable that can be fried, sautéed, boiled, or cooked in an air fryer. Here is a detailed guide on the technique for frying arbi in an air fryer:

Preparation:

First, you need to peel and wash the arbi. It is recommended to wear gloves while handling raw arbi as it can cause itching or rashes due to the presence of calcium oxalate crystals. After peeling, pat the arbi dry using a cloth or let it air dry. Then, cut the arbi into thin slices or discs, similar to French fries.

Seasoning:

Place the sliced arbi in a bowl and add oil, salt, and spices of your choice. You can use a variety of spices such as red chili powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, dry mango powder, carom seeds, or asafoetida. Toss the arbi gently to ensure an even coating of oil and spices.

Air Frying:

Preheat your air fryer to a temperature between 180-190 degrees Celsius. Line the basket of the air fryer with parchment paper or greased aluminium foil. Transfer the seasoned arbi to the lined basket and air fry for 6-8 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, turn the arbi pieces over to ensure even cooking.

Serving:

Once the arbi is golden brown and crispy, remove it from the air fryer and serve hot. Arbi can be served as a snack or side dish. It goes well with chutney, dal, curry, or rice.

Tips:

• It is important to cut the arbi into even slices to ensure uniform cooking.
• You can adjust the spices according to your preference or skip them altogether; even a simple seasoning of salt and pepper can work well.
• If you want to make arbi kebabs, mash the boiled and peeled arbi, mix with spices and gram flour, shape into small patties, and air fry until crispy.

Arbi frying oil type

When making Arbi in an air fryer, it is important to use an oil with a high smoking point. This is because the air fryer cooks at a high temperature, and you want to avoid the oil smoking and giving your food an unpleasant taste.

Some oils with a high smoking point include:

• Avocado oil
• Mustard oil
• Any neutral-tasting oil, such as vegetable or canola oil

You will need around 1-2 tablespoons of oil to coat the Arbi before placing it in the air fryer. It is important to ensure that the Arbi is coated evenly so that it cooks through and gets crispy.

If you are boiling the Arbi first, you will need to heat enough oil in a pan to deep-fry the Arbi. This method requires a greater volume of oil, and you should use a neutral-tasting oil with a high smoking point, such as vegetable or canola oil.

Frequently asked questions