Air-Fried Bhatura: A Quick, Crispy Delight!

Bhatura is a type of Indian bread that is typically fried in oil. However, it is possible to make bhatura in an air fryer, which offers a healthier alternative to the traditional method. Making bhatura in an air fryer requires a combination of maida, rava, sugar, salt, baking powder, baking soda, oil, and curd. The dough is prepared and shaped into balls, which are then rolled out into circles. Oil is applied to the air fryer basket, and the bhatura is placed inside and cooked until ready. The cooking time and temperature settings may vary depending on the specific air fryer model.

Ingredients and measurements

To make bhatura in an air fryer, you will need the following ingredients:

• 2 cups of maida
• 1 tablespoon of rava
• 1 teaspoon of sugar
• Salt to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda
• 2 teaspoons of oil, plus extra for greasing
• 1 cup of curd

First, add the dry ingredients to a large bowl: maida, rava, sugar, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Mix well to combine. Then, add the oil and rub it into the flour mixture. Finally, add the curd and mix until well combined.

Knead and punch the dough for at least 5 minutes. The dough should be soft and smooth. Grease the dough with a little oil, then cover it with a moist cloth and let it rest for at least 2 hours. This resting time is crucial, as it allows the dough to relax and become more pliable, making it easier to roll out later.

After the dough has rested, you will need to roll it out and cut it into medium-sized balls. Use your palms to roll each ball smoothly. Aim for a thickness that is neither too thin nor too thick—you want it to be just right!

Mixing and kneading the dough

To make bhatura in an air fryer, you'll need to start by mixing and kneading the dough. Here's a step-by-step guide to doing this:

In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of Maida flour with 1 tablespoon of Rava, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and salt to taste. You can also add in 1/2 a teaspoon of baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda if you like, which will make the dough extra light and fluffy. Mix all these dry ingredients together with a whisk or a fork to ensure they're well combined.

Next, you'll need to add in the wet ingredients. For this recipe, you'll be using oil and curd (yogurt). Add 2 teaspoons of oil and 1 cup of curd to the dry ingredients. Mix everything together with a spoon or your hands until a sticky dough starts to form.

Once the wet and dry ingredients are combined, it's time to knead the dough. Dust your work surface and your hands with a little extra flour. Take the dough out of the bowl and start kneading and punching the dough for at least 5 minutes. This process will develop the gluten in the dough, making it softer and more elastic.

If the dough seems sticky, add small amounts of flour as you knead until it becomes smooth and supple. The dough is ready when it is soft, slightly sticky, and stretchy. Form the dough into a ball.

Once you've finished kneading, it's important to let the dough rest. Grease the dough ball with a little oil and cover it with a moist cloth. Let the dough rest for at least 2 hours. This resting time allows the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to roll out and giving it a more tender texture when fried.

After the dough has rested, you can move on to the next steps of rolling out the dough, shaping it into balls, and then rolling them into circles before air-frying.

Shaping the dough

Once the dough has rested, you can begin shaping it. Start by rolling the dough into a long shape; this can be done by hand or with a rolling pin on a flat surface. The goal is to create a uniform log that is neither too thick nor too thin. From this long shape, you will then pinch off medium-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls between your palms. The size of these balls will determine the size of your bhatura, so aim for consistency.

The next step is to flatten these dough balls and roll them out into even circles. Again, use a rolling pin and ensure the dough circles are not rolled too thin or too thick. The ideal thickness will allow for even cooking in the air fryer. You may need to lightly dust your work surface with flour to prevent sticking during this process.

Finally, before placing the shaped dough in the air fryer, apply a light coat of oil to the air fryer basket. This will help the bhatura cook evenly and prevent sticking. Gently place the shaped dough into the basket, ensuring they do not overlap, as this could affect cooking times and the overall texture of your bhatura. Now, you're ready to air-fry!

Air fryer settings

To make bhatura in an air fryer, you will need to preheat your air fryer to 170°C. This is done by pulling out the basket, applying oil, and then placing the Fryo on top of the Robocook. You should then connect the power cord and set the temperature.

Once the air fryer has preheated, you can begin frying. First, pull out the basket and drop the bhatura in. Then, press the handle on the lid until you hear a sound. This will automatically set the temperature.

After the bhatura has been cooking for 9 minutes, you will need to pause the air fryer, flip the bhatura, and then resume frying for another 9 minutes.

Once the countdown has finished, the air fryer will beep three times to indicate that the bhatura is ready. At this point, you can pull out the handle and remove the Fryo lid from the Robocook.

Serving suggestions

Bhatura is a delicious Indian bread that can be easily made in an air fryer. But what should you serve it with? Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:

Chole Curry

The traditional pairing for bhatura is a hearty bowl of chole curry. This combination is a classic for a reason—the spicy, tangy flavours of the curry complement the soft, airy bhatura perfectly. It's a match made in culinary heaven!

Raita

For a cooling contrast, serve your bhatura with a side of raita. This yoghurt-based condiment is typically made with cucumber, onions, and spices, providing a refreshing break from the richness of the bread. The tang of the raita can also help balance out the flavours of any spicy curry you may be enjoying alongside.

Pickles

Add a crunchy, tangy element to your meal by serving pickles alongside your bhatura. Indian pickles, known as achar, come in a variety of flavours, from spicy chilli to tangy lime. The sourness and texture of pickles can enhance the overall dining experience and provide a burst of flavour with each bite.

Onion Salad

A simple onion salad can be the perfect accompaniment to bhatura. Thinly slice red onions and soak them in cold water for a few minutes to take the edge off, then drain and mix with chopped coriander leaves, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. This fresh, tangy salad can cut through the richness of the bread and provide a crunchy texture contrast.

Chutneys

A variety of chutneys can also be served with bhatura. Try a tangy tamarind chutney or a spicy coriander chutney for added flavour. These condiments can elevate your meal, providing a burst of flavour with each dip.

So, whether you're enjoying bhatura as a snack or as part of a larger meal, these serving suggestions are sure to enhance your culinary experience. Don't be afraid to experiment and find your favourite combinations!

Frequently asked questions