Air-Fried Chakli: A Crunchy, Healthy Twist On A Classic

Chakli is a popular crunchy, spiral-shaped snack from India, often made during Diwali. Traditionally, chakli is deep-fried, but it can also be made in an air fryer for a healthier, low-calorie option. This paragraph will discuss the process of making chakli in an air fryer, including the ingredients, preparation, and cooking instructions.

Chakli dough consistency

Ingredients

The ingredients used to make the dough will impact its consistency. Most chakli recipes call for a combination of flours, such as rice flour, chickpea flour (besan), and sometimes avocado or boiled moong dal. The type of flour and the ratio of ingredients used will affect the dough's texture.

Water Content

When making chakli dough, it is important to gradually add water a little at a time. The dough should be soft but not sticky. Adding too much water will result in a sticky dough that is difficult to work with. For gluten-free flours, lukewarm water is recommended as it helps soften the dough and results in crisp chaklis.

Kneading

Kneading the dough properly is essential. The dough should be kneaded until it forms a smooth and soft ball. In the case of gluten-free dough, it is important to use a minimum of water to bind the dough. Overworking the dough with too much water will result in a longer cooking time and a less crispy chakli.

Dough Stiffness

The dough for air-fried chakli needs to be stiffer than the dough used for deep-fried chakli. A stiff dough will result in a crispier chakli. However, it should still be soft enough to be easily pressed from the chakli press. A very stiff dough will make the chakli hard to bite into.

Temperature

When preparing the dough, it is important to ensure that the ingredients are at the right temperature. For instance, if avocado is used, it should be mashed to a smooth consistency and used immediately. If boiled moong dal is an ingredient, it should be lukewarm or hot when added to the dough to ensure the chakli is light and crispy.

Covering the Dough

As air frying takes time, it is important to keep the dough covered with a damp cloth while the chaklis are being cooked. This prevents the dough from drying out. For gluten-free dough, it is especially important to keep it covered, as it tends to dry out faster.

Air fryer temperature

• The ideal temperature for cooking chakli in an air fryer is around 350 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius). This temperature setting will ensure that the chakli cooks evenly and becomes crispy without burning.
• It is important to preheat the air fryer before adding the chakli. Set the air fryer to the desired temperature and let it preheat for at least 5 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving the desired crispiness in your chakli.
• Depending on the brand and model of your air fryer, the cooking time may vary slightly. It is recommended to keep a close eye on the chakli after around 5 minutes to ensure it doesn't burn.
• For the first batch, consider air frying for a shorter duration (e.g., 10 minutes) and then adjust the timing for subsequent batches as needed.

Tips for Maintaining Temperature and Avoiding Burning:

• Avoid air frying at high temperatures. Higher temperatures may result in uncooked centres or overcooked chakli. Stick to the recommended temperature of 350°F/180°C for the best results.
• Maintain a consistent temperature and timing for each batch of chakli. This consistency will ensure that all your chakli batches have the same crispy texture.
• Do not apply oil to the chakli until after the first 5 minutes of air frying. Adding oil too early can affect the absorption and may result in a harder texture.
• If you find that your chakli is not crispy enough, it may be due to the dough being too wet or the oil not being hot enough. Adjust the dough consistency and ensure the air fryer reaches the desired temperature before adding the chakli.
• If you are making a large batch of chakli, keep the dough covered with a damp cloth between batches to prevent it from drying out.

Air fryer timings

The cooking time for chakli in an air fryer varies depending on the recipe and the air fryer model. However, the general cooking time falls between 12 and 15 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius).

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size and model of your air fryer, so it is recommended to keep an eye on the chakli after around 5 to 8 minutes to ensure they do not burn.

Additionally, it is crucial to preheat the air fryer before adding the chakli. Preheat the air fryer for at least 5 minutes at 180 degrees Celsius or 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

When air frying chakli, it is best to cook them in batches to ensure even cooking. The number of chakli that can be cooked in each batch will depend on the size of your air fryer, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.

For the first batch, cook the chakli for 5 minutes at 160 degrees Celsius, then brush with oil and air fry for another 5 to 7 minutes at the same temperature. Repeat this process with the remaining batches.

It is also important to maintain a consistent temperature and timing to achieve the desired crisp texture. Avoid air frying at high temperatures, as this can result in an uncooked centre.

Additionally, it is recommended to apply oil to the chakli after the initial 5 minutes of air frying. This will help achieve a crispy texture and prevent hardness.

Chakli shape

Chakli is a spiral-shaped, crunchy, and savoury snack from India. The word "murukku" comes from the Tamil word "muruku," which means "twisted," referring to the shape of the snack. To make chakli, the dough is pressed through a special mould or chakli maker that creates this spiral shape.

If you don't have a chakli maker, you can use a cookie press with a star-shaped disc or a cake icing bag with a regular nozzle.

• Place a chakli disc with a star-shaped hole into the chakli maker.
• Grease the chakli maker with some cooking oil or spray.
• Take a small portion of the dough and add it to the chakli maker, leaving about a centimetre of space from the top to close the lid.
• Screw the top of the chakli maker and press the handle.
• On a plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel, press the handle and move the chakli maker in a circular motion to create the spiral shape. For a medium-sized chakli, about 3-4 circular rounds are recommended.
• At the end of the fourth circular round, break the dough and secure it by gently pressing the loose end to the outermost circle so that the chakli stays together.
• Gently transfer the piped chakli to the air fryer. Cutting the parchment into tiny squares can help with easy transfer.

Some recipes suggest preparing the chakli directly on the air fryer mesh or basket. However, it is important to maintain some distance between each chakli to avoid them from sticking together.

It is also important to keep the dough covered with a moist or damp towel between batches, as air frying takes time, and the dough will dry out if left uncovered.

Chakli storage

Chakli can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for 2-3 weeks. It is best to use clean, dry hands when removing chakli from the jar to prevent the spread of germs.

If you are using an avocado-based recipe, it is important to note that the longer the avocado sits, the more discoloured it will become. As such, it is best to use ripe avocado, mashed to a smooth consistency, and to make the dough immediately.

Frequently asked questions