Air-Fried Chana Dal Vada: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Chana dal vada is a popular South Indian snack, also known as masala vada, paruppu vadai, or ambode. It is traditionally deep-fried, but can also be made in an air fryer with very little oil, making it a healthier option. The dish is vegan and gluten-free, and is made using chana dal (split chickpeas or Bengal gram), spices, herbs, and other ingredients like onions, ginger, and green chillies. The dal is soaked and then ground into a coarse paste, to which the other ingredients are added. The mixture is then shaped into small discs or patties and fried. When using an air fryer, the vadas are brushed with oil and cooked at a high temperature until golden and crisp.

Soaking the chana dal

After soaking, drain the water from the dal and set it aside. Make sure there is no water left in the dal. You can now proceed to grind the dal with ginger and green chilli, adding no water. The dal should be ground coarsely, with a few dals visible.

Preparing the batter

The first step in making Chana Dal Vada is to soak the Chana Dal. For this, wash the Chana Dal in water several times until the water runs clear. Then, soak the Chana Dal in water for 1-2 hours. It is important to not over-soak the dal as this will affect the texture of the vada. Drain off the water and set the dal aside.

Next, you will need to grind the dal. Add the soaked dal to a blender jar along with some ginger, green chilli, and a small amount of water. Do not grind the dal too smoothly, a slightly coarse mixture is ideal. You can also add some cumin seeds, fennel seeds, and cinnamon to the blender for extra flavour.

Once the dal is ground, add the remaining ingredients to the mixture. This includes chopped onions, curry leaves, cilantro, salt, and any other spices or herbs you would like to include. Mix all the ingredients together until you have a well-binding mixture. To test this, take a small portion of the mixture and shape it into a vada. It should hold its shape well and not fall apart. If the mixture is not binding well, take a small portion and blend it into a smooth paste, then add it back to the bowl and mix again.

Now, you are ready to shape the vadas. Take a small portion of the mixture and press it down in your palm to form a ball. Place it on your left palm and flatten it, then reverse it onto the fingers of your right hand and drop it into the hot oil or air fryer. Repeat this process until you have formed all the vadas.

Shaping the vadas

Firstly, take a small portion of the vada mixture and form a small ball with your hands. The size of the ball should be slightly larger than a lemon if you want to make bigger vadas or fewer vadas.

Next, flatten the ball on your palm or a plastic sheet/greased cloth/moist cloth. The vadas should be shaped into thin, flat discs or patties. It is important to ensure that they are not shaped too thickly, as they will become fluffy in the centre and won't taste as good.

Place the flattened vada on your palm and gently brush it with oil. This step will help to ensure that the vadas are crispy and golden brown when cooked.

Now, carefully transfer the vada to the air fryer basket. Repeat this process with the remaining vada mixture, placing each vada in the basket without crowding them. It is important to leave a little space between the vadas to allow for proper air circulation.

Once all the vadas are in the air fryer basket, you can proceed to the cooking step. Remember to preheat the air fryer before cooking the vadas to achieve the desired crispness.

By following these steps, you will be able to shape the chana dal vadas perfectly and achieve the desired texture and taste.

Preheating the air fryer

• First, check if your air fryer requires preheating. Some air fryers may not require preheating, so it is important to refer to the specific instructions for your model.
• If preheating is required, set the temperature to between 180-200°C (350-390°F). The ideal temperature may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model and personal preference for crispiness.
• Let the air fryer preheat for at least 10-15 minutes. This duration may also depend on your air fryer model and its specific features.
• While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare the chana dal vada mixture. Soak the chana dal in water for about 1-4 hours, and then drain the water. Blend the soaked chana dal with minimal water to form a coarse paste. You can add spices and herbs like cumin seeds, fennel seeds, green chillies, ginger, and curry leaves to the blender for extra flavour.
• After preheating, brush the air fryer basket or rack with a small amount of oil. This step ensures that the vadas do not stick to the surface and helps to achieve a crispy texture.
• Once the air fryer has preheated, it is ready for cooking the chana dal vada. Place the vadas in the air fryer basket or rack, making sure to leave some space between them for proper air circulation. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the vadas in batches.
• Follow the cooking instructions for your specific chana dal vada recipe, adjusting the temperature and cooking time as needed. Remember to flip the vadas halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.

Cooking the vadas

Now that your air fryer is preheated, it's time to cook the vadas. Place the vadas in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not crowded and there is space between them for air circulation. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches.

Brush the vadas with oil and air fry at 180°C/350°F or 190°C/375°F for about 10 minutes. Then, flip the vadas and brush them with oil again if needed. Increase the temperature to 200°C/390°F and cook for another 4-8 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy.

Once done, remove the vadas from the air fryer and serve them warm with your favourite chutney or ketchup. The vadas will stay crispy for several hours, so you can make them ahead of time and serve them later.

Some recipes suggest preheating the air fryer for a crispier texture, while others skip this step. You can also brush the vadas with ghee instead of oil for extra flavour.

Tips for making Chana Dal Vada in an Air Fryer

• Soak the chana dal for 1-2 hours. Do not over-soak, as this will affect the crispiness of the vadas.
• Grind the chana dal coarsely, leaving some lentils intact for texture.
• Add spices and herbs like cinnamon, fennel, and mint leaves for flavour and aroma.
• Do not add onions or salt to the batter until you are ready to cook the vadas, as this can make the batter soggy.
• Shape the vadas thinly and slightly flatten them for the best results.
• If the batter is too moist, add some rice flour to adjust the consistency.
• Store any leftover batter in the fridge for up to 4 days and add onions and spices before cooking.

Frequently asked questions