Air-Fryer Cutlets: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Cutlets are a popular snack and appetizer that can be made in a variety of ways. Traditionally, they are deep-fried and coated in breadcrumbs and cornflour slurry, but they can also be made healthier by using an air fryer. This method of cooking cutlets is ideal for those looking for a non-fried, vegan, or gluten-free option. The word 'cutlet' is derived from the French word 'côtelette' and was originally a starter in French cuisine.

How to make cutlets in an air fryer

Choosing your vegetables

The word 'cutlet' comes from the French word 'cotelette', and they are a popular snack worldwide. Vegetable cutlets are a popular snack in India, often served as a starter or appetiser. They are made with a variety of vegetables, such as potatoes, carrots, peas, herbs and spices. The prime ingredient is usually potatoes, which is why they are sometimes called "potato cutlets".

For this recipe, you can use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes. Sweet potatoes are filling and fibre-rich, and they add a unique flavour to the cutlets. You can pressure cook them with the skin on and then peel and mash them. Regular potatoes can also be cooked in a pressure cooker or Instant Pot a day in advance to save time.

In addition to potatoes, you can add grated carrots to the cutlet mixture. Carrots add a nice texture and colour to the cutlets. It is recommended to grate the carrots instead of finely chopping them to ensure even cooking.

You can also include sweet corn in your cutlets. Frozen sweet corn is a convenient option, and it adds sweetness and texture to the dish. Simply thaw and add it to the mixture.

Bell peppers, also known as capsicums, can be used in any colour variety you prefer. They add a mild spiciness and a vibrant colour to the cutlets.

Green peas, either frozen or cooked, are another great option to include in your vegetable cutlet mixture. Make sure to thaw them completely if using frozen peas.

You can also experiment with other vegetables, such as French beans, spinach, beetroots, broccoli, or cauliflower. Just remember that the taste of your cutlets will depend on the combination of vegetables you choose, so select ones that you enjoy.

Preparing the vegetables

Firstly, gather your vegetables of choice. Popular options include potatoes, carrots, peas, beans, cauliflower, baby spinach, broccoli, sweet corn, and beetroot. You can also use sweet potatoes, yam, or raw banana for a unique twist. Remember that the taste of your cutlets will depend on the vegetables you choose, so select ones you enjoy.

Once you have your vegetables, rinse and finely chop them into small pieces. For example, cut 8 French beans, 1 large carrot, and 2 medium potatoes into ½-inch to ¾-inch cubes. If you're using cauliflower or beets, cut them into similar-sized pieces.

Next, add the chopped vegetables to a steam basket and place it in a cooker or steamer. Pour 1½ cups of water into the cooker or steamer, and cook the vegetables until they are tender. You can also pressure cook them by adding half a cup of water and cooking on medium heat for 2 whistles. If using an instant pot, pressure cook for 3 minutes and let the pressure release naturally.

Ensure that the vegetables are not overcooked and mushy. They should be slightly firm and easy to mash. Drain any excess water, as too much moisture in the veggies can cause your cutlets to break apart. Allow the vegetables to cool down slightly before mashing them with a masher or fork.

At this stage, you can add spices and herbs to taste. Some popular options include coriander leaves, green chillies (deseeded and chopped), ginger paste, and garam masala. You can also add cumin seeds for extra flavour. Mix the spices and herbs into the mashed vegetables until well combined.

If your mixture is too soft and sticky, you can add bread crumbs or powdered poha (flattened rice) to help bind it and absorb any excess moisture. Start with a small amount, around 2-3 tablespoons, and mix well. If the mixture is still too soft, add more bread crumbs or poha until you achieve a soft but dry and non-sticky texture.

And that's it! Your vegetables are now ready to be shaped and prepared for air frying. Remember to adjust the spices and herbs to your taste preferences, and feel free to experiment with different combinations of vegetables to create your perfect cutlet.

Making the cutlet mixture

The first step in making cutlets is preparing the vegetables. Finely chop the vegetables into small cubes or grate them. You can use potatoes, carrots, beans, peas, sweet corn, capsicum, beetroot, spinach, broccoli, cauliflower, or sweet potatoes. Steam or boil the vegetables until they are soft but not mushy. Allow them to cool slightly, and then mash them well.

Next, add the spices and herbs to the mashed vegetables. You can use coriander leaves, green chillies, ginger paste, cumin seeds, and spices such as garam masala, turmeric powder, chaat masala, and amchur powder. Mix everything well.

At this stage, you can also add some crumbled paneer, grated mozzarella or cheddar cheese, or soya granules for a meaty texture. If the mixture is too soft, you can add bread crumbs or roasted gram flour to help bind the ingredients together. The cutlet mixture should be soft, well-bound, and non-sticky.

Once you have achieved the desired consistency, divide the mixture into equal portions and shape them into balls. Flatten the balls into thick patties, and set them aside on a plate.

You can also add some wet ingredients to the cutlet mixture to help bind it together. For example, you can use a thin batter made of besan (gram flour), rice flour, or cornflour. Dip the patties in the batter and then coat them with bread crumbs or powdered poha (flattened rice) for a crispy texture.

Leave the coated patties aside for a few minutes to allow the coating to stick. Gently press down on each cutlet to ensure the coating adheres well.

Now your cutlet mixture is ready for the air fryer! Preheat your air fryer to 360°F or 180°C, place the cutlets inside, and spray them with oil. Air fry for 16 to 18 minutes, or until golden brown.

Shaping the cutlets

Firstly, the cutlet mixture should be divided into equal portions. The number of portions will depend on the desired size of the cutlets. For example, the recipe from Swasthi's Recipes yields 13 to 14 portions, while the recipe from Masalachilli yields 20 cutlets.

Once the portions have been divided, roll the mixture into balls and then flatten them into patties. The patties should be thick, but not too thick, as this will affect the cooking time. The mixture should be soft and well-bound but not sticky or soggy. If the mixture is too dry and difficult to bind, try mashing it again, mixing it with wet hands, or adding a small amount of water.

After shaping the cutlets, it is important to let them rest for a few minutes before cooking. This helps the coating adhere to the cutlets and ensures even cooking. Gently press down on each cutlet to help the coating stick.

The cutlets can be coated with breadcrumbs, flattened rice/poha, or gram flour (sattu). For a thicker crust, a thicker batter can be made by using more flour. The cutlets are then dipped in the batter and coated with the breadcrumbs or alternative coating. This process is repeated to ensure an even coating.

The cutlets should then be placed on a plate and left to rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This allows the coating to stick properly. Before placing them in the air fryer, gently shake off any excess crumbs.

Overall, shaping the cutlets is a straightforward process, but it requires attention to detail to ensure the desired texture and consistency. By following these steps, you can achieve delicious and crispy vegetable cutlets cooked evenly in your air fryer.

Cooking the cutlets

Now that you have prepared your vegetable cutlet mixture and shaped them into patties, it's time to cook them! Here is a step-by-step guide to cooking your cutlets in an air fryer:

• Preheat your air fryer: Start by preheating your air fryer to 200 degrees Celsius for about 5 minutes. This step is crucial, as it ensures even cooking and browning of your cutlets.
• Prepare the cutlets: Brush or spray the air fryer basket lightly with oil. You can use sesame oil, vegetable oil, olive oil, or avocado oil, depending on your preference.
• Place the cutlets in the air fryer: Place around 12 cutlets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not overcrowded and are not placed one above the other.
• Brush or spray oil on the cutlets: Generously brush or spray oil on the cutlets to ensure even cooking and browning.
• Air fry the cutlets: Cook the cutlets at 200 degrees Celsius for 15 minutes. After about 8 to 10 minutes, use a pair of tongs to turn them over for even cooking. Repeat the process of brushing or spraying oil. Continue air frying until the cutlets are golden brown.
• Serve: Once the cutlets are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and serve them hot with your choice of accompaniments.

Tips for Air Frying Cutlets:

• Always preheat your air fryer for at least 5 minutes before placing the cutlets inside.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and browning.
• Brush or spray oil on the cutlets before and during the cooking process to achieve a crispy exterior.
• Adjust the spices according to your taste preferences.
• If you prefer a thicker crust, you can use more flour to make a thicker batter for dipping the cutlets before coating them with breadcrumbs.
• If you want a golden crust, you can roast the breadcrumbs lightly before using them for coating the cutlets.
• You can also experiment with different types of oil, such as sesame oil, vegetable oil, olive oil, or avocado oil, to find the one that best suits your taste.

Frequently asked questions