Air-Fried Idli: A Quick, Easy, And Healthy Treat

Idli is a popular South Indian dish that is typically steamed. However, you can also fry idlis to make a delicious snack or appetizer. Frying leftover idlis is a great way to transform them into something new and exciting. In this article, we will discuss how to make crispy and fluffy fried idlis using an air fryer. By following a few simple steps, you can enjoy the perfect balance of crispiness on the outside and fluffiness on the inside without having to deep fry. So, get ready to indulge in a tasty treat that will leave you wanting more!

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the process of making idlis. It ensures your idlis cook evenly and helps to achieve that desirable crispy texture on the outside, while keeping them soft and chewy on the inside. Here is a detailed guide on preheating your air fryer for idli-making success:

Firstly, ensure your air fryer is switched on and set to the correct temperature. Depending on your recipe, you may want to preheat to 375°F or 390°F for idli frying. The standard temperature seems to be 375°F, but some sources suggest 390°F for a slightly shorter cooking time of 10-15 minutes. If you want to experiment, you could try a higher temperature such as 400°F as suggested by one source, but be aware that your cooking time will be shorter, around 6-8 minutes.

Once you have set the temperature, allow your air fryer to preheat for around 3-5 minutes. This is an important step, as it ensures your air fryer is at the correct temperature to cook your idlis evenly. When the preheating time is up, your air fryer is ready to use, and you can begin the idli cooking process.

If you are using a recipe that requires you to oil your idlis before cooking, you can do this while the air fryer is preheating. Simply slice your idlis into the desired size and shape, and drizzle with oil or spray with an oil spray. This will ensure your idlis are nicely coated and ready to cook when the air fryer is preheated.

Remember, preheating your air fryer is an important step to ensure your idlis cook evenly and have the desired crispy texture. By allowing your air fryer to reach the correct temperature before adding your idlis, you will achieve the best results.

Cut the idlis into bite-sized pieces

To make idlis in an air fryer, you'll first need to cut the idlis into bite-sized pieces. It's important to not cut them too small, as you want to achieve a balance of textures—crispy on the outside, and soft and chewy on the inside. Aim for bite-sized chunks or slices, and if you're using regular idlis, you might want to cut them into slightly larger pieces than if you're using mini idlis.

Once you've cut your idlis to the desired size, you can move on to the next step of preparing them for the air fryer. Depending on your preference, you can either drizzle them with oil or spray them with an oil spray. This step will help ensure that your idlis get nice and crispy in the air fryer. After coating them with oil, you'll place them in the air fryer basket, being sure to arrange them in a single layer for even cooking.

The cooking time and temperature may vary depending on your air fryer and the level of crispness you prefer. As a general guideline, you can air fry your idli pieces at around 390-400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don't overcook, and adjust the time as needed.

Once your idli pieces are nicely crisped up, you can serve them fresh with a dip of your choice. Ketchup is a classic option, but you can also get creative with different types of chutney, such as coconut chutney or tomato chutney. Enjoy your air-fried idlis as a delicious snack or appetiser!

Oil the air fryer basket

To make idli in an air fryer, you'll need to oil the air fryer basket. This can be done by spraying the basket with oil or greasing it with oil. You can also drizzle oil over the idli bites and toss them before placing them in the basket. This step ensures that the idli bites cook evenly and achieve the desired crispy texture on the outside while remaining soft and chewy on the inside.

When oiling the air fryer basket, it is important to use a light coating of oil. This can be done by spraying the basket with oil or brushing it with a thin layer of oil. Using too much oil can cause the idli bites to become greasy and affect the cooking process.

The type of oil used is also important. A cooking oil with a high smoke point, such as canola, peanut, or vegetable oil, is recommended. These oils can withstand the high temperatures of the air fryer without smoking or burning, ensuring that your idli bites cook evenly and maintain their flavour.

Once the basket is oiled, you can place the idli bites in a single layer, ensuring that they are not overcrowded. This allows the hot air to circulate properly and cook the idli bites evenly. Overcrowding the basket can lead to uneven cooking and prevent the idli bites from becoming crispy.

After placing the idli bites in the basket, it is important to follow the recommended cooking time and temperature for your specific air fryer. The cooking time may vary, but generally, it takes around 10-15 minutes at a temperature of 390-400 degrees Fahrenheit to achieve the desired level of crispness.

Cook the idlis for 10-15 minutes

Once you have prepared your air fryer and placed the idlis inside, it's time to cook them. Set the air fryer to 390 F and cook the idlis for 10-15 minutes. Depending on your air fryer, you may need to adjust the time to achieve your desired texture. You want the idli bites to be crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside.

If you are using an air fryer that requires you to manually turn the food, you will need to turn the idlis over halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking. If your air fryer has a built-in fan, you won't need to worry about turning the idlis as the hot air will circulate evenly around them.

While the idlis are cooking, you can prepare any spices or chutneys you want to serve with them. A simple seasoning of red chilli powder, turmeric powder, and amchur (dry mango powder) can be sprinkled over the cooked idlis and mixed well. You can also serve the idlis with coconut chutney or a dip of your choice.

Serve with a dip

When serving your air-fried idlis, there are a variety of dips and chutneys that can be served alongside them.

A simple option is to serve the idlis with ketchup, which can be homemade or store-bought. If you want to make your own, you can find a recipe for homemade ketchup in the blog post linked above.

For those who like their food spicy, a chutney can be a great option. Coconut chutney is a popular choice, and there are a few different variations you can make. A classic white coconut chutney or a red coconut chutney made with chillies and garlic are both recommended. You could also make an instant tomato chutney or a South Indian-style coconut chutney with chillies and garlic.

If you want to add some extra spice to your idlis, you can toss them in a seasoning of sambar powder, mustard seeds, and fresh curry leaves before serving. Alternatively, you can fry some onions, tomatoes, and cilantro in oil, add sambar powder, and toss with the fried idlis.

Frequently asked questions