Air-Fried Mandazi: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Mandazi are East African doughnuts, similar to beignets, that are usually deep-fried. However, this recipe will show you how to make them in an air fryer, reducing the amount of oil used and providing a healthier alternative. Mandazi are made from a combination of flour, sugar, and coconut milk, with cardamom as the most common addition. They are versatile and can be enjoyed as a snack, for breakfast, or even as a side dish.

Ingredients and alternatives

Mandazi, a type of fried bread from the Swahili Coast of East Africa, can be made with a variety of ingredients and cooking methods. Here is a list of ingredients and alternatives for making mandazi in an air fryer:

• Flour: All-purpose flour is the most commonly used flour for making mandazi. However, you can also use self-raising flour or whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste. If you are gluten intolerant, gluten-free all-purpose flour can be used as well.
• Leavening Agent: Self-raising flour already contains a leavening agent. If you are using regular all-purpose flour, you can add baking powder, baking soda, or yeast to help the dough rise.
• Sugar: White granulated sugar or caster sugar is typically used in mandazi recipes. However, you can also use other sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.
• Milk: Coconut milk is traditional in mandazi recipes, adding richness and a subtle coconut flavour. However, you can use other types of milk, such as dairy milk, heavy cream, almond milk, or even yoghurt.
• Flavourings: Cardamom is the most common flavouring in mandazi, giving it a warm, aromatic flavour. If cardamom is unavailable, cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves can be used instead.
• Fat: Mandazi recipes typically call for vegetable oil or another flavourless cooking oil. However, olive oil, coconut oil, melted butter, ghee, or margarine can also be used.

When making mandazi in an air fryer, it is important to note that they may not rise as much as traditional fried mandazi, and they may dry out quicker. Therefore, it is recommended to store them in an airtight container as soon as possible to maintain freshness.

Preparing the dough

Mandazi is a type of East African fried bread that is similar to doughnuts but less sweet. The dough can be made with a combination of all-purpose flour, self-raising flour, sugar, salt, ground cardamom, and coconut milk. Here is a step-by-step guide to preparing the dough:

Step 1: Mixing the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and ground cardamom. You can use a whisk, a wooden spoon, or clean hands to mix the ingredients together. If you are using self-raising flour, you can omit the baking powder or yeast.

Step 2: Adding Wet Ingredients

To the dry ingredients, add your choice of wet ingredients, such as olive oil, melted butter or margarine, egg, and coconut milk or yoghurt. Mix everything together until a dough forms and there are no dry patches. You can use clean hands, a wooden spoon, or a rubber spatula for this step.

Step 3: Kneading the Dough

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it until it becomes smooth and elastic. This process should take around 5 minutes. Do not over-knead the dough.

Step 4: Covering and Resting the Dough

Brush the top of the dough with oil and cover the bowl with cling film or a slightly damp kitchen cloth. Place the dough in a warm, draft-free area to rest. The ideal resting time is at least 20 minutes, but you can also leave it overnight for the best results. This step is crucial to achieving the optimal texture and flavour of the mandazi.

Step 5: Dividing and Shaping the Dough

After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and divide it into equal portions, typically ranging from 4 to 6 pieces. Roll each portion into a ball and then flatten them using a rolling pin to a thickness of about 1/4 inch or 0.5 cm.

Step 6: Cutting the Dough

Using a sharp knife, pizza cutter, or cookie cutter, cut each flattened dough circle into desired shapes. You can create triangles, rectangles, squares, or diamond shapes.

Once the dough is prepared, you can proceed to the next steps of frying or air-frying your mandazi.

Shaping the mandazi

Once the dough has risen, it's time to release the air by punching it down gently. Then, transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface to prevent it from sticking. The amount of dough you have will determine how many pieces you can divide it into. For a standard batch, divide the dough into six equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, ensuring they are all uniform in size.

Now, it's time to flatten these dough balls. Use a rolling pin to achieve a consistent thickness of about 1/4 inch. A flat and even surface is key to even cooking later on. Once flattened, use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter to cut each circle into precise triangles or squares. You can also get creative and use cookie cutters to make fun shapes.

If you want to add a decorative touch or make them more manageable as a snack, you can use a fork to gently press down around the edges of each mandazi, creating a patterned border. This step is entirely optional but can make your mandazi look even more appealing.

Finally, before frying, it's essential to prepare the mandazi by creating a non-stick surface. Brush the tops of the mandazi with melted butter or margarine. This step will ensure that your mandazi don't stick to the cooking surface and also adds a delicious gloss to the final product.

Air-frying tips

Mandazi is a type of fried bread from the Swahili Coast of East Africa. They are similar to beignets and are often served with tea or coffee.

• Use an air fryer basket that is non-aerosol-based and spray it with a healthy high smoke point cooking oil such as coconut or olive oil.
• Arrange your mandazi in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Do not stack them on top of each other or overcrowd the basket.
• Keep an eye on your mandazi in the first 5-7 minutes, as air fryers tend to differ and cook differently. Adjust the time accordingly.
• Mandazi dries out quicker and is not as fluffy when air-fried, so store them as soon as possible in a paper bag or a suitable container that can be easily closed.
• If you are looking for mandazi with a fluffy, puffed-up texture, then the traditional frying method is a better option.

Storing and reheating

Mandazi are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container or paper bag. They will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 2 days.

To reheat, warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or in a preheated oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.

For longer storage, mandazi can be frozen. First, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 1 month. To reheat from frozen, thaw them overnight in the fridge, then warm them as instructed above.

Frequently asked questions