Air-Fryer Papad: A Step-By-Step Guide

Papad is a traditional Indian snack made from lentils, rice, or potatoes. It is usually cooked by frying, roasting on a stovetop, or using a microwave oven. However, air fryers offer a healthier and easier way to cook papad. Air fryer papad is a delicious, crispy, and crunchy snack that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. In this introduction, we will discuss how to make perfect papad in an air fryer, the ingredients required, and the cooking process.

Preheat the air fryer to 180°C/355°F

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the papad-making process. By setting your air fryer to the right temperature, you can ensure that your papads cook evenly and efficiently.

To make papad in an air fryer, you should preheat the appliance to 180°C/355°F. This temperature setting is crucial as it ensures that the papads cook through without burning. Since papads are thin and delicate, a lower temperature may not cook them thoroughly, while a higher temperature could scorch them.

When preheating, make sure your air fryer is set to the correct temperature before placing the papads inside. Most air fryers will have a preheat function, allowing you to set and reach the desired temperature before adding your food. If your air fryer doesn't have this function, simply set the temperature and wait a few minutes for it to reach the correct heat.

While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare your papads. Gather your raw papads and have some cooking spray or oil ready. Lightly coat or brush each papad with oil to ensure they cook evenly and achieve a crispy texture.

Once the air fryer reaches 180°C/355°F, you can proceed to the next step of cooking the papads. Remember, this preheating step is essential to ensure your papads turn out perfectly crispy and golden brown.

Brush papad with oil or cooking spray

When making papad in an air fryer, it is recommended to lightly coat or brush the papad with either cooking spray or a small amount of oil. This will help to ensure that the papad cooks evenly and becomes crispy. You can use any type of cooking spray or oil that has a high smoking point, such as coconut oil or olive oil.

To brush the papad with oil, simply pour a small amount of oil onto a pastry brush or a silicone brush and gently coat both sides of the papad. Alternatively, if using a cooking spray, hold the can about 6 inches away from the papad and spray evenly until both sides are lightly coated.

It is important to note that you should only use a thin layer of oil or cooking spray, as too much can make the papad greasy and heavy. Additionally, be sure to preheat your air fryer to 180 degrees Celsius or 355 degrees Fahrenheit before adding the papad.

By brushing or coating the papad with oil or cooking spray, you will help create a crispy and golden brown texture while also infusing flavour into the papad. This simple step will enhance the overall taste and texture of your air-fried papad.

Place two papads in the air fryer basket

Once you've preheated your air fryer to 180 degrees Celsius or 355 degrees Fahrenheit, it's time to place the papads in the air fryer basket. You can cook up to two papads at a time, so place them carefully in the basket. If you're concerned about the papads flying around in the air fryer, you can use a steel mesh to cover them. This will ensure even cooking and prevent any mess.

Before placing the papads in the air fryer, it's recommended to lightly coat or brush them with either cooking spray or a small amount of oil. This will help achieve a crispy texture and golden brown colour. You can use any oil with a high smoking point, such as coconut oil or olive oil.

Once the papads are in the air fryer basket, you can set the timer for approximately two minutes. Keep an eye on them, as you want them to reach the perfect level of crispiness and colour. You may need to adjust the timing depending on your desired level of doneness.

While the papads are cooking, you can prepare any desired toppings or garnishes. Finely chopped onions, tomatoes, and coriander, along with a squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of salt and red chilli powder, can take your papads to the next level. Get creative and experiment with different toppings to find your favourite combinations!

Cook for two minutes or until golden brown

When cooking papad in an air fryer, the cooking time will vary depending on the desired level of crispiness and browning. It is important to monitor the papad closely during the cooking process to achieve the desired results. On average, it takes about two minutes for papad to cook in an air fryer, but this can range from two to three minutes. It is recommended to cook the papad until it reaches a crispy and golden brown texture. This timing may vary depending on the specific air fryer model and the thickness of the papad being used.

To achieve the perfect golden brown colour and crispiness, there are a few factors to consider. Firstly, ensure that the air fryer is preheated to the appropriate temperature, which is typically around 180 degrees Celsius or 355 degrees Fahrenheit. This step is crucial as it ensures that the papad cooks evenly. Additionally, it is recommended to lightly coat or brush the papad with cooking spray or a small amount of oil before placing it in the air fryer. This helps to enhance the colour and crispiness of the papad during cooking.

During the cooking process, keep a close eye on the papad to prevent overcooking or burning. Depending on your air fryer model, you may need to adjust the temperature or cooking time slightly to achieve the desired results. Some air fryers may cook faster or slower than others, so it's important to familiarise yourself with your specific model. Additionally, the thickness and size of the papad can also impact the cooking time. Thicker papads may require a slightly longer cooking time, while thinner papads may cook faster.

Once the papad has reached the desired level of crispiness and golden brown colour, remove it from the air fryer promptly to prevent overcooking. It is important to note that the papad will continue to cook for a brief period after being removed from the air fryer due to residual heat. Therefore, it is advisable to remove the papad just before it reaches the desired level of doneness to account for this carry-over cooking effect.

Serve with garnishes and dips

There are many ways to serve papad as a snack, side dish, or appetiser. For a simple yet classic approach, sprinkle the papad with salt, onion, and tomato, and garnish with coriander, lemon juice, and red chilli powder. This combination of spices and ingredients will add a burst of flavour to your papad. It is recommended to serve this variation promptly to ensure the best taste and texture.

You can also experiment with different types of garnishes and dips to create unique and tasty papad snacks. For instance, try using different cooking oils such as coconut oil or olive oil for a distinct flavour. Additionally, you can season the papad with spices or herbs like cumin, coriander, or chilli powder before cooking to enhance the flavour profile.

Papad can be enjoyed with a variety of dipping sauces, allowing for customisation and variety. Popular options include chutney, salsa, and hummus, but feel free to get creative and use your favourite sauce. For a refreshing twist, serve papad with a zesty dip such as a yogurt-based sauce flavoured with mint or tamarind.

If you're feeling adventurous, try making masala papad by topping it with onions and tomatoes for an easy and tasty snack. The combination of spices, herbs, and garnishes will elevate the flavour of the papad, making it a delightful treat for your taste buds. Don't be afraid to experiment and add your own unique twist to this traditional Indian snack!

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