Air-Frying Roti: A Step-By-Step Guide To Perfection

Making roti in an air fryer is a convenient and tasty alternative to frying. This method is perfect for those who want to enjoy crispy, flaky, and oil-free roti from the comfort of their homes. The process is simple: prepare the dough, shape it into balls, roll them out, and then cook the roti in the preheated air fryer. You can even use frozen parathas for a quicker option. With the air fryer, you can achieve the desired texture and flavour without the extra oil.

How to make the dough

To make the dough for roti in an air fryer, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 cup atta or whole-wheat flour (sifted)
• 1 tablespoon oil (any oil)
• ½ teaspoon salt or salt to taste
• ¼ cup warm water or as needed to knead the dough

You will also need a large bowl, a rolling pin, and parchment paper.

First, add the flour and salt to the large bowl and mix well. Next, add the oil and mix until well combined. Break up any lumps by rubbing the flour between your palms. Now, slowly add the warm water and knead the mixture into a soft, stretchy dough. Cover the bowl and let the dough rest for about 10 minutes.

Once the dough has rested, divide it into small balls. Use a rolling pin to roll each ball into a disc-shaped thin tortilla or roti. You can use a round cookie cutter to cut out small discs if you prefer.

Now your dough is ready to be cooked in the air fryer!

Rolling out the roti

When it comes to rolling out the roti, there are a few key steps to follow. Firstly, ensure your dough is prepared and ready to be rolled. The dough should be soft and stretchy, made from a combination of flour, salt, oil, and warm water. Let the dough rest for about 10 minutes to allow the gluten to relax, which will make it easier to roll out.

Next, divide the dough into equal-sized portions and shape them into small balls. The number of portions will depend on how many rotis you plan to make. For each ball, use a rolling pin to flatten and stretch the dough into a thin, disc-shaped roti. Aim for a thickness that is slightly thicker than a typical chapati. You can use a round cookie cutter to achieve a perfect circle, but it is not necessary.

The key to successful roti-making is to ensure an even thickness throughout the disc. This may take some practice, but it is important to avoid any thick centres or thin edges. Once you have achieved a uniform thickness, your rotis are ready to be cooked.

If you are making a large batch, it is a good idea to keep the rolled-out rotis covered with a damp cloth to prevent them from drying out before cooking. Now, you are ready to cook your rotis in the air fryer!

Preheating the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in making roti, and there are a few things to keep in mind. First, you'll want to make sure your air fryer is clean and ready to use. Give it a quick wipe-down, and line the basket with parchment paper. This will help ensure your roti doesn't stick to the basket and makes for easier cleanup.

Next, you'll need to decide on the temperature and time. The temperature will depend on your air fryer and the type of roti you're making. For example, one source recommends preheating at 350°F for 7 minutes when making air-fryer puri, while another suggests preheating at 180°C for frozen paratha. A third source recommends preheating for 3 minutes when making tandoori rotis, but doesn't specify the temperature. As such, it's important to refer to the specific recipe you're following for the optimal temperature and time.

Additionally, when preheating your air fryer, consider using a grilling tray accessory if you have one. This can be helpful if you're cooking frozen roti, as it prevents the roti from flying up and hitting the heating element. Alternatively, you can place something on top of the roti, such as a mini springform pan, to weigh it down.

By taking the time to properly preheat your air fryer and prepare your cooking surface, you'll be well on your way to making delicious, crispy roti at home.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for making roti in an air fryer will depend on the type of roti you are making.

For a tandoori roti, you should preheat your air fryer for 3 minutes. Then, cook the roti on a normal tawa at a low flame on both sides. After this, place the roti in the air fryer and cook for 5 minutes.

If you are making puri, preheat your air fryer to 350F for 7 minutes. Then, cook the puri for 3 minutes, flip, and cook for another 2 minutes.

To cook a frozen paratha, preheat the air fryer to 180C. Then, cook the paratha for about 3 minutes, opening the drawer halfway through to flip the paratha.

Serving suggestions

Roti cooked in an air fryer can be served with coriander chutney, Rajma, or sauce. You can also add coriander, mint, Ajwain seeds, Kalonji seeds, or other spices and flavours to the dough to add different flavours to the roti.

Air fryer roti can be served with Anda paratha and chai for breakfast, or with a chicken roll or shami kebabs for lunch or dinner.

If you're making puris in the air fryer, you can use them in your favourite chaat recipe.

Frequently asked questions