Air-Fryer Vada: A Quick, Easy, And Healthy Treat!

Medu vada is a savoury split black gram or lentil donut that is a popular fixture in South Indian breakfasts. It is vegan, gluten-free, and protein-rich. While traditionally deep-fried, medu vada can also be made in an air fryer. This method reduces the calories without compromising on the taste and texture.

Soaking the lentils

The amount of time needed for soaking the lentils may vary depending on the specific recipe and the desired consistency of the batter. Some recipes call for soaking the lentils for 5 to 6 hours, while others suggest soaking for 1 to 2 hours. It is important to follow the instructions for the specific recipe you are using to ensure the best results.

In addition to urad dal, other types of lentils can also be used to make vada in an air fryer. For example, Chana dal, which is a type of chickpea, can be soaked for 2 to 3 hours and then ground to make a batter for vada.

Overall, the key to successfully soaking lentils for vada is to use the right type of lentils, wash them thoroughly, and soak them for the appropriate amount of time to achieve the desired consistency for the batter.

Preparing the batter

The first step in preparing the batter is to soak the lentils. For Medu Vada, wash the urad dal under running water and soak it for 6 to 8 hours. For Paruppu Vada, soak Chana dal for 1 to 2 hours. For Masala Vada, soak Chana dal for 2 to 3 hours.

After soaking, drain the lentils and grind them. For Medu Vada and Paruppu Vada, use as little water as possible when grinding to achieve a smooth batter. For Masala Vada, grind the lentils coarsely along with a mixture of garlic, ginger, fennel seeds, cloves, and cinnamon.

Once the lentils are ground, add the spices and herbs. For Medu Vada, add salt, cumin seeds, green chillies, and crushed pepper to the batter. For Paruppu Vada, add onions, coriander leaves, fennel seeds, and salt. For Masala Vada, add onions, green chillies, curry leaves, cinnamon, and mint leaves to the ground lentil mixture.

Mix all the ingredients together until well combined. For Medu Vada, beat the blended lentils for about 3 minutes until they become light and fluffy. You can also add a pinch of baking soda to make the vadas softer.

Now you are ready to shape the vadas and cook them in the air fryer!

Shaping the vadas

Wet your hands: Before handling the batter, it is recommended to wet your hands. This will prevent the sticky batter from clinging to your palms and make shaping easier.

Take a spoonful of batter: Using a spoon, take a generous amount of batter and place it on the parchment paper or directly into the oiled muffin tins/ cupcake moulds.

Shape the vada: Gently shape the batter into a round, flat vada. You can use your palms or fingers to gently pat and flatten the batter into the desired shape.

Create a hole in the centre: Using your finger, the back of a spoon, or a chopstick, create a hole in the centre of the vada. This hole ensures even cooking and is a signature feature of traditional vadas.

Repeat the process: Continue shaping the vadas until you have used up all the batter or filled the air fryer basket/tray, ensuring not to overcrowd the basket.

Brush with oil: Once the vadas are shaped, lightly brush the tops with oil. This will help achieve that golden, crispy exterior.

Now your vadas are ready to be air-fried! Remember to flip them halfway through the cooking process and brush with oil again to ensure even cooking and a delicious, crunchy texture.

Air-frying the vadas

To air-fry the vadas, first, preheat your air fryer to 360 F for one minute. You can also preheat to 180 C or 300 F for about 4 minutes, or 170 C for 5 minutes. Then, line the air fryer basket with parchment paper or tin foil. Parchment paper is better as the vadas won't stick to it. Brush the paper or foil with oil.

Next, place spoonfuls of the vada batter onto the parchment paper and shape them like vadas. You can wet your hands to help with shaping. Make a hole in the centre of each vada with your finger, a spoon, or a chopstick.

Now, bake/air-fry the vadas for 10-15 minutes at 360 F. Turn them over once during cooking to ensure they cook evenly. They should be golden brown when ready. The time may vary depending on the size of your vadas and your air fryer, so keep an eye on them!

Finally, serve your vadas with hot sambar and chutney. Enjoy!

Serving suggestions

Medu vada is a popular South Indian breakfast snack of donut-shaped lentil fritters that are fluffy, crispy, soft, and delicious. They are often served with sambar and coconut chutney.

• Serve medu vada with a bowl of hot sambar and coconut chutney for a traditional and comforting meal.
• For a vegan and gluten-free option, serve medu vada with a hot cup of tea.
• If you are serving medu vada as a snack, pair it with a spicy and sweet chutney, such as tamarind chutney, green chutney, or dry garlic chutney.
• For a filling evening snack, serve medu vada with a cup of hot tea or coffee.
• To make it a hearty meal, serve medu vada with a variety of dips such as mint chutney, coriander chutney, tomato sauce, or onion chutney.
• For a unique combination, serve medu vada with a huge bowl of idli and chutney.
• If you are serving medu vada for breakfast, pair it with steamed idli for a quintessential South Indian experience.
• To make it a complete meal, serve medu vada with a lentil stew like sambar or rasam.
• For a healthier option, serve medu vada with a salad of your choice.
• To add some crunch, serve medu vada with some fried salted green chilies on the side.

Frequently asked questions