Ella Walter
Indian cuisine is known for its vibrant flavours and nuanced textures, and an air fryer is a great way to cook up a variety of Indian dishes with less oil and without compromising on taste. Air fryers are perfect for preparing Indian food as they can be used to roast, grill, and bake, in addition to frying. They are also a great substitute for a tandoor oven, which takes longer to heat up and is more expensive to run. From vegetarian snacks to non-veg starters, there are plenty of Indian delicacies that can be cooked in an air fryer.
Indian Food that can be Cooked in an Air Fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Snacks | Samosas, Pakoras, Papadums, Roasted Chickpeas, Sabudana Vada or Sago Fritters, Spicy Coated Peanuts, Aloo Tikki, Chana Dal Fritters |
| Breads | Naan, Bread Rolls |
| Meat and Seafood | Chicken Tikka Kebabs, Chicken Tikka Masala, Lamb Chops, Lamb Tikka, Chicken Jalfrezi, Chicken Rezala, Lamb Rogan Josh, Chicken Wings, Fish Fillets |
| Vegetables | Okra (Bhindi), Potatoes, Brussels Sprouts, Cauliflower, Bell Peppers, Mushrooms, Broccoli, Spinach, Peas |
| Dairy | Paneer, Shahi Tukda (Bread Pudding) |
| Other | Masala Fries, Jalebis |
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What You'll Learn
- Starters and snacks: Samosas, pakoras, papadums, chickpeas, paneer popcorn, paneer tikka, potato patties
- Breads: Shahi tukda (Indian bread pudding), bread rolls
- Vegetables: Bhindi (okra), bell peppers, mushrooms, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts
- Meat and fish: Lamb chops, chicken tikka, chicken jalfrezi, chicken rezala, lamb rogan josh, chicken wings, fish fillets
- Desserts: Shahi tukda (Indian bread pudding), jalebi
Starters and snacks: Samosas, pakoras, papadums, chickpeas, paneer popcorn, paneer tikka, potato patties
Indian cuisine is known for its vibrant flavours and textures, and the air fryer is a perfect way to achieve that characteristic crispiness without using too much oil. Here are some delicious Indian starters and snacks you can make using an air fryer:
Samosas
Samosas are a popular Indian snack, usually fried and stuffed with a delicious filling. You can easily make them in an air fryer for a healthier alternative to the traditional deep-fried version. The air fryer will give you that desirable crispy texture without the need for excessive oil.
Pakoras
Pakoras are another classic Indian snack that can be made in an air fryer. They are a great option for a healthier, yet equally tasty, snack. The outside will be perfectly crispy, while the inside remains soft and flavourful.
Papadums
Papadums are thin, crispy Indian flatbreads that make a wonderful snack or starter. They can be easily prepared in an air fryer, giving them that distinctive crunch without having to use a lot of oil.
Roasted Chickpeas
Chickpeas are a versatile legume used in many Indian dishes. When roasted in an air fryer, they become ultra-crispy and golden brown, providing a protein-packed snack with minimal oil.
Paneer Popcorn
Paneer, an Indian cottage cheese, can be air-fried to perfection. Crispy on the outside and tossed in a spicy Indo-Chinese sauce, this dish is sure to be a hit. You can also try making Tandoori Paneer Tikka, another delicious air-fried paneer snack.
Potato Patties
Potato patties, also known as Aloo Tikki, are a popular Indian street food snack. They are made with boiled potatoes, spices, and often served with a chutney. Air-frying these patties gives them a delightful crispiness while maintaining their soft interior.
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Breads: Shahi tukda (Indian bread pudding), bread rolls
Indian bread dishes that can be cooked in an air fryer include Shahi tukda (Indian bread pudding) and bread rolls.
Shahi Tukda
Shahi tukda is a simple yet elegant Indian dessert that can be made in an air fryer. It is also known as the "royal morsel" as it is believed to have originated in the kitchens of the Moghul Empire. At its core, shahi tukda is a fried bread served with a spiced concoction of sweetened milk, dried fruit, and nuts.
To make shahi tukda, you can fry bread slices in hot oil until golden brown. For the milk mixture, you can boil milk in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium-low heat until the volume is reduced by half. Then, add evaporated milk, sugar, cardamom, and saffron, and simmer for 5-10 minutes. You can also add rose water to the milk mixture for added aroma. After cooling the milk mixture, arrange the fried bread pieces in a shallow dish, pour the milk mixture over the bread, and scatter chopped nuts on top. Chill the dish in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours before serving.
Bread Rolls
Air fryer Indian bread rolls are a delicious and healthy option for breakfast or as a snack. They can be served fried or non-fried, depending on your preference. These bread rolls are stuffed with a potato and peas mixture, giving them a crispy texture on the outside and a tangy, spicy flavor on the inside.
To make the stuffing, heat oil in a large skillet and add chopped onions until they become translucent. Then, add boiled peas and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Stir in your choice of spices, mashed boiled potatoes, and cilantro leaves. After stuffing the bread with the potato and peas mixture, you can fry or air-fry the rolls. For frying, heat oil in a skillet and place the rolls in the basket. For air-frying, brush the rolls with an egg wash and sprinkle with sesame seeds before air-frying at 325°F (160°C) for 25-28 minutes.
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Vegetables: Bhindi (okra), bell peppers, mushrooms, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts
Indian cuisine is known for its vibrant flavours and textures, and an air fryer is a great way to achieve the signature crunch without the need for too much oil.
Bhindi (Okra)
Bhindi, or okra, is a popular vegetable in Indian cuisine. To make crispy fried okra, or kurkuri bhindi, in an air fryer, start by choosing tender okra, which is usually lighter in colour and flexible. Cut off the ends and quarter each okra lengthwise. You can coat the okra in a spice mix of your choice; a typical Indian blend includes garam masala and Kashmiri chilli powder. Preheat the air fryer to 180°C and arrange the okra in a single layer, frying in batches if needed. Air fry for about 10 minutes, tossing the okra halfway through, until the okra is crispy and the spices are cooked through.
Bell Peppers
Bell peppers are a versatile vegetable that can be used in a variety of Indian dishes. To prepare them for air frying, coat the peppers in olive oil, or another high-heat oil such as avocado or grapeseed oil, and season with salt and pepper to enhance their natural sweetness. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F and place the peppers in the basket, ensuring they don't overlap. Cook for about 12 minutes, tossing halfway through, until the peppers are slightly charred and softened.
Mushrooms
Air-fried mushrooms are a great addition to Indian meals, providing a mild flavour and a meaty texture. To prepare, combine mushrooms with oil, soy sauce, garlic granules, salt, and pepper in a bowl, tossing to coat. Transfer to the air fryer basket and cook for about 10 minutes at a high temperature, shaking the basket occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Cauliflower
Cauliflower is a versatile vegetable that can be used in a variety of Indian dishes, from salads and soups to curries and snacks. To prepare cauliflower in an air fryer, start by removing the leaves and stalk and cutting the head into florets. Drizzle the florets with olive oil and toss with spices such as turmeric, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Place the florets in the air fryer basket and cook at 390°F for around 15 minutes, flipping every 3 minutes, until crispy.
Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are a nutritious vegetable, packed with fibre, vitamins, and antioxidants. To prepare them in an air fryer, trim and halve the sprouts, then soak them in water for 10 minutes if you prefer them softer. Drain, dry, and toss with olive oil and spices. Cook at 375°F for 5 minutes, then toss and cook for another 5 minutes. Add garlic, if desired, and cook for an additional 2-4 minutes.
These recipes are just a starting point; feel free to experiment with different spices and ingredients to create your own unique Indian-inspired dishes!
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Meat and fish: Lamb chops, chicken tikka, chicken jalfrezi, chicken rezala, lamb rogan josh, chicken wings, fish fillets
Indian food is known for its vibrant and aromatic flavours, and the air fryer is a great way to achieve the signature crispy textures without using too much oil. Here are some delicious Indian meat and fish dishes you can make in your air fryer:
Lamb Chops
Lamb chops are a fantastic option for a quick and easy weeknight meal. The air fryer ensures the chops are cooked to succulent perfection with a nice crust in just 7 to 9 minutes. The key is to marinate the lamb chops in a mixture of olive oil, red wine vinegar, rosemary, oregano, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper for an hour before air frying. This tenderises the meat and gives it a robust, slightly gamey flavour.
Chicken Tikka
Chicken tikka is a popular Indian dish that can be easily prepared in an air fryer. The air fryer allows you to enjoy the delicious tandoori-style chicken without having to heat up your oven or barbecue. The key to this recipe is to marinate the chicken in a mixture of lemon juice, salt, garlic, ginger paste, yoghurt, and oil. You can then thread the chicken onto soaked wooden skewers and air fry at the highest temperature for 20 minutes.
Chicken Jalfrezi
Chicken jalfrezi is a flavourful curry dish that can be easily adapted for an air fryer. The chicken is cooked in the air fryer and then tossed in a delicious tomato-based sauce with vegetables. The sauce can be made by combining tomato sauce, water, garam masala, salt, and cayenne. This dish is perfect for those following a low-carb diet, as it can be served with a side salad.
Chicken Rezala
Chicken rezala is a curry house-style dish that can be prepared in an air fryer for a lighter, healthier option. The chicken can be pre-cooked or air-fried raw and then added to a metal cake tin or pan with the sauce. The sauce can be made separately by air-frying the onions, bell peppers, and garlic and ginger paste. This dish can be made up to 3 days ahead of time, allowing the flavours to develop even further.
Lamb Rogan Josh
Lamb rogan josh is a delicious curry that can be successfully prepared in an air fryer. The key is to use a small metal pan that fits inside your air fryer basket. You can air fry the sliced onions, bell peppers, and garlic and ginger paste, and then blend them with other sauce ingredients. The sauce is then heated in the air fryer with pieces of pre-cooked lamb tikka.
Chicken Wings
Air fryer chicken wings are a quick and easy option that delivers juicy and crispy wings in minutes. The key to achieving the perfect crispness is to pat the wings dry, season them with salt, white pepper, baking powder, and neutral oil, and then air fry in a single layer to allow for proper air circulation. The wings are cooked in two batches, each for about 10 minutes, and then flipped and cooked for an additional 7 to 12 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
Fish Fillets
Air fryer fish fillets are a healthier alternative to traditional fried fish, as they can be cooked with very little oil. The fish fillets are coated in oil and then breaded with dried breadcrumbs and spices before being air-fried until crispy. This recipe works with various types of fish fillets, such as cod, tilapia, catfish, or salmon. The fish is cooked at 200°C (390°F) for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
With an air fryer, you can enjoy a diverse range of Indian dishes, from succulent lamb chops to crispy fish fillets, all prepared with ease and a healthier twist.
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Desserts: Shahi tukda (Indian bread pudding), jalebi
Indian food is known for its vibrant flavours and textures, and an air fryer is a great way to achieve the signature crunch without using too much oil. Here are two delicious Indian desserts you can make with an air fryer.
Shahi tukda (Indian bread pudding)
Shahi tukda, or "royal piece", is a traditional Indian bread pudding. It is a delicious dessert that combines the crispness of fried bread with the creaminess of rabdi, a thick milk pudding. The bread is fried until golden brown and then soaked in a sweet syrup, typically made with sugar, water, and saffron strands. The syrup can also be made with rose water or rose essence for added flavour. Finally, the dish is garnished with rabdi and nuts.
- Heat sugar, water, and saffron strands until the sugar dissolves. Turn off the heat and allow the syrup to cool.
- Heat oil or ghee in a pan. Fry bread pieces on medium heat until golden brown.
- Dip the fried bread pieces into the cooled sugar syrup and set aside.
- Preheat the air fryer to 180 degrees Celsius for 5 minutes. Place the bread slices inside and cook for 10 minutes at the same temperature. Spray oil 3 times, ensuring both sides turn golden crisp.
- Let the bread cool, then brush with the sugar syrup.
- Garnish with rabdi and nuts before serving.
Jalebi
Jalebi is a famous Indian sweet, similar to a funnel cake. It is made with deep-fried flour spirals soaked in a steaming hot sugar syrup flavoured with cardamom, saffron, and/or rose water. It is a popular dessert across India, with regional variations, such as adding milk solids or using fermented lentil batter.
- Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and line a large cookie sheet with non-stick paper.
- In a deep mixing bowl, add water, flour, nutritional yeast flakes, and xylitol. Mix well until there are no lumps. The batter should be thick and smooth.
- Fill a piping bag with the batter and gently draw spirals on the prepared cookie tray.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown.
- While the jalebi bakes, make the syrup by dissolving xylitol in water and bringing it to a boil.
- Allow the jalebis to cool thoroughly, then dust with xylitol icing sugar.
- Best served warm with hemp or almond milk.
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Frequently asked questions
Vegetables like potatoes, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, spinach, peas, and mushrooms can be cooked in an air fryer. You can also make vegetarian snacks like samosas, pakoras, papadums, and spring rolls.
Meats like chicken tikka, chicken wings, chicken kebabs, chicken tikka masala, fish fillets, and lamb chops can be cooked in an air fryer.
Some easy Indian snacks that can be made in an air fryer include crispy bhindi or okra, paneer popcorn, masala fries, and bread rolls.
Some unique Indian foods that can be cooked in an air fryer are tandoori broccoli tikka, tandoori gobi or cauliflower florets, and shahi tukda, an Indian bread pudding.
