If you’re a fan of samosas and want a healthier way to enjoy this delicious Indian snack, then you should try cooking them in an air fryer. Air fryers are a great alternative to deep frying as they use hot air circulation to cook food, resulting in crispy and delicious dishes without the need for excessive oil. In this article, we will guide you through the steps of making samosas in an air fryer, so you can enjoy this traditional treat guilt-free.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 cup of water
- 1 cup of boiled potatoes, mashed
- 1/2 cup of peas, boiled
- 1/4 cup of carrots, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup of onions, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon of coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of garam masala
- 1/4 teaspoon of red chili powder
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
Continue reading to find out the step-by-step instructions on how to make samosas in an air fryer.
Tips for cooking samosa in air fryer
To ensure that your samosas come out perfectly cooked and crispy in the air fryer, here are some tips to keep in mind:
1. Preheat the air fryer: Before you start cooking, preheat the air fryer to ensure that it is hot enough to cook the samosas evenly.
2. Brush samosas with oil: Brushing the samosas with a little oil before placing them in the air fryer will help them become crispy and golden brown.
3. Avoid overcrowding: Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket with too many samosas. Leave some space between each samosa to allow for proper air circulation and even cooking.
4. Flip halfway through: To ensure that both sides of the samosas are evenly cooked, flip them halfway through the cooking time. This will help achieve a crispy texture on all sides.
5. Monitor cooking time: Keep a close eye on the samosas as they cook to prevent them from becoming overdone or burning. Cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the samosas.
6. Serve immediately: For the best tasting samosas, serve them immediately after cooking while they are still hot and crispy.
By following these tips, you can enjoy delicious and perfectly cooked samosas in the air fryer every time!
Choosing the right filling for your samosas
When it comes to making samosas in an air fryer, choosing the right filling is key to achieving a delicious and flavorful result. While traditional samosas are often filled with spiced potatoes and peas, you can get creative with your fillings to cater to your taste preferences and dietary needs.
Traditional Potato and Pea Filling
The classic samosa filling consists of a mixture of boiled and mashed potatoes, peas, and a blend of aromatic spices. This filling is a crowd favorite and is perfect for those who enjoy a mild, yet flavorful taste. The combination of the creamy potatoes, sweet peas, and fragrant spices creates a harmonious balance of flavors.
Spiced Vegetable Filling
If you want to add more vegetables to your samosas, consider making a spiced vegetable filling. You can use a mix of finely chopped or grated veggies such as carrots, bell peppers, cauliflower, and green beans. Sauté the vegetables with spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, and chili powder to create a filling that is packed with flavor and vibrant colors.
Note: Be careful not to overcook the vegetables as they should retain some crunchiness in the final samosa.
Meat Filling
For meat lovers, a savory meat filling can be a great choice. Cook ground meat such as chicken, beef, or lamb with onions, ginger, garlic, and a blend of spices like garam masala and cumin. The result is a hearty and flavorful filling that pairs well with the crispy texture of the samosa pastry.
Sweet Filling
If you have a sweet tooth, you can experiment with sweet fillings for your samosas. Fillings like coconut and jaggery, date and nut, or apple and cinnamon can make for a delightful dessert samosa. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly as sweet fillings may require less cooking time compared to savory ones.
Fillings | Ingredients |
---|---|
Traditional Potato and Pea Filling | Potatoes, peas, onions, garlic, ginger, cumin, coriander, turmeric, chili powder |
Spiced Vegetable Filling | Carrots, bell peppers, cauliflower, green beans, onions, garlic, ginger, cumin, coriander, turmeric, chili powder |
Meat Filling | Ground meat (chicken, beef, or lamb), onions, garlic, ginger, garam masala, cumin |
Sweet Filling | Coconut, jaggery OR Dates, nuts OR Apples, cinnamon |
Remember, the filling is what gives samosas their distinct flavor, so feel free to experiment and create your own unique combinations. Whether you prefer a traditional vegetarian filling or want to venture into sweet samosas, the air fryer will help you achieve a crispy and delicious result every time.
Preparing the samosa dough
To start making samosas in the air fryer, you will first need to prepare the dough. The dough is what gives these delicious Indian pastries their crispy and flaky texture.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1/2 cup water (or more, if needed)
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Mix well.
2. Add the vegetable oil to the flour mixture. Mix it in with your fingers until the mixture becomes crumbly.
3. Gradually add water to the flour mixture, a little at a time, and knead until a soft dough forms. You may need to add more water if the dough feels too dry. Be careful not to add too much water as this can make the dough sticky.
4. Once the dough comes together, cover it with a damp cloth and let it rest for 15-20 minutes. This will allow the gluten to relax and make the dough easier to work with.
5. After the resting period, divide the dough into small equal-sized portions and shape them into balls.
6. Take one of the dough balls and using a rolling pin, roll it out into a thin circle about 5-6 inches in diameter. Repeat this process with the remaining dough balls.
Now that your samosa dough is ready, you can proceed to fill and shape the samosas before cooking them in the air fryer.
Shaping and filling your samosas
Shaping and filling the samosas is an essential step to achieve the perfect texture and taste. Follow these easy steps:
Step 1: Making the samosa dough
First, prepare the samosa dough by mixing all-purpose flour, salt, and oil together in a bowl. Gradually add water and knead until the dough is soft and pliable. Cover the dough and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.
Step 2: Shaping the samosas
Divide the dough into small lemon-sized balls. Take one ball and roll it out into a thin oval shape on a lightly floured surface. Cut the oval in half, creating two semi-circles.
Take one semi-circle and fold it into a cone shape, overlapping the straight edges. Use a little water to seal the edges together, forming a cone. Repeat this step for all the dough balls.
Step 3: Filling the samosas
Stuff the prepared cones with the desired filling. Traditional samosa fillings include spiced potatoes, peas, onions, and spices such as cumin, coriander, and turmeric. Make sure not to overfill the cones, leaving enough space to seal the edges easily.
Once filled, use a little water to moisten the top edge of the cone and press it together to seal the samosa. Repeat this process for all the samosas.
Tip: To ensure a crispy texture, make sure the edges are sealed tightly.
Now that your samosas are shaped and filled, they are ready to be cooked in the air fryer. Proceed to the next steps to learn how to cook samosas to perfection using an air fryer.
Using the air fryer to cook samosas
Samosas are a popular snack in many cuisines, known for their crispy exterior and savory filling. Traditionally, samosas are deep-fried, but using an air fryer is a healthier alternative that still produces a delicious result.
Here’s how to cook samosas in an air fryer:
- Preheat the air fryer: Start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. This will ensure that the samosas cook evenly and develop a crispy texture.
- Prepare the samosas: While the air fryer is preheating, prepare the samosas by stuffing them with your desired filling. Traditional samosas are usually filled with spiced potatoes and peas, but you can also experiment with other ingredients such as minced meat or cheese.
- Brush the samosas with oil: Lightly brush the samosas with oil. This will help them achieve a golden brown color and a crispy texture.
- Air fry the samosas: Place the prepared samosas in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook them at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking process. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the samosas, so keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overcook or burn.
- Remove and serve: Once the samosas are cooked to your desired crispiness, remove them from the air fryer. Allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your homemade, healthier version of samosas!
Note: The cooking times and temperatures mentioned in this guide are for reference only. It’s always a good idea to consult the user manual or follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific air fryer model.
Conclusion: Using an air fryer to cook samosas is a convenient and healthier option compared to deep-frying. The air fryer provides a crispy texture while reducing the amount of oil used in the cooking process. Give it a try and enjoy the deliciousness of homemade samosas without the guilt!
FAQ
What is samosa?
Samosa is a popular Indian snack that is made by frying a triangular pastry filled with a savory filling, usually consisting of potatoes, peas, and spices.
Can I cook samosa in an air fryer?
Yes, you can definitely cook samosa in an air fryer. It is a healthier alternative to deep frying as it requires less oil.
How do I prepare the samosa filling?
To prepare the samosa filling, you will need to cook and mash potatoes, sauté onions and spices, and then mix them with the mashed potatoes and peas. This mixture will be used as the filling for the samosas.
What temperature and time should I set for cooking samosas in an air fryer?
The recommended temperature for cooking samosas in an air fryer is 180°C (350°F). You should preheat the air fryer for a few minutes and then cook the samosas for about 12-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they turn golden brown and crispy.