It’s monsoon, and I am sure you must be craving something super yummy. But also worried about your health, and also don’t want to mess your kitchen? I get that mood, bro! We all crave that delicious street food taste, but not that oil? That’s where the air fryer comes in! And if you still don’t have one, do consider buying this. Trust me, it’s not just for reheating or making frozen fries; there are so many things that make this machine a must-have as every Indian cooking gadget. And trust me, the process will give you crispy and tasty food with almost no oil. So it’s less guilt and more delicious!
Check out some of my personal favourite, easy, super quick, and delicious Indian air fryer recipes.
1. Aloo Tikki
We all crave about Aloo Tikki, which is also the most popular Indian street snack. But if you are health conscious, you may not like it fried deep in oil. But now your Favourite Street Snack is Made Easy that will still be awesome, crunchy outside and soft inside, all this with a bit of oil. Prepare aloo tikki, small flat patties. Spray oil on them or brush very lightly, put them in the air fryer. Cook at 180°C for about 12-15 minutes. Turn them over halfway, and they will get beautifully golden and super crispy! [READ: The Top 9 Indian Fermented Foods for a Happy Tummy!]
Relish with mint-coriander chutney. Enjoy your healthy evening snack!
2. Paneer Tikka
Now your cooking Paneer Tikka won’t need the task of taking out a big oven or grill. Philips air fryer makes it super easy. You will love how the paneer comes out super soft, even having those little burnt edges love.. It’s super quick to make and cooks in minutes without any fuss. Just put the marinated paneer and veggies in the air fryer. You may use the small sticks or just place them straight into the basket. Cook at 190°C for 10-12 minutes, turn them over halfway, till a little brown and cook well.
Sprinkle some chaat masala and enjoy with fresh coriander and mint chutney.
3. Kurkuri Bhindi
My daughter is a huge bhindi (okra) fan and even more Kurkuri Bhindi. But she hates being fried deep in oil, thanks to the air fryer! It gives the same crunch with much less oil. This makes it the best indian side dish or even a healthy evening snack when you’re feeling too munchy.
Mix the cut bhindi with all the spices. Cook in the air fryer at 170°C for 15-20 minutes. Make sure to shake the basket every 5 minutes till they turn crispy and crunchy.
4. Air Fryer Chicken Tikka
For all those fitness freaks and non-veg lovers, here’s your Protein-Packed Go-To. Chicken Tikka in the air fryer tastes delicious and makes it even perfect for a quick dinner. You can get perfectly Juicy chicken in just 20 minutes and with no mess. Trust me, it’s super healthy and flavorful. Arrange the marinated chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray some oil on them, and air fry at 190°C for about 15-18 minutes. Keep flipping halfway, till it’s cooked through and also slightly brown.
Squeeze over some fresh lime juice, and serve with sliced onions.
5. “Domino’s Style” Chicken Wings
This is not an Indian recipe, but don’t we all relish “Domino’s Style” Chicken Wings? This air fryer version will give you guilt-free pleasure with the same delicious taste. All this with less fuss than even ordering out! This is also perfect for any friends’ night out, movie night or quick, yummy bite.
Cook the marinated chicken wings in the preheated air fryer at 200°C for about 20-25 minutes. Toss it into the sauce to coat it well. Enjoy them hot!
6. Poha Makhana Snack
I love light and crunchy snacks, and this one air-fried is an absolute addiction. Poha and Makhana mix is truly a game-changer for being super healthy, easy, and satisfying when you feel hungry without feeling heavy. This guilt-free Indian snack in an air fryer is quick to make and packed with nutrition.
[Comment below if you need the Poha Makhana Snack recipe in the air fryer.]
I store this in an airtight container for a few days. And I enjoy having it with my favourite chai!
7. Air Fryer Samosas
We all crave samosa, don’t we? Comfort of crispy outer layer and spiced potato filling, but the deep-frying part can be unhealthy. But if you want the same crispy texture without even drowning them in the oil and still taste good, try AirFryer Samosas. You can also try frozen mini samosas and make one with filling at home. Fry at 180°C for 15-20 minutes, keep flipping them halfway. As they puff up and turn golden brown, serve them hot. [READ: Viral Desi Recipes Tested: Are They Worth the Hype? ]
8. Litti Chokha
Now the traditional dish from Bihar Litti Chokha is Made Simple & Healthy. This usually has a very smoky, flavorful litti is served with chokha. Traditionally, these littis are baked over coal/cow dung cakes, giving them their unique smoky flavour. But an air fryer helps you get close to the perfect texture without any fuss. Baked Litti Chokha is a wholesome, hearty meal and a good change from everyday Indian food.
Make the small balls of dough with sattu mix filling- littis. Brush them with a bit of oil and air fry at 180°C for about 15-20 minutes. Turn them every 5-7 minutes, till they are firm and get a few brown spots. Dip it in ghee and serve hot with chokha for a rustic, healthy and delicious meal.
My verdict:
The Philips air fryer has changed how I cook. This has turned out to be quite useful when I am running short of time to want to have guilt-free Indian recipes. So why compromise on taste when these recipes can be healthy!