Pani Puri, also known as Gol Gappa, is a beloved street food in India. It is a dish that features crispy hollow puris filled with a tangy and spicy pani (water) and a mixture of potatoes and chickpeas. Traditionally, Pani Puri is deep-fried, but have you ever wondered if you could make this delicious snack in an air fryer? Well, wonder no more! In this article, we will guide you on how to make Pani Puri in an Air Fryer, giving it a delicious twist while keeping it healthier. So, let’s get started!
Giving Pani Puri a Healthy Twist
When it comes to street food, many people are concerned about the oil used for frying. By using an air fryer, you can significantly reduce the amount of oil required for cooking. An air fryer works by circulating hot air around the food, which gives it that crispy texture without the need for excessive amounts of oil. So now, you can enjoy your favorite street food guilt-free!
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make Pani Puri in an air fryer, you will need the following ingredients:
1. Puri shells – available at Indian grocery stores or you can make them at home
2. 2 medium-sized potatoes – boiled and mashed
3. 1 cup boiled chickpeas
4. ½ cup tamarind chutney
5. ½ cup mint-coriander chutney
6. 1 cup spicy water (pani)
7. Sev (thin crispy noodles) – for garnishing
8. Chopped onion and coriander leaves – for garnishing
9. Chaat masala – for sprinkling on top
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making Pani Puri in an air fryer:
Step 1: Preparing the stuffing
Begin by boiling the potatoes until they are soft. Once boiled, peel and mash them in a bowl. Add the boiled chickpeas to the mashed potatoes and mix well. This mixture will be used as the filling for the Pani Puri.
Step 2: Preparing the crispy puris
If you have store-bought puri shells, you can skip this step. However, if you want to make puris at home, follow these instructions:
– In a bowl, take 1 cup of semolina (sooji) and add ¼ cup of all-purpose flour (maida).
– Slowly add water and knead the mixture into a smooth dough.
– Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for about 20-30 minutes.
– After resting, divide the dough into small portions and roll them into thin circles.
– Preheat your air fryer at 350°F (180°C) for a few minutes.
– Place the rolled puris in the air fryer basket and cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they turn golden brown and crispy.
Step 3: Assembling the Pani Puri
Now that the puris and stuffing are ready, it’s time to assemble the Pani Puri:
– Take a puri and make a small hole in the center using your thumb or a spoon.
– Place a spoonful of the potato-chickpea mixture inside the puri.
– Drizzle some tamarind chutney and mint-coriander chutney over the stuffing.
– Dip the puri into the spicy water (pani) and place it on a serving plate.
– Repeat this process with the remaining puris.
Step 4: Garnishing and Serving
To add an extra crunch and flavor, garnish your Pani Puri with sev (thin crispy noodles), chopped onions, and fresh coriander leaves. Sprinkle some chaat masala on top for that extra zing. You can also garnish with pomegranate seeds or nylon sev for added texture.
Tips and Variations
While making Pani Puri in an Air Fryer is a delicious and healthy twist, here are some additional tips to enhance your experience:
1. Adjust the spice level according to your preference by adding more or less green chilies in the spicy water (pani).
2. Experiment with the stuffing by adding different ingredients such as boiled moong beans, grated carrots, or sprouts.
3. If you prefer a sweeter taste, you can add a pinch of sugar to the tamarind chutney.
4. For a unique twist, try using flavored puris like spinach puris or beetroot puris.
5. If you don’t have an air fryer, you can still make the puris in a traditional deep-frying method. Just make sure to drain excess oil on a paper towel.
The Final Verdict
Making Pani Puri in an air fryer is a game-changer for all street food enthusiasts. Not only does it retain the authentic taste and texture, but it also reduces the amount of oil used. This twist to the classic street food is perfect for those who want to indulge without compromising their health goals. So, grab your air fryer, gather the ingredients, and embark on a flavorful journey of homemade Pani Puri. Enjoy this lip-smacking snack with family and friends and create memorable moments!