Dahi Vada is a popular Indian dish that is loved by people of all ages. It is a deliciously healthy snack that is made using lentil fritters, topped with yogurt, and garnished with various flavorful spices and chutneys. Traditionally, Dahi Vadas are deep-fried to achieve a crispy texture, but in this article, we will explore a healthier alternative – making Dahi Vadas in an air fryer. This easy and convenient method will allow you to enjoy the same delectable taste of Dahi Vadas while minimizing the use of oil. So, let’s dive into the easy steps for making Dahi Vada in an air fryer!
Gathering the Ingredients
Before starting the process, it is essential to gather all the ingredients required for making Dahi Vadas in an air fryer. This will ensure a smooth preparation process without any last-minute hassles. Here are the ingredients you will need:
For the Vadas:
– 1 cup of urad dal (skinned black gram)
– Water for soaking and grinding the dal
– 1-inch piece of ginger, finely grated
– A pinch of asafoetida (hing)
– Salt to taste
For the Yogurt Topping:
– 2 cups of thick yogurt (curd)
– Salt to taste
– 1 teaspoon of sugar (optional)
– A pinch of roasted cumin powder
– Red chili powder to sprinkle
For the Garnish:
– Tamarind chutney
– Green chutney
– Chopped coriander leaves
Preparing the Vada Batter
The first step in making Dahi Vada is preparing the batter for the lentil fritters. Follow these easy steps to make the perfect batter for your air-fried Dahi Vadas:
1. Take the urad dal in a bowl and wash it thoroughly under running water.
2. Soak the dal in water for at least 4 hours. This will soften the dal and make it easier to grind.
3. After soaking, drain the water and transfer the dal to a grinder or blender.
4. Add a pinch of asafoetida, finely grated ginger, and salt to the dal.
5. Grind the dal to a smooth paste, adding small amounts of water as required. The consistency of the batter should be thick and fluffy.
6. Once the batter is ready, transfer it to a bowl and whisk it well for a few minutes. This will incorporate air into the batter and make the fritters light and airy.
Air Frying the Vadas
Now that you have prepared the vada batter, it’s time to fry them in the air fryer. Follow these simple steps to achieve crispy vadas without deep frying:
1. Preheat your air fryer at 180 degrees Celsius (356 degrees Fahrenheit) for a few minutes.
2. Take a small portion of the vada batter and shape it into a small round or oval shape using your hands. The size can vary according to your preference.
3. Repeat this process with the remaining batter, shaping all the vadas.
4. Place the shaped vadas in the preheated air fryer basket, leaving enough space for air circulation.
5. Cook the vadas in the air fryer for about 10-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
6. Once the vadas turn golden brown and crispy, they are ready to be removed from the air fryer.
Assembling the Dahi Vadas
Now that the vadas are perfectly air-fried, it’s time to assemble them into delectable Dahi Vadas. Follow these simple steps to put together this mouthwatering snack:
1. Take a bowl of clean water and soak the air-fried vadas in it for about 10-15 minutes. This will help soften the vadas and remove any excess oil, giving them a light and fluffy texture.
2. Meanwhile, whisk the yogurt in a separate bowl until smooth. Add salt and sugar (optional) to the yogurt and mix well.
3. Squeeze the water out of the soaked vadas gently and arrange them on a serving plate.
4. Pour the prepared yogurt over the vadas, ensuring they are well-coated.
5. Sprinkle roasted cumin powder and red chili powder on top of the yogurt-coated vadas for added flavor.
6. Finally, garnish the Dahi Vadas with tamarind chutney, green chutney, and chopped coriander leaves.
Serving and Enjoying
Your deliciously healthy Dahi Vadas made in an air fryer are now ready to be served and enjoyed. Here are a few serving suggestions that will help you relish this snack to the fullest:
– Serve the Dahi Vadas chilled or at room temperature, according to your preference.
– You can drizzle some more tamarind chutney and green chutney on top for extra tanginess and spiciness.
– Garnish with a sprinkle of chaat masala for an additional burst of flavors.
– Dahi Vadas can be enjoyed as an appetizer, snack, or even as a light meal. They are perfect for parties, gatherings, or lazy weekends at home.
– Pair your Dahi Vadas with a refreshing glass of buttermilk or a cooling mint drink to complement the flavors.
Air-Fried Delights
In conclusion, making Dahi Vadas in an air fryer is a healthier alternative to the traditional deep-fried version. By using minimal oil, you can achieve crispy and tasty vadas that are guilt-free. With the easy steps mentioned in this article, you can now prepare this popular Indian snack with utmost ease and convenience. So, get your air fryer ready, gather the ingredients, and treat yourself and your loved ones to these deliciously healthy Dahi Vadas!