Aloo Tikki is a popular Indian snack made from mashed potatoes, spices, and other ingredients. It is usually deep-fried, which can make it high in calories and unhealthy. However, with the advancement of technology, you can now make Aloo Tikki in an air fryer, which reduces the amount of oil used and makes it a guilt-free snack. In this article, we will guide you through a quick and easy recipe to make Aloo Tikki in an air fryer.
The Ingredients You Will Need
1. Potatoes
The main ingredient for Aloo Tikki is, of course, potatoes. You will need around four medium-sized potatoes for this recipe. It is recommended to use starchy potatoes like Russet, as they give a better texture to the tikki.
2. Spices
To add flavor to your Aloo Tikki, you will need some spices. Commonly used spices include cumin powder, coriander powder, red chili powder, garam masala, and salt. These spices give a delicious and aromatic taste to the tikki.
3. Other Ingredients
Apart from potatoes and spices, you will need a few other ingredients to enhance the taste. These include finely chopped onions, green peas, ginger-garlic paste, and fresh coriander leaves. These ingredients provide a burst of flavors and make the tikki even more delightful.
Step-by-Step Recipe
Step 1: Boiling the Potatoes
Start by boiling the potatoes until they are cooked. Make sure not to overcook them, as we want the potatoes to hold their shape. Once boiled, peel off the skin and allow the potatoes to cool for a while.
Step 2: Mashing the Potatoes
In a large mixing bowl, mash the potatoes using a masher or your hands. Ensure that there are no lumps and the mashed potatoes are smooth in texture. This will help in forming the tikki easily.
Step 3: Adding Spices and Ingredients
To the mashed potatoes, add the spices – cumin powder, coriander powder, red chili powder, garam masala, and salt. Mix well, ensuring that the spices are evenly incorporated into the potato mixture. Then, add the finely chopped onions, green peas, ginger-garlic paste, and fresh coriander leaves. These ingredients give the tikki added crunchiness and flavor.
Step 4: Shaping the Tikki
Take a small portion of the potato mixture and shape it into a round patty. You can make the tikki as thin or as thick as you prefer. Repeat this process with the remaining mixture until all the tikkis are shaped.
Step 5: Air Frying the Tikki
Preheat your air fryer at 180 degrees Celsius (356 degrees Fahrenheit) for a few minutes. Once preheated, place the shaped tikkis in the air fryer basket, making sure to leave some space between them. Cook the tikkis for about 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they turn golden brown and crispy.
Step 6: Serving the Aloo Tikki
Once the tikkis are done, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve them hot with your choice of chutney or yogurt. Aloo Tikki tastes great on its own or can be paired with green chutney or tamarind chutney for an extra burst of flavors.
Tips and Variations
1. Adding Bread Crumbs
If you want your Aloo Tikki to have a crispy outer layer, you can coat them with bread crumbs before air frying. This will give them a crunchy texture.
2. Freezing the Tikki
If you want to make Aloo Tikki in advance, you can freeze the shaped tikkis before air frying. Place them on a tray and freeze them for a few hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-lock bag and store in the freezer. When you want to air fry them, directly place the frozen tikkis in the air fryer and cook for a few extra minutes.
3. Adding Vegetables
You can experiment with adding various vegetables to the potato mixture, such as grated carrots or boiled peas. This adds more nutrition and flavors to the tikki.
4. Slightly Oiling the Tikki
If you want your Aloo Tikki to have a slightly oily and golden exterior, you can lightly brush them with oil before air frying. This will give them a more traditional taste.
By following this quick and guilt-free recipe, you can enjoy the deliciousness of Aloo Tikki without worrying about the excessive oil and calories. Making Aloo Tikki in an air fryer is not only healthy but also saves you from the mess of deep-frying. So, grab your air fryer and indulge in this classic Indian snack without any guilt.