Appalam, also known as papadum, is a crispy Indian snack loved by people all over the world. Traditionally, it is made by deep-frying a mixture of lentil or rice flour and spices. However, with the increasing popularity of air fryers, making appalam has become even easier and healthier. In this article, we will guide you through the easy steps to make appalam in an air fryer, ensuring you achieve a deliciously crispy delight every time!
Gather Your Ingredients and Equipment
Before you start making appalam in an air fryer, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients and equipment. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
– Lentil or rice flour
– Water
– Salt
– Spices (such as cumin, black pepper, or chili powder)
– Oil (for brushing)
Equipment:
– Air fryer
– Mixing bowl
– Rolling pin
– Parchment paper or silicone mat
Making the Appalam Dough
The first step in making appalam is preparing the dough. Follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Measure the Ingredients
Start by measuring the required amount of lentil or rice flour according to the number of appalams you want to make. Typically, a 1:1 ratio of flour and water works well. For example, if you’re using 1 cup of flour, you’ll need 1 cup of water.
Step 2: Mix the Flour and Water
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and water. Add a pinch of salt and any spices you prefer to enhance the flavor. You can try adding cumin, black pepper, or chili powder for a kick of heat. Mix everything together until you achieve a smooth and pliable dough.
Step 3: Let the Dough Rest
Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for about 15-20 minutes. This resting period allows the flour to absorb the moisture and makes the dough easier to work with.
Shaping and Cooking the Appalam
Now that your appalam dough is ready, it’s time to shape and cook them in the air fryer. Follow the steps below:
Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the appalams cook evenly and become delightfully crispy.
Step 5: Divide the Dough
Divide the dough into small portions. This step makes it easier to roll out the appalams to your desired thickness. Remember, the thinner the appalams, the crispier they will be.
Step 6: Roll Out the Appalams
Take one portion of the dough and flatten it slightly with your hands. Place it on a lightly floured surface and use a rolling pin to roll it into a thin, circular shape. You can make the appalams as big or small as you like, but keep in mind that larger ones may need more cooking time.
Step 7: Transfer to the Air Fryer
Carefully transfer the rolled appalam onto a piece of parchment paper or a silicone mat. This will prevent it from sticking to the air fryer basket. Repeat this step with the remaining portions of dough, placing them side by side on the parchment paper or mat, ensuring they don’t overlap.
Step 8: Brush with Oil
Lightly brush each appalam with oil on both sides. This step is crucial, as it helps the appalams become crispy when cooked in the air fryer.
Step 9: Air Fry the Appalams
Place the parchment paper or silicone mat with the appalams into the preheated air fryer basket. Cook them for approximately 3-4 minutes per side, or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
Step 10: Repeat the Process
Remove the cooked appalams from the air fryer and let them cool on a wire rack. Meanwhile, repeat the process with the remaining rolled portions until you’ve cooked all the appalams.
Serving and Storing the Appalams
Congratulations! Your homemade appalams are ready to be enjoyed. Serve them as an appetizer, with chutneys, or alongside your favorite Indian meal. If you have any leftovers, here’s how you can store them:
– Allow the appalams to cool completely before storing them.
– Place them in an airtight container or zip-lock bag to maintain their crispiness.
– Store them at room temperature in a cool and dry place.
By following these simple steps, you can easily make crispy and delicious appalams in an air fryer. Not only is this method healthier than traditional deep-frying, but it also saves you time and effort. So go ahead, experiment with different spices and enjoy the delightful crunch of homemade appalams that everyone will love!