Malai Kofta is a popular Indian dish that is loved by many for its rich and creamy texture. Traditionally, Malai Kofta is made by deep frying koftas (dumplings) made from mashed potatoes, paneer (Indian cottage cheese), and a variety of spices. These koftas are then served in a flavorful tomato-based gravy. While this dish is undeniably delicious, it can be quite heavy and calorific due to the deep frying process. However, with the advent of air fryers, it is now possible to enjoy this delectable dish in a healthier way. In this article, we will guide you on how to make Malai Kofta in an air fryer, so you can savor this dish guilt-free.
Gather Your Ingredients
The first step to making Malai Kofta in an air fryer is to gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:
1. For the koftas:
– 2 large potatoes, boiled and mashed
– 200 grams of paneer, grated
– 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon of ginger-garlic paste
– 1 teaspoon of garam masala
– 1/2 teaspoon of red chili powder
– Salt to taste
2. For the gravy:
– 2 tablespoons of oil
– 1 large onion, finely chopped
– 2 tomatoes, pureed
– 1 teaspoon of ginger-garlic paste
– 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
– 1 teaspoon of red chili powder
– 1 teaspoon of coriander powder
– 1/2 teaspoon of garam masala
– Salt to taste
– 1 cup of fresh cream
– Chopped coriander leaves for garnishing
Prepare the Kofta Mixture
To prepare the kofta mixture, start by combining the mashed potatoes, grated paneer, all-purpose flour, ginger-garlic paste, garam masala, red chili powder, and salt in a mixing bowl. Mix all the ingredients well until they are thoroughly combined. The mixture should be firm enough to form dumplings. If it feels too soft, you can add a little more all-purpose flour to bind it together.
Shape and Air Fry the Koftas
Once the kofta mixture is ready, take small portions of it and shape them into round balls or oval-shaped dumplings. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the koftas in the air fryer basket, making sure to leave some space between them for the air to circulate.
Cook the Koftas in the Air Fryer
Cook the koftas in the air fryer for about 15 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy on the outside. Make sure to flip them halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning. Once they are done, take them out of the air fryer and set them aside.
Prepare the Gravy
While the koftas are cooking in the air fryer, you can prepare the flavorful gravy that will complement them perfectly. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat and add the chopped onions. Sauté the onions until they turn golden brown. Then, add the ginger-garlic paste and cook for a minute until the raw smell disappears.
Next, add the tomato puree and cook it until the oil separates from the mixture. This will take about 5-7 minutes. Then, add the turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, garam masala, and salt. Mix the spices well with the tomato mixture and cook for another couple of minutes.
Add the Cream and Finish Cooking the Gravy
Once the spices are well-incorporated, reduce the heat to low and add the fresh cream to the pan. Stir the cream into the gravy and let it simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly. This will give the gravy a creamy and rich consistency.
Combine the Koftas and Gravy
Now that both the koftas and the gravy are ready, it’s time to bring them together. Gently place the air-fried koftas into the simmering gravy and let them cook together for a couple of minutes. Be careful not to stir too vigorously as the koftas are delicate and can break.
Garnish the dish with freshly chopped coriander leaves to add a burst of freshness and color. Your delicious Malai Kofta prepared in an air fryer is now ready to be enjoyed!
Conclusion
Making Malai Kofta in an air fryer provides a healthier alternative to the traditional deep-fried version. By air frying the koftas instead of deep frying them, you can significantly reduce the amount of oil used in the cooking process, making it a lighter and more nutritious dish. The koftas, with their crispy exteriors and soft interiors, pair perfectly with the creamy and flavorful gravy. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your air fryer, and treat yourself to this delightful Indian dish without any guilt.