Sabudana Vada is a popular Indian snack, especially during fasting days or festivals. Traditionally, it is deep-fried, which adds a lot of calories to the dish. However, with the invention of air fryers, you can now enjoy this delicious snack with a healthy twist. In this article, we will discuss how to make Sabudana Vada in an air fryer and enjoy its crispy texture without compromising on taste.
Ingredients Needed for Sabudana Vada:
Before we jump into the recipe, let’s gather all the essential ingredients for making Sabudana Vada in an air fryer. You will need the following:
1. Sabudana (Tapioca Pearls): 1 cup
2. Potatoes: 2 (medium-sized), boiled and mashed
3. Peanuts: 1/4 cup, roasted and coarsely ground
4. Green chilies: 2, finely chopped
5. Ginger: 1 teaspoon, grated
6. Cumin seeds: 1 teaspoon
7. Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon
8. Fresh coriander leaves: 2 tablespoons, finely chopped
9. Rock salt: as per taste
10. Oil: for brushing the vadas
Step-by-Step Recipe:
Now that we have all the ingredients ready, let’s move on to the step-by-step instructions for making Sabudana Vada in an air fryer.
Step 1: Soaking the Sabudana
1. Rinse the sabudana under running water to remove any starch.
2. Soak the sabudana in water for about 4-5 hours or overnight.
3. After soaking, drain the water and let the sabudana sit for an additional 30 minutes to remove excess moisture.
4. The sabudana should become soft and fluffy by this time.
Step 2: Preparing the Vada Mixture
1. In a mixing bowl, add the soaked sabudana, mashed potatoes, roasted peanuts, chopped green chilies, grated ginger, cumin seeds, lemon juice, coriander leaves, and rock salt.
2. Mix all the ingredients together until well-combined.
3. The mixture should hold together when pressed. If it feels too dry, you can add a few drops of water to bind it.
Step 3: Shaping and Cooking the Vadas
1. Preheat your air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for 5 minutes.
2. Take a small portion of the vada mixture and shape it into a ball.
3. Flatten the ball gently to form a patty-shaped vada.
4. Repeat this process with the remaining mixture.
5. Brush the vadas lightly with oil to enhance the crispiness.
6. Place the vadas in the air fryer basket. Make sure to leave some space between each vada for even cooking.
7. Cook the vadas in the air fryer for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even browning.
8. The vadas should turn golden brown and crispy on the outside.
Step 4: Serving and Enjoying
1. Once the vadas are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes.
2. Serve the Sabudana Vadas hot with your favorite chutney or dip.
3. These vadas make for a perfect tea-time snack or a delightful addition to your fasting menu.
The air-fried Sabudana Vadas are a healthier alternative to the traditional deep-fried version. The air fryer uses hot air circulation to cook the vadas, reducing the amount of oil required for frying. This not only cuts down on calories but also makes for a lighter and guilt-free snacking experience.
Moreover, by air frying the vadas, you can achieve a crispy exterior without compromising the soft and fluffy texture inside. The vadas retain their traditional flavors and taste, making them just as delicious as the deep-fried version.
Using an air fryer also saves you from the hassle of deep-frying, as it eliminates the need for heating an excessive quantity of oil and dealing with the mess it can create. The air fryer ensures uniform heat distribution, resulting in evenly cooked vadas without the need for constant supervision.
Additionally, the flexibility of an air fryer allows you to experiment with different ingredients and flavors. You can add your favorite spices or herbs to the vada mixture to create your unique twist on this classic snack. The air fryer brings out the best flavors in the vadas while maintaining their nutritional value.
In conclusion, if you are a fan of Sabudana Vadas but want a healthier and hassle-free cooking method, try making them in an air fryer. This simple and easy recipe will help you create crispy and delicious vadas without the guilt of deep-fried snacks. So go ahead, give this traditional Indian snack a healthy twist and enjoy the goodness of Sabudana Vadas with an air fryer!