Tandoori roti is a popular Indian bread that is traditionally made in a tandoor, a clay oven. However, not everyone has access to a tandoor or wants to go through the hassle of lighting up a fire. That’s where the air fryer comes in! Air fryers are versatile kitchen appliances that can be used to cook a variety of dishes, including tandoori roti. In this article, we will guide you through a quick and easy recipe to make delicious tandoori roti in an air fryer.
Gather the Ingredients
Before you start making tandoori roti in an air fryer, you will need to gather the necessary ingredients. The ingredients required for this recipe are:
– 2 cups of whole wheat flour
– 1 teaspoon of salt
– 1 teaspoon of oil
– 3/4 cup of lukewarm water
Step 1: Preparing the Dough
The first step in making tandoori roti is preparing the dough. In a mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, salt, and oil. Mix these dry ingredients together. Then, gradually add lukewarm water to the mixture and knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic. It should not be too soft or too hard. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for about 30 minutes. This resting period will make the dough easier to handle and roll.
Step 2: Dividing the Dough
After the dough has rested, divide it into small lemon-sized balls. You can adjust the size of the balls depending on how big you want your tandoori roti to be. Roll each ball between your palms to make them smooth and round. Flatten each ball slightly with your palm.
Step 3: Rolling the Rotis
Now comes the fun part – rolling out the rotis! Take one of the flattened balls and dust it with some flour. Using a rolling pin, roll it out into a thin, round shape. If the dough sticks to the rolling pin or the surface, add more flour as needed. The roti should be approximately 6-7 inches in diameter. Repeat the same process for the rest of the dough balls.
Step 4: Preparing the Air Fryer
Once you have rolled out all the rotis, it’s time to prepare the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius) for about 5 minutes. While the air fryer is preheating, place one or two rolled rotis in the preheated fryer.
Step 5: Cooking the Rotis
Place the rolled rotis in the air fryer basket and cook them for about 3-4 minutes on one side. Then, carefully flip the rotis using tongs and cook them for an additional 3-4 minutes on the other side. The rotis should puff up slightly and develop slight brown spots.
Step 6: Applying the Butter
Once the rotis are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and apply a small amount of butter on each roti. This step is optional, but it adds a delicious flavor and helps keep the rotis soft. Alternatively, you can skip the butter and opt for a healthier option.
Step 7: Serving the Tandoori Rotis
Your tandoori rotis are now ready to be served! You can stack them up and cover them with a clean cloth to keep them warm until you are ready to serve. Tandoori rotis are typically served with a variety of Indian dishes such as curries, dal (lentil soup), or stuffed vegetables. They are also delicious on their own with a side of yogurt or pickle.
Tips and Variations
– If you prefer a plain tandoori roti without any additional flavors, you can skip adding any spices or herbs to the dough.
– For a spicier version, you can add a pinch of red chili powder or garam masala to the dough before kneading.
– If you want to make garlic tandoori roti, mix in some minced garlic and dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi) into the dough.
– To make onion tandoori roti, finely chop some onions and mix them into the dough.
– If you don’t have whole wheat flour, you can use a combination of all-purpose flour and whole wheat flour or use only all-purpose flour to make the rotis.
Conclusion
Making tandoori roti in an air fryer is a quick and easy alternative to using a traditional clay oven. With just a few simple steps, you can enjoy delicious homemade tandoori rotis right in the comfort of your own kitchen. Whether you serve them with Indian curries or enjoy them on their own, tandoori rotis are sure to satisfy your taste buds. So go ahead, give this recipe a try, and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills!