Making vada in an air fryer is a healthy twist on a classic Indian snack. Vada, also known as vadai, is a deep-fried fritter made from lentils or legumes. It is a popular street food and a staple in South Indian cuisine. Traditionally, vada is deep-fried in oil, which adds a delicious crispy texture but also increases the calorie content. However, with the help of an air fryer, you can achieve the same crispiness with much less oil. In this article, we will guide you on how to make vada in an air fryer, allowing you to enjoy this delectable snack guilt-free.
Ingredients
To make vada in an air fryer, you will need the following ingredients:
– 1 cup of urad dal (black lentils)
– 2-3 green chilies, finely chopped
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– A handful of fresh coriander leaves, finely chopped
– 1 teaspoon ginger paste
– 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
– Salt to taste
– Oil for greasing the air fryer basket
Instructions
Step 1: Soaking the Urad Dal
Start by washing the urad dal thoroughly under running water. Then, soak the lentils in water for about 4-5 hours or overnight. Soaking helps in softening the lentils, making them easier to grind and ensuring a fluffy texture in the vada.
Step 2: Grinding the Batter
Once the dal is soaked and softened, drain the water and transfer it to a blender or a food processor. Grind the dal into a smooth batter using minimal water. It’s crucial to adding as little water as possible to achieve the right consistency. The batter should be thick and fluffy, resembling the texture of whipped cream.
Step 3: Adding the Flavor
Transfer the batter to a mixing bowl and add finely chopped green chilies, onions, coriander leaves, ginger paste, cumin seeds, and salt. Mix everything together using your hands. This step not only adds flavor but also enhances the texture and overall taste of the vada.
Step 4: Preparing the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer at 180°C (360°F) for about 5 minutes. Grease the air fryer basket with a little oil to prevent the vada from sticking to the surface.
Step 5: Shaping the Vada
Take a small portion of the batter and shape it into a flat round patty with a hole in the center, resembling a doughnut. You can wet your hands with water to prevent the batter from sticking.
Step 6: Air Frying the Vada
Place the shaped vada in the greased air fryer basket. Make sure not to overcrowd the basket and leave some space between each vada for proper air circulation. You may need to cook the vada in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
Step 7: Air Fryer Settings
Set the air fryer temperature to 180°C (360°F) and cook the vada for about 12-15 minutes. Flip the vada halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning on both sides. Keep a close eye on the vada towards the end to prevent them from burning.
Step 8: Checking the Doneness
To check if the vada is cooked thoroughly, insert a toothpick or a fork into the center. If it comes out clean and the vada is golden brown, they are ready to be removed from the air fryer.
Step 9: Repeat the Process
Repeat the shaping and air frying process for the remaining batter until all the vada are cooked to perfection.
Serving Suggestions
Once the vada are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. Serve them hot with coconut chutney, sambar, or tomato ketchup. Vada can also be enjoyed as a standalone snack with a cup of masala chai or filter coffee.
Tips and Variations
– If you want to enhance the flavor of the vada, you can add grated coconut, curry leaves, or even finely chopped mint leaves to the batter.
– To make the vada spicier, increase the quantity of green chilies or add a pinch of red chili powder.
– Experiment with different lentils such as moong dal or chana dal to create variations of vada.
– If you don’t have an air fryer, you can still try this recipe by shallow frying the vada on a non-stick pan with a minimal amount of oil.
Making vada in an air fryer is not only a healthier option but also saves you from the hassle of deep-frying. The air fryer ensures that the vada retains its crispy texture while significantly reducing the oil content. So, next time you crave this classic Indian snack, give the air fryer vada a try and indulge guilt-free!