Vada Pav is a classic street food that hails from the streets of Mumbai, India. It is a popular and much-loved snack that consists of a spicy potato fritter served inside a soft bun. Traditionally, vada pav is deep-fried, which adds to its irresistible taste but also makes it high in calories and unhealthy. However, with the growing popularity of air fryers, it is now possible to enjoy a healthier version of this delicious street food.
Making Vada Pav Healthier
What is an Air Fryer?
Before we delve into the details of making vada pav in an air fryer, let’s first understand what an air fryer is. An air fryer is a kitchen appliance that uses hot air circulation to cook food. It mimics the crispy texture and taste of deep-fried food but requires little to no oil. Instead of submerging food in oil, the air fryer uses a powerful fan to circulate hot air around the ingredients, creating a crispy exterior.
Choosing the Right Ingredients
To make vada pav in an air fryer, you will need a few simple ingredients. The key ingredient is, of course, potatoes, which form the base of the vada. Make sure to use starchy potatoes like russet or Yukon gold, as they tend to have a fluffy texture when cooked. Additionally, you will need spices such as turmeric, red chili powder, and garam masala to flavor the potato filling. Other ingredients like ginger, garlic, and green chilies can also be added to enhance the taste.
Preparing the Vada Filling
To prepare the vada filling, start by boiling the potatoes until they are tender. Once cooked, peel and mash them using a fork or potato masher. In a separate pan, heat a teaspoon of oil, and add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and curry leaves. Let them splutter for a few seconds before adding chopped ginger, garlic, and green chilies. Sauté for a minute or until fragrant.
Now, add the mashed potatoes to the pan and mix well with the spices. Sprinkle turmeric, red chili powder, garam masala, and salt to taste. Cook the mixture for a few minutes, stirring continuously, until the spices are well incorporated and fragrant. Remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly.
Shaping the Vada
Once the potato mixture has cooled down, it’s time to shape the vada. Take a small portion of the mixture and roll it into a ball using your hands. Then, gently flatten the ball to form a patty. Repeat this process with the remaining potato mixture.
Using the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (180°C) for a few minutes. Once preheated, lightly brush or spray the air fryer basket with oil to prevent the vada from sticking. Place the shaped vada patties in the air fryer basket, ensuring that there is enough space between each vada for even cooking.
Air Frying the Vada
Now, it’s time to air fry the vada. Set the air fryer to 350°F (180°C) and cook the vada for about 15-18 minutes. Flip the vada halfway through the cooking process to ensure both sides are evenly browned. Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes to prevent overcooking or burning.
Assembling the Vada Pav
While the vada is air frying, you can prepare the accompanying components of the vada pav. Slice the buns in half and apply a generous amount of spicy garlic chutney or any other chutney of your choice on both sides. You can also add a layer of tamarind chutney and green chutney for extra flavor.
Once the vada is done, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. Place one vada on the bottom half of the bun, and you can also add some sliced onions and freshly chopped cilantro for added crunch and freshness. Finally, cover the vada with the top half of the bun, and your healthier vada pav is ready to be enjoyed!
Conclusion
Making vada pav in an air fryer is a great way to enjoy this tasty street food without the guilt of excess oil. By using an air fryer, you can achieve the same crispy texture and delicious taste with a fraction of the oil traditionally used for deep frying. Additionally, air-fried vada pav is also suitable for those following a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle as it doesn’t involve any animal products.
So, next time you have a craving for vada pav, why not try making it in an air fryer? You’ll be amazed at how easy and healthier it is to recreate this beloved street food at home. Don’t forget to customize your vada pav with your favorite chutneys and toppings for a truly delectable experience. Enjoy your guilt-free snack!