Air fryers have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their ability to cook food with little to no oil, making it a healthier alternative to deep-frying. One dish that can be effortlessly prepared in an air fryer is samosas. Samosas are a beloved Indian snack consisting of a crispy outer shell filled with a delectable mixture of potatoes, peas, and spices. In this article, we will guide you on how to use an air fryer to make delicious and healthy samosas.
Gathering the Ingredients
To make samosas using an air fryer, you will need the following ingredients:
1. Potatoes: 2 medium-sized potatoes, boiled and mashed.
2. Peas: 1/4 cup of peas (fresh or frozen).
3. Spices: 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds, 1 teaspoon of coriander powder, 1/2 teaspoon of garam masala, 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder, 1/2 teaspoon of red chili powder, and salt to taste.
4. Dough: 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of oil, and water as needed to make a firm dough.
5. Oil: A little oil for brushing the samosas.
Making the Samosa Filling
Step 1: Preparing the Potato Mixture
Start by boiling the potatoes until they are tender. Once boiled, let them cool and then mash them using a fork or potato masher. Set aside the mashed potatoes.
Step 2: Cooking the Peas
In a small pan, heat a teaspoon of oil over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them crackle. Then, add the peas and cook until they are tender. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3: Mixing the Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, cooked peas, and all the spices mentioned earlier (cumin seeds, coriander powder, garam masala, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt). Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Preparing the Samosa Dough
Step 1: Making the Dough
In another mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, oil, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add water and knead until you have a smooth and firm dough. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for about 15-20 minutes.
Step 2: Dividing the Dough
After the resting period, divide the dough into small lime-sized balls. Take one ball and roll it into a thin circle of around 5-6 inches in diameter.
Step 3: Forming the Samosa Cone
Take the rolled dough circle and cut it into two equal halves. Moisten the straight edge of one half with water. Hold it in your hand and form a cone by overlapping the moistened edge over the dry edge, pressing gently. Ensure the cone is sealed properly.
Filling and Shaping the Samosas
Step 1: Filling the Samosas
Hold the cone in your hand and fill it with the prepared potato and pea mixture. Do not overfill; leave some space for sealing. Moisten the edges of the cone with water and press them together to seal the samosa.
Step 2: Shaping the Samosas
After sealing the samosas, gently press the cone’s join to make it secure. Then, using a fork, press and seal the edges of the cone to ensure the filling does not come out during the cooking process. Repeat these steps until all the dough and filling are used.
Cooking Samosas in an Air Fryer
Step 1: Preheating the Air Fryer
Before placing the samosas in the air fryer, preheat the appliance at 350°F (180°C) for around 5 minutes. This will ensure the samosas cook evenly.
Step 2: Air Frying the Samosas
Next, lightly grease or brush the air fryer basket with oil to prevent the samosas from sticking. Place the samosas in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, leaving some space between them. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches.
Step 3: Cooking Time
To cook the samosas, set the air fryer temperature to 375°F (190°C) and cook for approximately 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. Keep a close eye on the samosas to ensure they turn golden brown and crispy.
Serving Suggestions
Once the samosas are cooked, carefully remove them from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. Serve these mouthwatering treats with your favorite chutney or dip. Mint chutney or tamarind chutney pair particularly well with samosas. Savour the scrumptious samosas while they are still warm and enjoy the perfect blend of flavors.
Conclusion
Using an air fryer to make samosas is a fantastic way to enjoy this traditional Indian snack without the excess oil and guilt associated with deep-frying. By following the simple steps outlined in this article, you can create crispy and flavorful samosas that are both delicious and healthy. Experiment with different fillings and spices to personalize your samosas and enjoy a tasty twist on a classic dish. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving a satisfying snack, air fryer samosas are sure to impress and satisfy your taste buds. So, grab your air fryer and start creating these delectable treats today!