Olivia Carter
Samosas are a popular snack in many cuisines, known for their crispy exterior and flavorful filling. Traditionally, samosas are deep-fried, which gives them their signature crunch. However, if you’re looking for a healthier alternative, you can also fry samosas in an air fryer.
Using an air fryer to fry samosas not only reduces the amount of oil used, but also cuts down on the cooking time. The hot air circulating inside the air fryer creates a crispy texture on the samosas, giving them a similar taste and texture to deep-fried samosas.
To fry samosas in an air fryer, start by preheating the air fryer to around 400°F (200°C). While the air fryer is preheating, brush the samosas with a little oil to help them brown and crisp up. Place the samosas in the air fryer basket, making sure to leave some space between each one so that they cook evenly.
Next, set the timer for around 10 minutes. After this time, flip the samosas over and continue to cook for another 5-10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of your samosas, so keep an eye on them as they cook.
Once the samosas are done, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving. They can be enjoyed on their own or with a dipping sauce of your choice. Air fryer samosas are a healthier alternative to deep-fried samosas, and they make for a delicious snack or appetizer.
Tips for frying delicious samosas in an air fryer
Samosas are a popular snack that can be made even more delicious when cooked in an air fryer. Here are some tips to ensure that your samosas turn out crispy and flavorful:
1. Preheat the air fryer
Before you start frying your samosas, it’s important to preheat your air fryer. This will help ensure that the samosas cook evenly and become crispy.
2. Brush samosas with oil
Brushing the samosas with oil before air frying will give them a crispy texture. Use a pastry brush to evenly coat the samosas with oil.
3. Arrange samosas in a single layer
For even cooking, it’s best to arrange the samosas in a single layer in the air fryer basket. This will allow the hot air to circulate around each samosa, ensuring that they cook evenly.
4. Flip halfway through cooking
To ensure that both sides of the samosas are evenly cooked, flip them halfway through the cooking time. This will help achieve a crispy texture on both sides.
5. Adjust cooking time and temperature
Every air fryer is different, so it’s important to keep an eye on the samosas while they cook. Adjust the cooking time and temperature according to your air fryer’s instructions and check the samosas periodically to prevent burning.
6. Serve immediately
Samosas are best enjoyed when they’re hot and crispy. Serve them immediately after cooking to maintain their crispiness.
By following these simple tips, you can easily fry delicious samosas in an air fryer. Enjoy this popular snack with the added health benefits of air frying!
Preparing the samosa filling
Before you can fry your samosas in an air fryer, you need to prepare the filling. The filling is what gives the samosas their flavorful and delicious interior. Here is how you can prepare the perfect samosa filling:
Gather the ingredients
To start, gather all the ingredients you will need for the samosa filling. This typically includes:
- Boiled and mashed potatoes
- Chopped onions
- Minced garlic and ginger
- Finely chopped green chilies
- Spices such as turmeric, cumin, coriander, and garam masala
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro leaves
- Oil for cooking
Cook the filling
In a pan, heat some oil and add the chopped onions. Sauté them until they turn golden brown. Then, add the minced garlic and ginger, and fry them until fragrant. Next, add the green chilies and cook for a minute.
Once the onions and spices are cooked, add the mashed potatoes and mix well. Add all the spices, such as turmeric, cumin, coriander, and garam masala, and stir until the potatoes are well coated with the spices. Cook the filling for a few more minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Finally, garnish the filling with freshly chopped cilantro leaves and give it a final stir. Your samosa filling is now ready to be stuffed into the dough and fried in the air fryer!
Making the samosa dough
When it comes to making samosas, the dough is just as important as the filling. The perfect samosa dough should be crispy and flaky, while also being sturdy enough to hold the flavorful filling without breaking apart.
Here’s how you can make the samosa dough:
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Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup lukewarm water
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Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt.
- Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and add the vegetable oil.
- Gently mix the oil with the flour using your fingertips until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
- Add the lukewarm water gradually, a little at a time, and knead the dough until it comes together into a smooth and pliable ball.
- Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for at least 30 minutes to allow the gluten to relax.
Once the dough has rested, it is ready to be rolled out and filled with your desired samosa filling. Remember to roll it thin enough to achieve that perfect crispy texture when fried in the air fryer!
Assembling and shaping the samosas
Once you have prepared the filling for your samosas and your dough has been rested, it’s time to assemble and shape the samosas. Follow these steps to make perfect samosas:
1. Divide the dough
Divide the rested dough into small lemon-sized balls. This will make it easier to work with.
2. Roll out the dough
Take one of the dough balls and roll it out into a thin circular shape using a rolling pin. The circle should be approximately 5-6 inches in diameter.
3. Cut the circle in half
Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, carefully cut the rolled-out circle in half to create two semicircles.
4. Fold and form a cone
Take one of the semicircles and fold it in half to form a triangle. Press along the folded edge to seal it. Then, take the bottom corners of the triangle and bring them together, overlapping slightly, to form a cone shape. Seal the bottom edges by pressing them together.
5. Fill the cone with the samosa filling
Using a spoon, fill the cone with the prepared samosa filling. Be careful not to overfill the cone as it may burst while frying.
6. Seal the samosa
Once the cone is filled with the filling, gently press the top open edge together to seal the samosa. Make sure it is sealed properly to prevent the filling from spilling out during frying.
7. Repeat the process
Repeat the above steps to assemble and shape the remaining samosas with the rest of the dough and filling.
Now that your samosas are assembled and shaped, you are ready to fry them in the air fryer. Continue following the instructions in the next section to achieve crispy and tasty samosas.
Frying the Samosas in the Air Fryer
To achieve a crispy and delicious samosa, you can use an air fryer instead of deep-frying in oil. The air fryer offers a healthier alternative with less oil while still providing that satisfying crunch. Follow these steps to fry your samosas in the air fryer:
Preparation
Before you start, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for a few minutes.
Cooking Time and Temperature
Place the samosas in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving some space between each samosa. Cook them at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of your samosas.
Achieving Crispy Samosas
If you prefer a crispier texture, lightly brush the samosas with oil before placing them in the air fryer. The oil will aid in browning and crisping the outer layer.
Checking for Doneness
As the cooking time nears completion, check the samosas for doneness by inserting a toothpick or a fork into the center. If it comes out hot, they are ready to be removed. If the samosas require additional cooking, give them an extra couple of minutes until they are golden brown.
Serving Suggestions
Once they are cooked to perfection, carefully remove the samosas from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve them hot with your favorite chutney or dip for an appetizing snack or as part of a meal.
| Temperature | Cooking Time |
|---|---|
| 400°F (200°C) | 10-12 minutes |
FAQ
Do I need to preheat the air fryer before frying samosas?
Yes, it is recommended to preheat the air fryer before frying samosas. Preheating helps in achieving crispy and evenly cooked samosas.
How long does it take to fry samosas in an air fryer?
The cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the samosas, as well as the brand and model of the air fryer. Generally, it takes around 12-15 minutes at a temperature of 180°C to fry samosas in an air fryer.
Can I use a different cooking oil instead of spray oil to fry samosas in an air fryer?
Yes, you can use a different cooking oil such as olive oil or vegetable oil instead of spray oil to fry samosas in an air fryer. However, spraying a small amount of oil or using a cooking oil spray is recommended to achieve a crispy texture.
