Olivia Carter
Are you craving delicious and crispy kachori, but want a healthier version? Look no further! In this article, we will guide you on how to make mouth-watering kachori in an air fryer. Using an air fryer not only reduces the amount of oil used, but also ensures that your kachoris are perfectly crispy and evenly cooked.
What is kachori?
Kachori is a popular Indian snack that is usually filled with a spicy mixture of peas, lentils, or potatoes. It is deep-fried until golden brown and served hot with chutney or pickle. Traditionally, kachoris are cooked in a lot of oil, resulting in a greasy and heavy treat. However, with the help of an air fryer, you can enjoy the same great taste with fewer calories and less guilt!
Why use an air fryer?
An air fryer is a kitchen appliance that cooks food by circulating hot air around it. It uses a minimal amount of oil, or sometimes no oil at all, to achieve a crispy and fried-like texture. By using an air fryer, you can enjoy your favorite fried foods with up to 75% less oil. It’s a healthier alternative that still delivers on taste and texture.
Now, let’s get started with the recipe!
Baking Kachori in an Air Fryer
If you’re a fan of the delicious and crispy kachori, you might be wondering if it’s possible to make them in an air fryer. The good news is, yes, you can! Baking kachori in an air fryer is a healthier alternative to deep frying, as it uses minimal oil but still achieves that irresistible crispiness.
To start, prepare the kachori filling of your choice. It can be anything from spiced lentils to a savory mixture of vegetables and spices. Once the filling is ready, take small portions of dough and flatten them into discs.
Next, place a spoonful of the filling in the center of each dough disc. Fold the edges of the disc over the filling, sealing it completely. Gently press down to flatten the kachori slightly.
Preheat your air fryer to 370°F (187°C). While the air fryer is heating up, lightly brush or spray the kachori with oil to help them brown and crisp up. Place the kachori in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t touch each other.
Cook the kachori in the air fryer for about 10-12 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. It’s important to keep an eye on them during the cooking process to prevent them from burning.
Once the kachori are done, carefully remove them from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving. They can be enjoyed on their own as a delicious snack, or paired with chutney or yogurt for a tasty appetizer or side dish.
Baking kachori in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to enjoy this popular Indian snack without the guilt of deep frying. Give it a try and savor the delightful crunchiness of homemade kachori!
Gather the Ingredients
Before you can start making kachori in your air fryer, you’ll need to gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Water (as needed)
For the filling:
- 1 cup yellow moong dal (split yellow lentils)
- 1 teaspoon ginger paste
- 1 teaspoon garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon green chili paste
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
- Salt (to taste)
Make sure you have all these ingredients ready before you begin. This will make the cooking process smoother and more efficient. Enjoy your kachori made in the air fryer!
Prepare the Dough
Kachori dough is made with all-purpose flour, semolina, and oil. Take a large bowl and add 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons of semolina, and 2 tablespoons of oil. Mix the ingredients well.
Note: Semolina adds a crispy texture to the dough.
Slowly add water to the bowl while kneading the dough. Knead until the dough becomes soft and smooth. It should not stick to your hands or the bowl. If the dough is too dry, add a little more water. If it is too sticky, add a little more flour.
Note: It is important to knead the dough well as it helps in making the kachoris crispy.
Once the dough is ready, cover it with a damp cloth and let it rest for at least 15 minutes. This will make the dough soft and easy to work with.
Prepare the Filling
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the following ingredients:
| Ingredient | Measurement |
| All-purpose flour | 1 cup |
| Split yellow lentils (moong dal) | 1/4 cup |
| Red chili powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Turmeric powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Asafoetida (hing) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Dry mango powder (amchur) | 1 teaspoon |
| Fennel seeds (saunf) | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Oil | 1 tablespoon |
Using your hands, mix the ingredients well until they are evenly combined.
Add a little water at a time while kneading the mixture to form a stiff dough. The dough should be smooth and not sticky.
Assemble the Kachori
Once the dough and filling are ready, it’s time to assemble the kachori. Follow these steps:
1. Take a small portion of the dough and roll it into a ball.
Divide the dough into equal-sized portions. With the help of your palms, roll each portion into a smooth ball. This will ensure even cooking and a consistent shape.
2. Flatten the dough ball and place a spoonful of the filling in the center.
Gently press the dough ball with your fingers to flatten it into a small circle. Make sure the thickness is uniform throughout. Place a spoonful of the prepared filling in the center of the flattened dough circle.
3. Seal the edges by bringing them together and pinching them tightly.
Lift the edges of the flattened dough and bring them together in the center, sealing the filling inside. Pinch the edges tightly to ensure the filling doesn’t spill out during cooking.
4. Repeat steps 1-3 for the remaining dough portions and filling.
Continue the process with the remaining dough portions and filling until all the kachoris are assembled. Make sure to keep the dough and the prepared kachoris covered with a towel to prevent them from drying out.
Now that the kachoris are assembled, they are ready to be cooked. You can either deep-fry them or use an air fryer for a healthier option.
Note: If you are using an air fryer, make sure to preheat it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Lightly brush the kachoris with oil and place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook at the recommended temperature and time until they turn golden brown and crispy.
Once cooked, serve the kachoris hot with chutney or sauce of your choice. Enjoy the delicious and crispy kachoris made in an air fryer!
Cooking in the Air Fryer
The air fryer is a versatile kitchen appliance that allows you to cook a wide variety of foods with less oil and fat. It works by circulating hot air around the food, creating a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and moist. Here are some tips for cooking in the air fryer:
1. Preheat the air fryer: Preheating the air fryer before cooking helps to ensure that your food cooks evenly and achieves a crispy texture. Most air fryers have a preheat function that you can use.
2. Use less oil: One of the benefits of using an air fryer is that you can use less oil compared to traditional frying methods. A light spray of oil or a brush of oil on your food is usually enough to create a crispy coating.
3. Arrange food in a single layer: To ensure that your food cooks evenly and crisps up nicely, it’s important to arrange your food in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding the basket can result in uneven cooking.
4. Flip or shake the basket: To promote even cooking, it’s a good idea to flip or shake the basket halfway through the cooking time. This helps to ensure that all sides of the food are exposed to the circulating hot air.
5. Adjust cooking time and temperature: Air fryers can vary in terms of temperature and cooking time, so it’s important to follow the recipe instructions or adjust accordingly. Start with the recommended cooking time and temperature, and check for doneness as you go.
6. Experiment with different recipes: The air fryer is a great tool for experimenting with different recipes. You can use it to make crispy vegetables, juicy chicken wings, crunchy snacks, and even desserts. Don’t be afraid to try new things!
Overall, cooking in the air fryer is a convenient and healthy way to enjoy your favorite fried foods. With a little experimentation and some basic tips, you can achieve crispy and delicious results every time.
Serve and Enjoy
Once the kachoris are cooked to a golden brown perfection in the air fryer, it’s time to serve and enjoy these delicious treats. Here are a few suggestions on how to serve your kachoris:
Serving Suggestions:
- Plain: Serve the kachoris as is, without any accompaniments. They are delicious on their own and make for a great snack.
- Chutney: Serve the kachoris with a side of mint or tamarind chutney. The tangy and spicy flavors of the chutney complement the kachori perfectly.
- Yogurt: Make a refreshing yogurt dip by whisking together some yogurt, salt, cumin powder, and chopped coriander. Serve the kachoris with this cooling dip.
You can also serve the kachoris with a side of green chilies, pickles, or a cup of hot masala chai for a complete Indian street food experience.
Enjoying the Kachoris:
Take a bite into the crispy outer shell of the kachori and savor the flavorful filling inside. The combination of spices and textures will leave you craving for more. These air fryer kachoris make for a perfect snack or appetizer for parties, potlucks, or even as a quick tea-time treat.
So, invite your friends and family over, serve them a plate of these delicious kachoris, and watch as they enjoy this traditional Indian delicacy made healthier in the air fryer.
FAQ
What is kachori?
Kachori is a popular Indian snack made with a crispy outer crust and a spicy filling. It is usually deep-fried, but can also be made in an air fryer for a healthier version.
How do I make kachori in an air fryer?
To make kachori in an air fryer, start by preparing the dough using all-purpose flour, oil, and water. Let the dough rest for some time. Then, prepare the filling by sautéing onions, spices, and other ingredients. Roll the dough into small discs, place the filling in the center, fold the dough to seal the filling, and shape it into a ball. Preheat the air fryer, brush the kachori with oil, and cook them in the air fryer until they turn golden brown and crispy.
