Olivia Carter
Pani Puri, also known as Golgappa or Puchka, is a popular Indian street food that is loved by people of all ages. It consists of crispy puri shells filled with a tangy and spicy pani (flavored water) and a flavorful filling. Traditionally, Pani Puri is deep-fried, but with the advent of air fryers, you can now make this delicious snack with less oil and calories.
Making Pani Puri in an air fryer is not only a healthier alternative to the deep-fried version, but it is also quick and easy. The puris become crispy and golden brown, and the pani remains just as flavorful as ever. Plus, you have the freedom to experiment with different fillings and adjust the spiciness according to your taste.
To make Pani Puri in an air fryer, you will need a few basic ingredients such as semolina, all-purpose flour, salt, water, and oil. You will also need ingredients for the pani, such as mint leaves, coriander leaves, green chilies, tamarind paste, chat masala, and black salt. A dash of lemon juice adds a refreshing tang to the pani.
Once you have the ingredients ready, you can start by making the puris. Combine the semolina, all-purpose flour, salt, and oil in a mixing bowl. Gradually add water and knead into a stiff dough. Divide the dough into small balls and roll them into thin circles. Place the circles in the air fryer basket and cook them at a high temperature until they turn crispy and puffed.
While the puris are cooking, you can prepare the pani. Blend the mint leaves, coriander leaves, green chilies, tamarind paste, chat masala, black salt, and lemon juice in a blender until you get a smooth mixture. Strain the mixture and dilute it with water as per your preference.
Once the puris and the pani are ready, it’s time for the final step – assembling the Pani Puri. Take a puri, gently crack it open from the top, and fill it with a spoonful of the filling of your choice, such as boiled potatoes, sprouts, chickpeas, or moong dal. Dip the filled puri into the pani and enjoy the burst of flavors in your mouth.
So, unleash your creativity and culinary skills, and make some delicious Pani Puri in your air fryer. Whether it’s a party, a festive occasion, or simply a craving, Pani Puri is always a crowd-pleaser that never fails to delight everyone with its unique taste and texture.
Preparing the Filling
To make the filling for pani puri, you will need the following ingredients:
1. Chickpeas: Drain and rinse a can of chickpeas before measuring out one cup.
2. Potatoes: Boil and peel two medium-sized potatoes, then dice them into small cubes.
3. Onion: Finely chop half an onion.
4. Green Chutney: In a blender, combine one cup of coriander leaves, a small piece of ginger, one green chili, a teaspoon of lemon juice, and salt to taste. Blend until you have a smooth paste.
5. Tamarind Chutney: In a small bowl, soak a small piece of tamarind in warm water for 10 minutes. Then, extract the pulp and discard any seeds or fibers.
6. Chaat Masala: Sprinkle chaat masala powder over the filling to add a tangy flavor.
7. Boondi: Optional, but you can add some boondi on top for extra crunch.
8. Sev: Optional, but you can sprinkle some sev on top for added texture.
Once you have gathered all the ingredients, follow these steps to prepare the filling:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine the chickpeas, diced potatoes, and finely chopped onion.
2. Add the green chutney and tamarind chutney to the bowl, and mix everything well.
3. Sprinkle chaat masala over the filling and mix again to distribute the flavors.
4. Taste the filling and adjust the seasoning if needed by adding more salt or chutney.
5. Finally, you can add some boondi and sev on top of the filling for added texture and flavor.
Now that your filling is ready, you can move on to assembling the pani puri using your air fryer.
Making the Puri Dough
To make the puri dough, you will need:
- 2 cups of semolina (rava)
- 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour (maida)
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1 tablespoon of oil
- Approximately 3/4 cup of water
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the semolina, all-purpose flour, and salt.
2. Gradually add the oil and mix well to incorporate it into the dry ingredients.
3. Slowly add water while kneading the dough until it comes together. The dough should be firm and not too sticky. You may need slightly more or less water depending on the absorbency of your semolina.
4. Continue to knead the dough for about 5 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
5. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for at least 30 minutes. This will help the dough to relax and become easier to work with.
Now that your puri dough is ready, you can proceed with making the pani puris in your air fryer according to the recipe instructions.
Cooking the Puris
Once the dough has rested, divide it into small lemon-sized balls. Dust each ball with flour to prevent it from sticking.
Preheat your air fryer at 180 degrees Celsius.
Option 1: Deep-frying with Air Fryer
If you prefer a healthier version of pani puri, you can use the air fryer to cook the puris. Place the rolled puris in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between them. Cook for about 7 to 8 minutes or until they turn golden brown and puffy.
Option 2: Traditional Deep-frying
If you want the authentic taste and texture of deep-fried puris, you can choose to fry them traditionally in hot oil. Heat oil in a deep pan or kadai to about 180 degrees Celsius. Carefully slide one puri into the hot oil and gently press it with a slotted spoon. This will help the puri puff up. Fry until golden brown on both sides, flipping as needed. Remove the puris using a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
Whichever method you choose, remember to let the puris cool completely before filling them with your desired fillings and serving them with pani.
Now that you have cooked the puris, you are ready to enjoy the delicious and crispy pani puris made in the air fryer!
Assembling and Serving
To assemble and serve the pani puri, follow these steps:
- Take a puri and gently press the top to create a small hole.
- Add a spoonful of boiled mashed potatoes into the puri through the hole.
- Add some boiled chickpeas into the puri.
- Pour the prepared pani into the puri until it is filled.
- Top the puri with a generous amount of sweet tamarind chutney.
- Sprinkle some finely chopped onion on top.
- Garnish with finely chopped coriander leaves.
- Repeat the process with the remaining puris.
You can serve the assembled pani puris immediately after assembling, as they tend to become soggy if left for too long. Serve the pani puri on a serving plate or in a platter, accompanied by extra pani and tamarind chutney for those who prefer more.
Enjoy the crispy and tangy pani puri with its burst of flavors!
FAQ
What is Pani Puri?
Pani Puri is a popular Indian street food snack made of crispy hollow puris filled with a mixture of spicy mashed potatoes, chickpeas, and tangy tamarind chutney.
Can Pani Puri be made in an air fryer?
Yes, you can make Pani Puri in an air fryer. It is a healthier alternative to deep frying as it requires less oil.
What are the ingredients needed to make Pani Puri in an air fryer?
To make Pani Puri in an air fryer, you will need puris, boiled potatoes, boiled chickpeas, tamarind chutney, mint-coriander chutney, chaat masala, cumin powder, black salt, salt, red chili powder, and water.
How do you make Pani Puri in an air fryer?
To make Pani Puri in an air fryer, first, preheat the air fryer at 180 degrees Celsius. Then, place the puris in the air fryer basket and spray them with a little oil. Air fry the puris for about 8-10 minutes or until they turn crispy. Meanwhile, prepare the filling by mixing mashed potatoes, chickpeas, and spices. Once the puris are ready, let them cool and then make a small hole in each puri to fill them with the prepared filling. Finally, pour the tangy tamarind water into the puris and serve immediately.
