Air Fryer Indian Recipes Veg: Quick & Healthy Meals

Indian cuisine is renowned worldwide for its vibrant flavors, bold spices, and diverse vegetarian dishes. Thanks to modern kitchen gadgets like the air fryer, enjoying these classic Indian vegetarian delights has never been easier or healthier.

Air frying allows you to achieve perfectly crispy textures without the excess oil typically used in deep frying, making it an excellent choice for health-conscious food lovers. Whether you’re craving crispy samosas, tandoori-style vegetables, or spiced pakoras, the air fryer can transform your kitchen into an Indian street food haven with less mess and fewer calories.

In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the best air fryer Indian recipes for vegetarians that are simple, quick, and bursting with authentic flavors. Get ready to impress your family and friends with easy-to-make dishes that don’t compromise on taste or nutrition!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Using an air fryer to prepare Indian vegetarian recipes brings several benefits:

• Healthier Cooking: Less oil means fewer calories and less grease, perfect for those watching their fat intake.
• Quick and Convenient: Air fryers cook faster than traditional ovens or stovetops, making meal prep a breeze.
• Authentic Flavors: The high heat circulation helps lock in spices and crisp the exterior while keeping the inside tender.
• Versatility: From snacks to main dishes, air fryers can handle a variety of Indian vegetarian recipes with ease.

Ingredients

• For Air Fryer Samosas:
• 2 cups boiled and mashed potatoes
• 1/2 cup boiled green peas
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp chaat masala
• 1/2 tsp red chili powder
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves, chopped
• 8-10 spring roll wrappers or samosa pastry sheets
• 1 tbsp oil (for brushing)
• For Tandoori Cauliflower:
• 1 medium cauliflower, cut into florets
• 1/2 cup thick yogurt (use plant-based yogurt for vegan option)
• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tbsp tandoori masala
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander for garnish
• For Crispy Pakoras:
• 1 cup chickpea flour (besan)
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 1 medium potato, grated
• 1 green chili, finely chopped
• 1 tsp carom seeds (ajwain)
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• Salt to taste
• Water as needed to make batter
• Oil spray for air fryer basket

Equipment

• Air fryer (preferably with a basket and adjustable temperature)
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Knife and chopping board
• Whisk or spoon for mixing batter and stuffing
• Basting brush (for oil application)

Instructions

Air Fryer Samosas

1. Prepare the filling: Heat a pan and dry roast cumin seeds until fragrant. Add the mashed potatoes, boiled peas, garam masala, chaat masala, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well and cook for 2-3 minutes. Stir in chopped coriander and remove from heat.
2. Assemble samosas: Take one spring roll wrapper, cut in half if needed. Fold into a cone shape and fill with 1-2 tablespoons of the potato mixture. Seal edges with a mixture of flour and water to prevent filling from spilling.
3. Preheat air fryer: Set to 180°C (350°F) and preheat for 3 minutes.
4. Cook samosas: Lightly brush each samosa with oil. Place samosas in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
5. Serve hot with mint chutney or tamarind sauce.

Tandoori Cauliflower

1. Marinate cauliflower: In a bowl, mix yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, tandoori masala, turmeric, smoked paprika, lemon juice, and salt. Toss cauliflower florets in the marinade ensuring even coating. Let it sit for 30 minutes.
2. Preheat air fryer: Heat air fryer to 200°C (390°F) for 5 minutes.
3. Cook cauliflower: Arrange marinated cauliflower in the basket. Air fry for 15-18 minutes, shaking the basket or turning the florets halfway to cook evenly.
4. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle fresh coriander leaves before serving with a side of cooling raita or lemon wedges.

Crispy Pakoras

1. Make batter: In a large bowl, combine chickpea flour, carom seeds, cumin powder, turmeric, red chili powder, and salt. Gradually add water to make a thick batter.
2. Add vegetables: Mix in sliced onions, grated potatoes, and chopped green chili into the batter.
3. Preheat air fryer: Set to 180°C (350°F) and preheat for 3 minutes.
4. Form pakoras: Drop spoonfuls of batter into the air fryer basket, leaving space between each.
5. Cook pakoras: Spray a little oil over the pakoras. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and golden brown.
6. Enjoy with chutney or ketchup.

Tips & Variations

“For extra crispiness, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary.”

• Samosa Wrappers: Use phyllo dough or homemade samosa pastry for a traditional touch. You can also experiment with gluten-free wraps.
• Vegan Options: Substitute yogurt with coconut or almond yogurt for the tandoori cauliflower to keep it vegan.
• Spice Levels: Adjust chili powder and green chilies according to your preferred heat level.
• Additional Veggies: Add finely chopped carrots, bell peppers, or spinach in the pakora batter for an extra nutrient boost.
• Herbs: Fresh mint or fenugreek leaves can be added to samosa filling for an aromatic twist.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

These air fryer Indian vegetarian recipes are incredibly versatile and can be served in many ways:

• Samosas: Pair with tangy tamarind chutney or refreshing mint-coriander chutney. They make a perfect appetizer or teatime snack.
• Tandoori Cauliflower: Serve alongside basmati rice or naan bread for a wholesome meal. Add a dollop of raita to balance the spices.
• Pakoras: Ideal for rainy days or festive occasions. Enjoy them with a cup of masala chai or as a crunchy side to any meal.

For more delicious recipes that complement your Indian air fryer meals, check out our Breakfast Wellington Recipe, Bread And Gravy Recipe, or explore unique flavors with our Bluebill Duck Recipes.

Conclusion

Air fryer Indian vegetarian recipes are an excellent way to enjoy traditional flavors with a modern, health-conscious twist. These dishes bring the best of Indian spices and textures without the added oil and hassle of deep frying.

With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can whip up delicious samosas, tandoori cauliflower, and pakoras that will delight your family and guests alike.

Whether you’re new to Indian cooking or looking to adapt your favorite recipes for the air fryer, these options offer versatility and taste that won’t disappoint. Experiment with spices, herbs, and veggies to customize each recipe to your liking.

Dive into this flavorful journey and discover how air frying can revolutionize your vegetarian Indian meals!

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