Indian vegetarian snacks have a special place in every food lover’s heart, known for their rich flavors, aromatic spices, and delightful textures. Thanks to the air fryer, you can now enjoy crispy, guilt-free versions of these traditional snacks with minimal oil and fuss.
Whether you’re craving the classic samosa, crispy pakoras, or spicy aloo tikki, the air fryer makes preparing these treats easier and healthier without compromising on taste.
In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the best air fryer recipes for Indian veg snacks, perfect for tea time, parties, or just a flavorful snack anytime. Each recipe is carefully crafted to deliver authentic taste with a modern twist, ensuring you experience the magic of Indian street food right in your kitchen.
Plus, we’ll share tips, ingredient lists, and nutrition facts so you can make these snacks with confidence and ease.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Air fryer Indian veg snacks are a game-changer for health-conscious foodies and busy home cooks alike. Here’s why:
- Healthier Cooking: Less oil means lower calories but with the same crispy, delicious results.
- Quick and Easy: Air frying cuts down cooking time and mess, perfect for busy days or spontaneous cravings.
- Authentic Flavor: The spices and herbs remain vibrant, delivering the traditional taste you love.
- Versatility: You can experiment with various snacks like samosas, pakoras, kebabs, and more, all made in one convenient appliance.
Ingredients
For Air Fryer Samosas
- 1 cup boiled and mashed potatoes
- 1/2 cup boiled green peas
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1/2 tsp red chili powder
- 1/2 tsp amchur (dry mango powder)
- Salt to taste
- 8-10 spring roll pastry sheets or samosa wrappers
- Water for sealing the edges
- Cooking spray or oil for brushing
For Air Fryer Vegetable Pakoras
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (onion, potato, spinach, cauliflower), finely chopped
- 3/4 cup besan (gram flour)
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1/2 tsp red chili powder
- 1/2 tsp carom seeds (ajwain)
- Salt to taste
- Water as needed to make a thick batter
- Cooking spray or oil for air frying
For Air Fryer Aloo Tikki
- 2 large boiled potatoes, mashed
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onions
- 1-2 green chilies, finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp cumin powder
- 1/2 tsp chaat masala
- 2 tbsp chopped coriander leaves
- Salt to taste
- 1/4 cup bread crumbs or semolina (rava) for coating
- Cooking spray or oil for air frying
Equipment
- Air Fryer: Essential for all these recipes. A 4-6 quart capacity works well.
- Mixing bowls: For preparing filling and batter.
- Rolling pin and board: For shaping samosas (if making dough from scratch).
- Spatula or tongs: To turn snacks during air frying.
- Measuring spoons and cups: For accurate ingredient portions.
- Brush: For applying oil or cooking spray for crispiness.
Instructions
Air Fryer Samosas
- Prepare the filling: Heat oil in a pan, add cumin seeds and grated ginger. Once fragrant, add boiled potatoes and peas. Stir in garam masala, chili powder, amchur, and salt. Mix well and cook for 3-4 minutes. Let the filling cool.
- Shape samosas: Take the pastry sheets, cut into strips. Fold each strip into a cone and fill with the potato-pea mixture. Seal the edges with water to form a triangle.
- Preheat air fryer: Set to 180°C (350°F) for 3 minutes.
- Air fry samosas: Place samosas in the basket without overcrowding. Spray lightly with oil. Cook for 12-15 minutes, turning halfway, until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve hot: Enjoy with mint chutney or tamarind sauce.
Air Fryer Vegetable Pakoras
- Make the batter: In a bowl, mix besan, turmeric, coriander powder, chili powder, carom seeds, and salt. Add water gradually to form a thick batter.
- Add vegetables: Fold in chopped mixed vegetables, ensuring they’re well coated.
- Preheat air fryer: 200°C (400°F) for 3 minutes.
- Shape pakoras: Using a spoon, drop small portions of batter onto parchment or directly into air fryer basket. Space them out.
- Cook: Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until pakoras are golden and crisp.
- Serve: Pair with green chutney or ketchup.
Air Fryer Aloo Tikki
- Prepare the mixture: Combine mashed potatoes, onions, green chilies, cumin powder, chaat masala, coriander leaves, and salt.
- Shape tikkis: Divide into equal portions, flatten into patties, and coat lightly with bread crumbs or semolina.
- Preheat air fryer: 180°C (350°F) for 3 minutes.
- Air fry: Place tikkis in a single layer, spray with oil, and cook for 10-15 minutes, flipping once, until crispy and golden.
- Serve: With sweet tamarind chutney and yogurt for an authentic street-style experience.
Tips & Variations
“Don’t overcrowd your air fryer basket! Giving space ensures even cooking and perfect crispiness.”
- For extra crispiness: Lightly brush or spray oil on snacks before air frying.
- Customize spices: Adjust chili and garam masala quantities to suit your heat preference.
- Try different fillings: For samosas, experiment with paneer, mixed vegetables, or lentils.
- Make gluten-free: Use rice flour or chickpea flour pastry sheets for samosas.
- Leftover snacks: Reheat in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes to retain crispness.
Nutrition Facts
Snack | Calories (per serving) | Fat | Carbohydrates | Protein |
---|---|---|---|---|
Air Fryer Samosas (2 pieces) | 180 kcal | 5 g | 28 g | 4 g |
Air Fryer Vegetable Pakoras (5 pieces) | 150 kcal | 4 g | 22 g | 5 g |
Air Fryer Aloo Tikki (2 pieces) | 160 kcal | 3.5 g | 27 g | 4 g |
Serving Suggestions
Serve your air fryer Indian veg snacks hot with a variety of delicious accompaniments. Fresh mint-coriander chutney and tangy tamarind chutney are classic choices that add a burst of flavor.
For a more filling snack experience, pair these treats with a cup of masala chai or a refreshing glass of buttermilk (chaas). You can also add a side of yogurt or raita to balance the spices and provide a cool contrast.
Hosting a party? Arrange these snacks on a platter with colorful dips and garnishes like chopped coriander and lemon wedges to impress your guests with authentic Indian street food vibes.
Conclusion
Air fryer Indian veg snacks offer a fantastic way to enjoy your favorite traditional treats without the guilt of deep frying. By using an air fryer, you save time, reduce oil consumption, and still get that irresistible crunch and authentic taste.
These recipes are perfect for tea time, quick snacks, or party appetizers, and the best part is how customizable they are to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, these easy-to-follow recipes will help you master the art of Indian snacks in a modern, healthier way. Don’t forget to explore more creative recipes like our Breakfast Wellington Recipe or indulge in hearty meals such as Braised Pork Ribs With Radish Recipe.
Happy cooking and enjoy every crispy bite!
📖 Recipe Card: Air Fryer Indian Veg Snacks
Description: A collection of crispy and flavorful Indian vegetarian snacks made quickly in an air fryer. Perfect for a healthy and tasty appetizer or snack.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT35M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups boiled and mashed potatoes
- 1/2 cup boiled green peas
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onions
- 2 green chilies, finely chopped
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1/2 tsp garam masala
- 1/2 tsp red chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
- 1/4 cup chopped coriander leaves
- Salt to taste
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
Instructions
- Mix mashed potatoes, peas, onions, green chilies, ginger, garam masala, red chili powder, cumin seeds, coriander, salt, and oil in a bowl.
- Form the mixture into small patties and coat them evenly with bread crumbs.
- Preheat the air fryer to 180°C (356°F) for 5 minutes.
- Place the patties in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden and crispy.
- Serve hot with green chutney or ketchup.
Nutrition: Calories: 180 kcal | Protein: 4 g | Fat: 5 g | Carbs: 30 g
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