Ingredients and preparation
To make delicious air fryer samosas, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- For the dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil or ghee
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup water (adjust as needed)
- For the filling:
- 2 large potatoes, boiled and mashed
- 1/2 cup green peas, boiled
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons oil
Preparation:
1. Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Add the vegetable oil or ghee and mix well until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add water, a little at a time, and knead the mixture into a smooth, firm dough. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for about 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the filling: Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown. Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and cook for another minute until the raw smell disappears. Add the mashed potatoes, boiled peas, coriander powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, and salt. Mix everything well and cook for 2-3 minutes. Turn off the heat and add the chopped cilantro and lemon juice. Mix again and let the filling cool completely.
3. Assemble the samosas: Divide the dough into equal-sized balls. Roll each ball into a thin oval or circle, about 6 inches in diameter. Cut the rolled dough in half to form two semi-circles. Take one semi-circle and fold it into a cone shape, sealing the edge with a little water. Fill the cone with 1-2 tablespoons of the prepared filling. Seal the open edge by pressing it together, ensuring there are no gaps. Repeat the process with the remaining dough and filling.
Air frying instructions
Once your samosas are assembled, it’s time to cook them in the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 3-5 minutes. Preheating ensures that the samosas cook evenly and develop a nice, crispy exterior.
Lightly brush or spray the samosas with a small amount of oil. This step is crucial for achieving that golden-brown color and crispy texture without deep frying. Arrange the samosas in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching each other. Overcrowding the basket can lead to uneven cooking, so if you have a smaller air fryer, you may need to cook the samosas in batches.
Air fry the samosas at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the size of your samosas and the specific model of your air fryer, so keep an eye on them. The samosas are done when they are golden brown and crispy on all sides.
If you prefer a darker, more golden crust, you can increase the temperature to 375°F (190°C) for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. However, be careful not to overcook them, as this can cause the filling to dry out.
Once cooked, carefully remove the samosas from the air fryer and let them cool slightly on a wire rack. This helps to maintain their crispiness as they cool. Serve them hot with your favorite chutneys or dipping sauces.
Serving suggestions and tips
To elevate your air fryer samosas to the next level, consider pairing them with a variety of chutneys and dips. Traditional options like mint-cilantro chutney, tamarind chutney, or a tangy yogurt dip are always crowd-pleasers. For a more contemporary twist, you could serve them with a spicy sriracha mayo or a cooling cucumber raita. The contrast between the crispy, savory samosas and the cool, tangy dips creates a delightful balance of flavors.
For a complete meal, serve the samosas alongside a fresh salad or a light soup. A cucumber and tomato salad with a sprinkle of chaat masala can add a refreshing element to your meal. Alternatively, a bowl of lentil soup or a light vegetable curry can complement the samosas beautifully, making for a satisfying and well-rounded dish.
When it comes to garnishing, a sprinkle of chaat masala or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the samosas just before serving can enhance their flavor profile. If you want to add a bit of heat, a dash of red chili flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce can do the trick.
For those who enjoy a bit of indulgence, consider stuffing the samosas with a small piece of paneer or cheese before sealing them. The cheese will melt during the air frying process, adding a rich, creamy texture to the filling. This variation is particularly popular with kids and can be a fun way to introduce them to new flavors.
If you’re planning to serve the samosas at a party or gathering, you can prepare them in advance and reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes just before serving. This will help retain their crispiness and ensure they are served hot and fresh. You can also experiment with different fillings, such as spiced minced meat, lentils, or even a sweet filling like coconut and jaggery, to cater to a variety of tastes.