Chef Sanjeev Kapoor's Guide to Quick and Healthy Air Fryer Snacks
If you love the indulgence of deep-fried foods but want a smarter, healthier alternative, air fryers are a game-changer. The comfort of crispy pyaz pakoda or the juicy delight of chicken popcorn, when prepared in an air fryer, results in an unmatched treat with less oil. Celebrity chef Sanjeev Kapoor recently showcased this in a YouTube video, demonstrating how to make iconic deep-fried snacks quickly and healthily using an air fryer. Don't just take our word for it—scroll down to explore the recipes and try them yourself for a guilt-free snacking experience.
Falafel: A Middle Eastern Delight
Combine 1 cup of soaked and dried chickpeas with 1 onion, 3-4 garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon of coriander leaves, 1 teaspoon of cumin powder, black salt, black pepper, baking soda, salt to taste, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Mix until you achieve a batter-like consistency. Shape the mixture into small balls or patties. Air fry them at 190°C for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. Serve with pita bread and hummus for a complete meal.
Sabudana Vada: A Fasting Favorite
Start by washing and soaking 100 grams of sabudana in 100ml of water for 5-7 hours. Wash again and transfer to a bowl. Add 1 mashed potato, 1 teaspoon of ginger, coriander leaves, salt, pepper, lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons of corn flour. Shape the mixture into vadas. Air fry at 180°C for 15 minutes. Flip, brush with some ghee, and air fry for another 10 minutes until golden and crispy.
Onion Pakoda: A Classic Crispy Snack
Wash and chop 100 grams of onion. Add 1/2 cup of besan, 1 teaspoon of carom seeds, salt, chaat masala, 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder, 1 teaspoon of red chilli powder, and black pepper. Place foil in the air fryer tray, spray with oil, and place small portions of the batter to form pakodas. Air fry at 200°C for 6 minutes. Flip, apply more oil, and air fry for another 8 minutes. Enjoy with coriander chutney.
Kurkuri Bhindi: Crunchy Okra Strips
Wash and dry 250 grams of bhindi thoroughly. Trim the ends and slice lengthwise into thin strips. Add 1/2 cup of besan, 2 tablespoons of rice flour, salt, turmeric, and 1 teaspoon of red chilli powder. Toss with some oil and spray more on the fryer tray. Place the bhindi strips and air fry at 180°C for 12-15 minutes until crispy.
Chicken Popcorn: Juicy and Crispy Bites
Mix 250 grams of boneless chicken with 1/2 cup of curd and 2 tablespoons of ginger garlic paste. Let it marinate for 30 minutes. For the coating, combine 1/2 cup of maida, 2 tablespoons of cornflour, mixed herbs, and salt. Coat each marinated piece well in the flour mixture. Grease the air fryer tray and air fry for 12-15 minutes at 190°C. Serve hot for a satisfying snack.
Banana Chips: A South Indian Specialty
Peel 2 green bananas, slice them, and soak in salted water for 10 minutes. Pat dry completely, then toss with coconut oil, salt, and turmeric. Air fry at 150°C for 8-10 minutes. Serve hot with filter coffee for a traditional touch.
Coconut Shrimps: A Seafood Treat
Combine 1/2 cup of refined flour, 1/2 teaspoon of dried mixed herbs, salt to taste, 3/4 teaspoon of black pepper powder, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of paprika powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 egg, 2 tablespoons of milk, 1 teaspoon of hot sauce, 3/4 cup of grated coconut, and 1/3 cup of breadcrumbs. Mix well. Add washed shrimps and coat them thoroughly. Spray oil on the air fryer tray, place the shrimps, and air fry for 3-4 minutes at 190°C. Serve immediately for a delicious appetizer.
These recipes from Chef Sanjeev Kapoor prove that air fryers can transform your snacking habits, offering healthier versions of beloved treats without sacrificing flavor or texture. Give them a try and enjoy guilt-free indulgence!
