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Air Fryer Samosas: A Healthier Twist on a Classic Snack

Samosas are a beloved snack in many parts of the world, particularly in South Asia. These delightful pastries, typically filled with spiced potatoes, peas, or meat, are characterised by their crisp exterior and comforting filling. Traditionally deep-fried, samosas can be high in calories and fat, but with the advent of air fryers, food enthusiasts can now enjoy this classic dish in a healthier way without sacrificing flavour. Let’s explore how to make air fryer samosas that are just as delicious but significantly lower in fat.

The Benefits of Using an Air Fryer

Air fryers use hot air circulation to cook food, resulting in a crispy finish with significantly less oil than conventional frying methods. Here are a few benefits of making samosas in an air fryer:

1. Healthier Cooking: Air frying reduces the amount of fat needed, making it an ideal method for healthier versions of fried snacks.

2. Simple and Quick: Air fryers preheat quickly and cook food faster than traditional ovens, resulting in crispy samosas in just a fraction of the time.

3. Less Mess: With no oil splatters to worry about, clean-up becomes considerably easier when using an air fryer.

4. Versatile: You can experiment with different fillings and dough variations, making air fryer samosas perfect for various dietary preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create your own air fryer samosas, gather the following ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 2 cups plain flour
• 2 tablespoons oil (vegetable or ghee)
• ½ teaspoon caraway seeds (optional)
• A pinch of salt
• Water (as needed to form a dough)

For the Filling:

• 2 large potatoes, boiled and mashed
• 1 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• ½ teaspoon garam masala
• ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
• Salt to taste
• Chopped fresh coriander (optional)
• A squeeze of lemon juice (optional)

Instructions to Make Air Fryer Samosas

1. Prepare the Dough:

   • In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and caraway seeds. Add the oil and mix until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
   • Gradually add water until the mixture forms a firm dough. Knead gently for about 5 minutes, then cover and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.

2. Make the Filling:

   • Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
   • Stir in the mashed potatoes and green peas. Add coriander powder, garam masala, turmeric powder, and salt. Mix well and remove from heat. If using, add fresh coriander and a squeeze of lemon juice for extra flavour. Allow the mixture to cool.

3. Assemble the Samosas:

   • Divide the dough into small balls. Roll each ball into a thin oval or circle about 6 inches in diameter. Cut the circle in half.
   • Take one half and create a cone shape by folding it over. Seal the edge with a little water.
   • Fill the cone with the potato and pea mixture, then seal the top by pressing the edges together. Make sure there are no gaps or holes.

4. Air Fry the Samosas:

   • Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (356°F).
   • Lightly brush the samosas with oil to enhance crispiness.
   • Place the samosas in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not touch each other.
   • Air fry for about 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
5. Serve:
   • Remove the samosas from the air fryer and serve hot with mango chutney, mint sauce, or your favourite dipping sauce.

Conclusion

Air fryer samosas offer a brilliant alternative to the traditional deep-fried variety, allowing you to indulge in this popular snack without the guilt. With a perfect balance of spices and a crunchy texture, they make for an excellent appetiser or party food. Whether you prefer the classic potato filling or wish to experiment with other ingredients such as lentils or minced meat, the air fryer can handle it all. So gather your ingredients, fire up your air fryer, and enjoy this delightful treat!

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