Indian cuisine is renowned for its bold flavors, vibrant colors, and hearty spices. With its rich history and versatility, it’s no wonder that Indian food has gained worldwide popularity over centuries.
One of the most significant advantages of Indian cooking is its emphasis on healthy, gluten-free, and vegetarian options, making it a staple for many enthusiasts. While some recipes can be time-consuming, the advent of air fryers has revolutionized the way we cook Indian dishes.
Today, we’re excited to share 23 mouthwatering Indian air fryer recipes that prove cooking delicious Indian food is no longer a time-consuming affair.
Gobi Manchurian
This delectable gobi Manchurian recipe seamlessly blends the flavors of classic Indian cuisine with the sweet and sour essence of Chinese cooking, resulting in a harmoniously seasoned dish. The standout feature is undoubtedly the sticky-sweet sauce, which perfectly complements the divine crispness of the cauliflower. For an added layer of depth, serve the cauliflower atop a bed of rice or noodles, generously drizzled with the bold sauce.
Simple Naan Bread Recipe
The allure of naan bread is undeniable – its perfect balance of fluffiness and firmness makes it the ultimate accompaniment to an Indian meal. While it may seem like a straightforward combination of ingredients, there’s something deeply satisfying about sinking your teeth into a warm, freshly baked naan. In this recipe, we’ve stripped back the complexity and distilled the process down to just two essential ingredients: Greek yogurt and self-raising flour.
With these humble components, you can create a traditional Indian bread that’s begging to be paired with butter, or perhaps a spicy dip for an added kick. The possibilities are endless.
Dal Vada
Looking for a delicious Indian breakfast recipe? Look no further than this authentic dal vada recipe. This popular Indian snack is made with Chana dal, red lentils, and an aromatic blend of spices, including Nigella seeds, ginger paste, turmeric, salt, onion, and serrano pepper. The result is a tasty fritter that’s both crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside when fried to perfection.
Stuffed Okra
This delectable Indian side dish, also known as Bharwa Bhindi, is a flavorful treat that just happens to be low in calories, gluten-free, and vegan-friendly. The best part? It’s ridiculously easy to prepare! Once cooked, the okra develops a delightful texture, boasting bold spicy notes, a sweet coconut finish, and subtle hints of dry curry. We’re particularly fond of how this recipe masterfully balances sweet, savory, spicy, and tangy flavors to create an unforgettable taste experience.
Roasted Cauliflower And Cilantro Yogurt Sauce
Indulge in a delightful low-carb appetizer experience with this roasted cauliflower and cilantro yogurt sauce recipe. This refreshing treat will surely impress your guests at the next gathering. To achieve its signature flavor, the cauliflower is simply seasoned with a blend of garlic powder, cumin, and salt. Meanwhile, the yogurt sauce is expertly crafted using a combination of yogurt, cilantro, chili pepper, garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper.
With its ease of preparation and crowd-pleasing taste, this recipe is sure to become a staple at your next party.
Taro Fries
Indulge your love for fries while maintaining a healthier diet by trying out taro fries made in an air fryer. Unlike their potato-based counterparts, these crispy treats are free from excess grease, boasting a deliciously fluffy center and packed with flavor. When paired with a zesty cilantro dip, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings without compromising on nutrition. Simply follow the recipe and enjoy the delightful combination of textures and tastes.
Tandoori Chicken Wings
Indulge in the bold flavors of India with this mouthwatering recipe for tandoori chicken wings. The harmonious blend of spices, yogurt, and smoke will transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of Mumbai. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds a delightful zing, making these wings perfect for a BBQ party or a casual gathering with friends. And the best part?
They’re surprisingly easy to prepare in advance, allowing you to focus on enjoying the company of your guests rather than stressing over last-minute cooking. With their satisfying crunch on the outside and juicy tenderness within, these smoky wings are sure to be a hit.
Lamb Kofta Kebabs
Indulge in the mouthwatering flavors of lamb kofta kebabs, expertly crafted to deliver succulent, juicy bites that will impress even the pickiest eaters. To ensure your kebabs don’t fall victim to dryness, this recipe provides a foolproof solution for achieving tender, flavorful results. Best of all, it’s a quick and healthy option that’s sure to become a family favorite, warranting repeat visits to the kitchen time and time again.
Ivy Gourd Fry
Ivy gourds, a type of fruit native to tropical plants, share some visual similarities with zucchini. Their flavor profile is distinctively bitter and melon-like. If you’re fortunate enough to get your hands on an ivy gourd, you can transform it into delectable fries that are both crispy and fluffy. This recipe takes just 35 minutes to prepare and yields a well-seasoned treat.
The seasoning blend features a fusion of cayenne pepper, turmeric, garam masala, chaat masala, carom seeds, and salt, resulting in an unforgettable flavor experience.
Aloo Gobi
Imagine the flavors of Northern India on your plate in just 20 minutes with your air fryer! Aloo Gobi, a beloved recipe, is now easily achievable at home. This quick and easy adaptation lets you enjoy a crispy, spicy, and well-seasoned dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend brunch. All it takes is tossing potatoes and cauliflower in spices and then roasting them to perfection in your air fryer.
Spicy Bombay Potatoes
Transforming humble potatoes into a flavorful Indian-inspired side dish is as easy as 1-2-3 with this spicy recipe. The secret lies in the carefully crafted spice blend that awakens the senses. To begin, parboil the potatoes before coating them in a fragrant mixture of coriander, cumin, amchur, turmeric, chaat masala, and Kashmiri chili powder. This harmonious blend not only adds depth but also creates an unforgettable taste experience.
Whether you’re hosting guests or simply looking to spice up your mealtime routine, this recipe is sure to impress.
Air Fryer Samosas
The air fryer’s unique ability to produce a crispy exterior without deep-frying also elevates another Indian favorite: samosas. This recipe takes a flavorful mix of sautéed corn, onions, peas, carrots, and potatoes, wraps it in a thin, vegan-friendly pastry, and then ‘fries’ the whole thing for under 4 minutes. The result is a deliciously crunchy exterior giving way to a savory filling.
While the traditional filling does feature a blend of vegetables, feel free to get creative and fill your samosas with paneer or whatever suits your taste buds.
Nan Khatai
Discover the versatility of your air fryer by whipping up a delicious batch of Indian-inspired cookies in under 30 minutes. This innovative recipe combines the best of chickpea flour, all-purpose flour, semolina, and other essential ingredients to produce a flaky, lightly sweet, and tender treat that will impress with its crispy texture and mouthwatering flavor.
Tandoori Aloo Tikka
Indulge in the delightful fusion of flavors and textures with tandoori aloo tikka, a scrumptious vegetarian appetizer that elevates baby potatoes to new heights. By smothering them in a rich blend of spices and yogurt, you’ll create a sensory experience that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds. The potatoes are then carefully arranged on skewers and air-fried to a golden crisp perfection, offering a satisfying crunch that complements the tender interior.
But what truly sets this dish apart is the harmonious balance of savory, salty, and spicy notes that dance across your palate. To take it to the next level, serve these addictive potatoes with a cool and creamy mint dip that provides a refreshing contrast to the bold flavors. This delightful combination is sure to leave you craving more.
Paneer Tikka
Discover another mouthwatering Indian air fryer recipe that elevates the humble skewer to new heights. This time, we’re diving into the world of paneer tikka, a restaurant-style tandoori delight that’s surprisingly easy to replicate at home. With a medley of vibrant flavors, colors, and wholesome ingredients, this recipe is a true showstopper.
The harmonious marriage of creamy paneer, sweet peppers, refreshing mint sauce, and spicy chili powder creates an explosion of taste buds, while the aromatic Indian spices kick things up a notch.
Air Fryer Onion Bhajis
Onion bhajis are a straightforward yet robustly flavored starter that can be easily prepared. This delectable Indian appetizer is crafted using thinly sliced onions and a spiced batter that’s redolent with Indian spices and gram flour. Gram flour, essentially chickpea flour, plays a crucial role in this recipe by infusing the bhajis with an extra layer of flavor while also contributing to their crispy texture when fried.
Air Fryer Pakoras
Indulge in the guilt-free pleasure of air-fried pakoras, a game-changer for those who crave the classic Indian snack without the deep-frying drawbacks. This innovative recipe combines the best of both worlds by pairing crispy cauliflower and potato bites with a refreshing yogurt dip, all made using gram flour. What’s more, this vegetarian-friendly treat can be easily adapted to include chicken for added variety.
The addition of onion takes the flavor profile to new heights, making it a must-try for anyone looking to spice up their snack game.
Plantain Chips
In the realm of Indian cuisine, a popular snack is often referred to as Kerala banana chips. This recipe from Easy Indian Cookbook provides a simple and healthy solution for making these tasty treats using just four fundamental ingredients. To get started, you’ll need two ripe plantains, coconut oil, turmeric, and salt. Once prepared and seasoned, simply pop the chips into your air fryer and let them crisp up.
While they may not be as bold in flavor or seasoning compared to other recipes on this list, they still possess a delightful taste. What’s more, they offer a healthier alternative to traditional salted chips.
Tandoori Paneer Naan Pizza
Looking for an Indian-inspired dish your kids will love? Why not try making tandoori paneer naan pizzas, a delicious way to sneak in some healthy ingredients like marinated paneer, red peppers, grape tomatoes, and onions. The best part is that you can customize with your kids’ favorite toppings, making it a fun and interactive cooking experience for the whole family.
Vada Pav
Experience the vibrant streets of Mumbai from the comfort of your own home with this recipe for Vada Pav. This popular street food dish is a humble combination of a crispy fried potato fritter sandwiched between a soft bread roll, served alongside an array of tangy and sweet chutneys and sauces. As you savor each bite, discover a world of intriguing flavors, bold spices, varied textures, and the warm colors of India.
So why not take a culinary journey to the heart of Mumbai and bring this exciting snack or weekday dinner to life?
Spicy Corn On The Cob
If you’re seeking a straightforward appetizer or side dish recipe, this spicy corn-on-the-cob dish is an excellent choice. The unique blend of flavors, which includes salt, pepper, Kashmiri red chili powder, paprika, lime, and cilantro, adds depth to the dish. While the recommended spices provide an exciting combination, you’re free to experiment with your preferred seasonings.
We particularly enjoy the harmonious balance of spicy, savory, sweet, and tangy flavors that results from combining corn with lime, chili powder, salt, and pepper. To bring out the best in this recipe, ensure the corn is cooked until it’s golden and crispy.
Aloo Tikka
Another popular street food recipe from India is for crispy potato cakes that can be whipped up using leftover mashed potatoes. These flavorful bites make for an excellent snack or appetizer, and are easy to customize to your taste preferences. To infuse the dish with its signature Indian flair, a blend of cilantro, chili, ginger, chili powder, salt, mango powder, and roasted cumin is used as a seasoning mix.
This potent combination adds depth and heat, so be sure to use it sparingly if you prefer a milder flavor. For an added touch of indulgence, serve the potato cakes with a runny egg at breakfast time.
Final Thoughts
Indian cuisine’s universal appeal is undeniable. The harmonious blend of bold flavors, vibrant spices, and diverse ingredients has captured the hearts of food enthusiasts globally. While traditional Indian cooking methods can be time-consuming, the advent of air fryers has revolutionized the way we prepare these dishes, making it possible to cook a wide variety of recipes quickly and effortlessly.