Air fryers have taken the South Asian food scene by storm, transforming the way we cook our favorite dishes while maintaining the authentic flavors and textures that we love.
Crispy Textures without the Oil
Using an air fryer can help you create crispy textures without the need for deep-frying. For instance, crispy samosas can be achieved by lightly brushing them with oil before cooking. The key is to arrange them in a single layer, with small gaps between each piece, to ensure even air circulation.
Key Techniques:
• Pat dry excess moisture
• Use the right temperature
• Brush with oil
• Ensure good air circulation
Achieving Tandoori Chicken without a Tandoor
One of the most impressive air fryer hacks is replicating the intense heat of a traditional tandoor oven. This is achieved by creating a traditional marinade and cooking the chicken at 180°C for 12 minutes, followed by a final 3-minute blast at 200°C.
Key Techniques:
• Marinate overnight
• Pat dry excess moisture
• Use a high temperature
• Finish with a final blast
Reviving Day-Old Rotis and Naans
Air fryers can also revive day-old rotis and naans, making them soft and pliable again. This is achieved by lightly sprinkling water on both sides of the bread and reheating it at 160°C for 2-3 minutes.
Key Techniques:
• Lightly sprinkle water
• Reheat at a low temperature
• Brush with ghee
Smoke-Free Cooking with Spicy Marinades
To prevent smoking when cooking with spicy marinades, place a couple of tablespoons of water in the air fryer’s drip pan. The water creates steam that captures smoke particles before they escape into the kitchen.
Key Techniques:
• Use a water tray
• Monitor temperature
• Adjust marinade as needed
Effortless Cleaning after Sticky Curry Sauces
Cleaning the air fryer after preparing dishes with sticky curry sauces can be challenging. To overcome this, fill the basket halfway with warm water and add a teaspoon of washing-up liquid, along with a tablespoon of baking soda. Run the air fryer at 160°C for 5 minutes to loosen cooked-on food.
Key Techniques:
• Use warm water
• Add washing-up liquid
• Run at a low temperature
Creating Restaurant-Style Paneer Dishes
Achieving that perfect balance of crispy exterior and soft interior with paneer dishes is simple with this air fryer technique. Cut paneer into even-sized cubes, soak in hot water for 10 minutes, and then marinate. Finally, lightly dust the marinated paneer with cornflour or rice flour before air frying at 180°C for 8-10 minutes.
Key Techniques:
• Soak in hot water
• Marinate overnight
• Use cornflour or rice flour
Guilt-Free Indian Sweets
Creating healthier versions of traditional Indian sweets is possible with clever air fryer adaptations. For instance, gulab jamun can be made by preparing the khoya dough, shaping into balls, and then air frying them at 180°C for 8 minutes.
Key Techniques:
• Use low oil
• Brush with ghee
• Soak in syrup
Batch Cooking for Family Gatherings
Air fryers can be invaluable for Desi family gatherings where large quantities of food are needed. To manage batch cooking, cook in planned batches, use the oven’s warming drawer or a low temperature, and hold already cooked items while maintaining their crispiness.
Key Techniques:
• Plan ahead
• Use a warming drawer
• Hold crispy items
The 20-20-20 Rule
Adapting beloved family recipes for the air fryer becomes straightforward with the 20-20-20 rule. Reduce the traditional cooking temperature by approximately 20°C, decrease the cooking time by about 20%, and use only 20% of the oil called for in the original recipe.
Key Techniques:
• Reduce temperature
• Decrease cooking time
• Use low oil
Conclusion
By implementing these air fryer hacks, you can transform everyday cooking tasks and make traditional recipes more accessible for busy weeknights. The air fryer has earned its place in South Asian kitchens by offering a healthier, more convenient way to prepare our favorite dishes without compromising on taste or texture. As you experiment with these techniques, you’ll discover even more ways to adapt family recipes and create new traditions that combine the best of authentic flavors with modern, health-conscious cooking methods. So, why not give air frying a try?
