Masala vada, also known as paruppu vadai, is a popular South Indian snack made with channa dal, onions, and spices. These deep-fried lentil fritters are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making them an irresistible snack. However, deep-frying makes them high in calories and not very healthy. But what if I told you that you can enjoy the same delicious snack in a healthier way? Yes, you heard it right! You can make air fryer masala vada, which is a healthier version of traditional masala vada.
Air fryer masala vada is a guilt-free snack that is easy to make and requires very little oil. It’s perfect for those who love snacking but are watching their calorie intake. So, let’s dive into the recipe.
Air Fryer Masala Vada
Masala vada, also known as paruppu vadai, is a popular South Indian snack made with channa dal, onions, and spices. These deep-fried lentil fritters are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making them an irresistible snack. However, deep-frying makes them high in calories and not very healthy. But what if I told you that you can enjoy the same delicious snack in a healthier way? Yes, you heard it right! You can make air fryer masala vada, which is a healthier version of traditional masala vada.Air fryer masala vada is a guilt-free snack that is easy to make and requires very little oil. It's perfect for those who love snacking but are watching their calorie intake. So, let's dive into the recipe.
Ingredients
- Channa Dhal – 1 cup
- Red Chillies – 6 or 7
- Salt – 1 tsp. or as needed
- Onion – 1 chopped finely
- Garlic – 6 or 7 cloves chopped finely
- Curry Leaves – a handful chopped finely
- Aniseed or Saunf – 1 tsp.
- Oil – for brushing the vadas
Instructions
- Soak Channa dhal with 2 cups of water for 2 to 3 hours.
- In a mixer add the channa dhal without water, red chillies, garlic and aniseed along with salt aand grind to a coarse paste. Add very little water otherwise, the mixture will become watery.
- Take this in a vessel and add chopped onions and curry leaves and mix well.
- Grease the tray of the air fryer and make small balls out of the mixture, flatten it and place in the tray. Do not over crowd.
- Place this in the air fryer.
- Switch on the air fryer and set the temperature to 2000 C and set the time to 10 minutes.
- When it is half the time, remove the tray and flip the vadas. Slightly brush with oil and keep inside.
- When the time is over, remove the tray and take out the vadas.
Notes
You can preheat the oven for 5 minutes before cooking the vadas.