Sundays are perfect for indulging in a hearty breakfast, and what better way to enjoy your favourite dishes than by making them healthier with an air fryer? Air frying allows you to create delicious and crispy foods with significantly less oil, making it a guilt-free way to start your day. Indian cuisine, known for its rich and diverse flavours, offers a variety of breakfast options that can be easily adapted for air frying. This method not only preserves the authentic taste but also enhances the nutritional value by reducing excess fats. Here are five delightful air-fried breakfast recipes that are perfect for a Sunday binge, combining the best of traditional flavours with modern, healthy cooking techniques.
Air-Fried Aloo Tikki
Aloo Tikki, a popular North Indian snack, makes for a delicious breakfast option. Traditionally deep-fried, these potato patties can be easily air-fried to perfection.
Ingredients: Boiled potatoes, green peas, cumin powder, coriander powder, garam masala, salt, and breadcrumbs.
Method: Mash the potatoes and peas, then mix with spices and breadcrumbs. Shape into patties and preheat the air fryer to 180°C (350°F). Place the patties in the air fryer basket and cook for 12-15 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown and crispy. Serve with mint chutney or ketchup.
Air-Fried Poha Cutlets
Poha cutlets are a nutritious and tasty option made from flattened rice, vegetables, and spices. Air frying these cutlets reduces the oil content without compromising on flavour.
Ingredients: Poha (flattened rice), boiled potatoes, grated carrots, green chilies, coriander leaves, cumin seeds, salt, and lemon juice.
Method: Soak poha until soft and mix with mashed potatoes, grated carrots, and spices. Shape into cutlets and preheat the air fryer to 180°C (350°F). Place the cutlets in the basket and cook for 10-12 minutes until crispy. Enjoy with a side of yogurt or green chutney.
Air-Fried Medu Vada
Medu Vada, a savoury doughnut-shaped fritter, is typically deep-fried. Using an air fryer, you can achieve the same crispy texture with less oil.
Ingredients: Urad dal (split black gram), green chilies, ginger, curry leaves, black peppercorns, and salt.
Method: Soak and grind urad dal into a smooth batter, then mix in chopped chilies, ginger, curry leaves, and peppercorns. Shape into vadas and preheat the air fryer to 180°C (350°F). Air fry for 10-12 minutes until golden brown. Serve hot with coconut chutney and sambar.
Air-Fried Paneer Pakora
Paneer Pakora is a delightful Indian snack made from cottage cheese, traditionally deep-fried. Air frying offers a healthier alternative.
Ingredients: Paneer (cottage cheese), gram flour (besan), turmeric, chili powder, ajwain (carom seeds), salt, and water.
Method: Cut paneer into cubes and prepare a batter with gram flour and spices. Dip the paneer cubes into the batter and preheat the air fryer to 180°C (350°F). Place the paneer pakoras in the basket and cook for 10-12 minutes until crispy. Serve with tamarind chutney or mint chutney.
Air-Fried Masala Corn on the Cob
Method: Masala Corn on the Cob is a simple yet flavorful breakfast option. Rub corn cobs with a mixture of butter, chili powder, salt, and lime juice. Place them in the air fryer and cook at 200°C (390°F) for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the corn is tender and slightly charred. This spicy, tangy dish is sure to brighten up your Sunday morning.