Share
For all the meat lovers out there, it isn’t hard to enjoy your favourite treats like deep-fried kebabs and pakoras without being haunted by guilt afterward. One might not always feel like having grilled food and therefore might crave something crispy and fried. Now, the next thought that pops up is that it can be oily and unhealthy. However, this doesn’t mean you have to give up on your beloved pakoras.
You can always fry them in an air fryer instead of dousing them in a kadhai full of hot oil. The air fryer has the advantage of requiring little or no oil for cooking while producing crispy and crunchy bites similar to deep-frying. There are many meaty snacks like pakoras, potlis, vadas, cutlets, etc. that are usually deep-fried but can be easily made in an air fryer without oil so that you can dig into them guilt-free.
ASIN ID - B0B8XNPQPN
Here are a few desi chicken snacks that can be made in an air fryer.
1. Chicken Vada
For this, you would require minced chicken and fried gram, which form the base of the vada. You can make small roundels of this batter by combining spices, onions, green chilies, curry leaves, and coconut. Next, place them inside the air fryer and brush a little oil on top. Set the temperature and time to fry it all. Once they are dark brown and crispy, serve them hot with coriander chutney.
2. Chicken Tikka
Succulent chicken pieces, marinated and placed on skewers, are what chicken tikka is all about. Marinated with chicken tikka masala, red chilli powder, salt, yoghurt, turmeric, and ginger-garlic paste, this delicious meaty treat is a great snack. Instead of a grill and skewers, you can simply cook the pieces in an air fryer by placing parchment paper on the base.
3. Chicken Potli
Also known as the desi version of momos, the chicken potli is usually made by filling minced chicken mix into wheat flour dough and shaping it like a potli by sealing it from the top and deep-frying it in a pan of oil. This can always be made in an air fryer, too. The cooked chicken is mixed with onions, green chilies, seasonings (if needed), and coriander. The little parcels are placed in the air fryer and brushed with oil to fry until golden brown. The yummy stuffing in the potli works well with some chilli sauce on the side.
4. Chicken Chaap
This is a heavenly meaty treat that cannot be missed. All you need to do is take some chicken thighs and marinate them in yoghurt, coriander, chilli powder, coconut, and a host of other spices. Later, transfer the chicken thighs to an air fryer and turn it on. Air fry the chaap until done, and then garnish with chopped nuts to enjoy.
5. Chicken Pakora
ASIN ID - B097RJ867P
If you’re a meat pakora lover like us, then this recipe is a must-try. The chicken is batter-fried with a coating of spices and breadcrumbs, which lend it a crispy texture. The pakoras can be easily fried in an air fryer until they turn golden brown. Served with coriander chutney, tomato ketchup, and some onion rings, this is a perfect snack.
