Enjoy Crispy Fried Foods, Free of Oil

One of the most versatile and remarkable kitchen gadget inventions of recent times, an air fryer is something almost everyone can invest in. Especially great for Indian homes, where we enjoy fried foods as much as our morning tea, this gadget can be a life-saver, literally.

If you are not sure how to experiment with it, here are some recipes to get you started.

Egg Roll

Traditionally deep fried or shallow fried in decent amount of oil till it becomes crispy brown, this breakfast favourite can get a healthy twist in an air fryer.

How to: Crack 6 eggs in a bowl, add 2 tablespoons of milk, salt and pepper as per taste and whisk it well. In a pan, add 1 teaspoon of oil and saute 1 finely chopped onion, 1 finely chopped green chilli till the onion becomes soft. Add 1 finely chopped tomato and saute for two minutes. Add the egg mixture and stir like you would when making scrambled eggs. You can add 1 teaspoon of dried herbs if you like or 1 tablespoon of finely chopped coriander, mix well.

Remove the pan from the heat and let the mixture cool. Take 6 whole wheat bread slices (or any other bread you like) and cut the corners. Meanwhile, lightly brush the air fryer tray with some oil and switch it on at about 180 degrees to heat it up.

Take a half water-half milk mixture in a bowl big enough to dip the slice of bread in it. Dip one slice in the water-milk mixture very quickly and press it between your palms so that all the moisture is drained out. Drop in a spoonful of the scrambled egg mixture and fold the bread from the sides, gently pressing it so that it forms a roll.

Make six rolls and lightly brush them with oil on all sides. Place them in the air fryer and let them cook for about 15 minutes until they turn brown. Serve the crispy egg rolls with ketchup and mustard.

Spice Roasted Aubergine

Who doesn’t like fried baingan? These aubergine wedges (or my healthy version of begun bhaja) taste great with khichdi or dal roti or just as a snack with drinks. It’s sweet-spicy, crispy and absolutely delicious.

How to: Take 4 small aubergines (baingan) and cut each into four equal size wedges. In a bowl, add 2 tablespoons of mustard oil, 2 tablespoons of ginger-garlic paste, 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder, 1 teaspoon of chilli powder, 1 tablespoon of garam masala, 1 teaspoon of salt, juice of half a lemon and 1 teaspoon of honey. Mix this well. Add the aubergines and let it marinate for 30 minutes.

Lightly grease the air fryer tray and then switch it on at 180 degrees. Place the aubergines in the air fryer and let them roast for about 15 minutes till they become light brown and crispy. Serve with a dash of lemon juice and a sprinkle of chat masala.