There are many concerns about air fryers for Indian consumers, such as whether they are suitable for vegetarian or non-vegetarian recipes, the types of recipes that can be prepared with them, and the preference for easy-to-use appliances in Indian households.
To address these queries one by one, this article delves into various aspects, covering common questions and providing dos and don’ts when using an air fryer. By the end of the article, you will have a clear answer to whether the air fryer is suitable for Indian cooking.
Air Fryer Technology:
The air fryer uses rapid air technology, which involves circulating hot air around the food. This technology, developed by the Phillips brand, reduces the need for oil and butter by about 70%.
Indian Cooking and Its Culinary Requirements:
Indian recipes typically use a lot of oil, making it seem impossible to cook Indian dishes without it, especially considering Indians love spicy and crisp foods like bhajiya, fried fish, and pakode, which require deep frying.
Air Fryer and Its Benefits for Indian Cooking:
Despite the oil-heavy nature of Indian cooking, the air fryer offers several benefits:
- It reduces oil usage by up to 70%.
- It saves cooking time, which is particularly useful for Indian mothers who often handle the kitchen responsibilities.
Does Indian Food Fried in an Air Fryer Taste Different?
Yes, food cooked in an air fryer will have a slightly different flavor and texture due to the use of less oil. However, this trade-off is acceptable as it results in a healthier version of the food.
Traditional Indian Recipes for Air Fryer:
Numerous Indian recipes can be adapted to the air fryer, from snacks and appetizers to desserts. Some common Indian recipes suitable for the air fryer are:
- Omelette
- Samosa
- Bati
- Onion Pakoda
- Paneer Tikka
- Gobi Manchurian
- Crispy Air Fryer Chickpeas
- Tandoori Broccoli
- Sabudana Vada
- Tandoori Aloo
- Frozen Spring Rolls
- Tandoori Tofu Tikka
- Beetroot Tikki
- Vegetable Rice Cutlet
- Crispy Corn Pakoda
- Masala Peanuts
- Paneer Popcorn
- Barbeque Nation Style Cajun Potatoes
- Crispy Masala French Fries
- Potato Wedges
- Veg Chilli Cheese Toast
- Bread Pizza
- Indian Bread Roll
- Maddur Vada
- Chana Dal Vada
- Zucchini Chips
- Roasted Peanuts
- Roasted Aloo Gobi
- Bharwa Bhindi
- Vegetables
- Papad
- Roti
Limitations of the Air Fryer:
The air fryer has some limitations, such as:
- Unsuitable for making gravy-based dishes.
- Battered foods do not work well.
- Fresh greens and whole roasts are not recommended.
- Cheese and raw grains do not fare well in an air fryer.
- Making hamburgers, toast, and popcorn is not advisable.
Cleaning and Energy Consumption:
One advantage of using an air fryer is the easy cleaning process, as it only requires cleaning the air fryer basket. However, in terms of energy consumption, the air fryer may not be as efficient as it consumes a minimum of 1200W of electricity, equivalent to one unit in less than an hour. but you don’t need to use the air fryer for more than 30 min.
Space Requirement:
The compact shape of the air fryer makes it efficient in terms of space utilization, suitable for smaller Indian kitchens compared to microwave ovens.
Air Fryer vs. Pan (kadhai pan):
While the pan is a common tool for deep frying in India, the air fryer offers advantages like even cooking with less oil and no manual effort, making it a healthier and more time-saving option.
Dos and Don’ts of Air Fryer:
Dos:
- Use the air fryer daily.
- Use aluminum foil for certain recipes.
- Bake with the air fryer.
Don’ts:
- Avoid overcooking food in the air fryer.
- Keep the air fryer away from other appliances as it requires space.
- Avoid using the air fryer for grilling or making popcorn.
Final Words:
The air fryer is a worthwhile addition to an Indian kitchen as it allows for healthier cooking. While it may have some limitations, its benefits make it a valuable appliance, especially if you already have a microwave oven or OTG in your kitchen.
