Monsoon Air Fryer Recipes: From Pakoras To Tikkis, Low Oil Rainy Day Snacks

Baarish, chai, and crispy snacks, that’s the monsoon rule. To get the most out of the crispy snacks while minimising the oil, here is a list of air fryer snacks that are perfect for monsoon munching. Whether you like tikkis, pakoras, or the OG bread rolls, here’s how you can take oil out of the equation without compromising on the crunch.

The thunderstorms, the sound of raindrops falling against the window pane, and petrichor all make you crave a hot and crunchy snack. For most people, the monsoon season and fried snacks go hand in hand. From crispy pakoras dunked in chutney to stuffed tikkis topped with spiced yoghurt to a mix of vegetable crisps, most of your favourite rainy day snacks can be turned healthier when air-fried.

Paired with a hot cup of chai, you can enjoy crunchy snacks that have minimal oil, without the lingering guilt. Without compromising on taste and crunch, this modern equipment can give your comfort foods that impeccable crunch that shatters at the first bite. If you’re looking for monsoon snack ideas, this is just the right place. From bread pakoras to fries, here’s how you can make your rainy day memorable with these munchies.

Paneer Pakoras

If you’re a health enthusiast looking for monsoon snacks, go for air-fried paneer pakoras. A paneer cube coated in a besan-based batter will maximise the protein content, and an air fryer will take deep-frying out of the equation. To make a batch of crispy paneer pakoras, chop the paneer into cubes and set them aside. Whisk besan with water, ginger-garlic paste, and spices like red chilli powder, garam masala, and some ajwain. Coat each paneer cube with the batter, and arrange them in your air fryer basket. Air-fry in batches till crispy, and serve the paneer pakoras with a spicy chutney.

Aloo Tikki

The ultimate street snack, aloo tikki, is traditionally shallow-fried in a pan. While the oil gives tikki a crunchy crust, it can be air-fried until both sides are crispy. It can be made by mashing boiled potatoes. Mix the potatoes with cumin powder, chaat masala, green chillies, coriander powder, and cornflour. Shape the mixture into patties, lightly brush with oil and line them in the air fryer basket. Make sure that you don’t stack tikkis over one another or overcrowd the basket. Leave enough room for the gush of hot air to let every edge of your tikki crisp. Serve the aloo tikkis with chopped onion, imli chutney, pudina chutney, sweetened dahi, and pomegranate seeds.

Arbi Fries

Why don’t you expand your palate beyond potato and sweet potato fries? Incorporating the seasonal vegetable, arbi, taro root or colocasia to your monsoon platter, you can make arbi fries. Start by pressure cooking arbi till tender. Peel the skin and chop arbi into long strips. Toss the slices in a little oil and season with salt, pepper, and chilli flakes. Transfer the arbi slices to the air fryer, and in about ten to fifteen minutes, you’ll get crispy arbi fries ready to be served with a spicy dip.

Cheese And Corn Kebab

To cater to the kids, you can make cheese and corn kebabs. Mix mashed potatoes with boiled sweet corn kernels and grated cheese. The naturally sweet corn kernels and a gooey cheese centre make the kebab an instant crowd pleaser. You can shape the mixture into patties and air-fry. Remember to flip them to ensure both sides are crunchy. Once golden brown, serve the cheese and corn kebabs with a tomato and mayo-based dip or a chilli sauce.

Bread Rolls

If the heavy downpour has confined you to your home, chai time is the only way to uplift your mood. Without getting an elaborate list of ingredients, you can whip up bread rolls with potatoes, some peas, and basic spices, and, of course, a few bread slices. Start by preparing a potato-based filling with mashed aloo, chopped veggies, boiled peas, green chillies and spices like cumin powder and garam masala. Then, dip bread slices in water and squeeze out excess moisture. Add the filling to the moist bread slice, fold, seal, and air-fry to perfection. Pair the low-oil bread rolls with masala chai and have a gala time.

Kanda Bhaji

A list of monsoon snacks would not be complete without the South Indian staple kanda bhaji. The crispy street snack is synonymous with the rainy season. Made with thinly sliced onion tossed in a batter made with besan (chickpea flour) and a blend of spices, kanda bhaji is a humble yet all-time favourite snack. Just put well-coated onions into the air fryer basket and cook at 190°C for about 12-15 minutes. Toss halfway, and your monsoon snack will be ready to be served in no time.