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Zero Oil Poori: Light, Puffy & Guilt-Free

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These Zero Oil Pooris are a healthier twist on the traditional deep-fried Indian bread. Made with whole wheat flour and air-fried to golden perfection, they puff up beautifully while staying light and crisp — perfect for enjoying with curries, chutneys, or even a simple potato sabzi.

prep time 20 Mins
cook time 15 Mins
chef Priyanka Meena
Zero Oil Poori

Poori is a beloved Indian bread, typically deep-fried until golden and puffy. While delicious, the traditional method can be heavy due to the amount of oil absorbed during frying. This zero-oil version offers the same puff and soft bite but without the deep frying — thanks to an air fryer.

The recipe uses whole wheat flour for a nutty, wholesome taste and a small amount of fine semolina (sooji) for extra crispness. The poories are first briefly cooked in boiling water — a trick that helps them puff up later in the air fryer. This also gives them a slight chew, mimicking the texture of fried pooris.

You can serve these zero-oil pooris with classic potato curry (aloo sabzi), chana masala, paneer curry, or even sweet dishes like halwa for a festive feel. They are best eaten fresh and hot but can be reheated in the air fryer for a few minutes if needed.

Step 1

Prepare the Dough

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine whole wheat flour, sugar, salt, and semolina.
  2. Gradually add water and knead into a stiff dough (firmer than chapati dough).
  3. Cover with a clean kitchen cloth and let it rest for 15 minutes.

Prepare the Dough for Poori
Step 2

Shape the Pooris


  Knead the dough again for a minute until smooth.


  Divide into 14–16 equal portions and shape into balls.


  Lightly brush each ball with 2–3 drops of oil (optional) and roll into 4-inch discs.

Shape the Pooris
Step 3

Pre-Cook in Boiling Water


  Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil.


  Drop in 3–4 pooris at a time and cook until they start floating (about 30–40 seconds).


  Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a tray lined with a kitchen towel.

Pre Cook
Step 4

Air Fry the Pooris


  Preheat the air fryer to 180°C (356°F).


  Arrange the pre-cooked pooris in the air fryer basket in a single layer.


  Air fry for 4–5 minutes until puffed and lightly golden.

Step 5

Serve


  Serve hot with your favorite curry, chutney, or pickle.

Served Hot Air Fried Zero Oil Pooris

Tips and Tricks

  1. Stiff dough is key — Too soft and the pooris won’t puff well.
  2. Don’t skip the boiling step — It helps the pooris puff in the air fryer without oil.
  3. Work in batches — Overcrowding the air fryer prevents even cooking.
  4. For extra crispness — Increase air frying time by 1–2 minutes, keeping an eye to prevent over-browning.
  5. Serve immediately — Air-fried pooris are best fresh, as they can lose puffiness on cooling.

Frequently Asked Questions

 Direct air frying won’t give the same puff and texture. The boiling step helps replicate deep-fried results.

 Yes, use gluten-free flour, but the texture will be slightly different and puffing may be less.

 You can store them in an airtight container for up to 6 hours. Reheat in the air fryer for 2–3 minutes before serving.

 Absolutely! Cumin seeds, ajwain (carom seeds), or chili flakes can add flavor.

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