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    Home » Recipes » Air Fryer Recipes

    20 Best Air Fryer Indian Recipes (Vegetarian, Snacks, more!)

    By: Summer Yule · This post may contain affiliate links.

    best air fryer indian recipes

    Is the airfryer good for Indian cooking? What Indian items can be made in an air fryer? Learn 20 of the Best Air Fryer Indian Recipes in this ultimate guide. The air fryer is wonderful for a variety of healthy Indian foods, and can help you cut back on deep frying. Get Indian vegetarian air fryer recipes, the best Indian snack recipes for the air fryer, and more!

    air fryer indian recipes

    With airfryer Indian recipes, you can enjoy all of your favorite Indian recipes minus the oil. Whatever type of Indian food you’re looking for- vegetarian or non-vegetarian, keto, low carb, vegan, gluten free, or plant-based, you can make it in an air fryer.

    When we think of Indian cuisine, many Americans think of the food they get at Indian restaurants. Pakora, naan, onion bhaji, a variety of curries such as chicken tikka masala, and spicy Bombay potatoes may mean “Indian food” to us.

    However, it’s important to remember that the cuisine of India has regional variation. It’s similar to how we have varied regional cuisines in the U.S. (e.g., Tex-Mex, Cajun, New England, etc.) So, when we’re talking about “Indian food,” we’re referring to this collection of different regional specialties.

    Do you like free things?

    Get new recipe ideas weekly, our 5-Day Air Fryer Quick Start Guide, and more totally FREE exclusive goodies!

    Below you’ll find a variety of Indian air fryer recipes. Some are for authentic Indian cuisine, while others are Indian-inspired recipes. You’ll find air fryer Indian recipes for beginners, but all have easy to follow step-by-step instructions. No matter your air fryer skill level, I hope you’ll feel confident enough to try any recipe here.

    Jump to:
    • 🍪 Air Fryer Snacks Recipes
    • 🍽️ Air Fryer Breakfast Recipes
    • 🌱 Air Fryer Indian Vegetarian Recipes
    • 🍗 Air Fryer Indian Recipes for Chicken and Lamb
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 👩‍🍳 Other Indian Recipes
    • FAQs
    • 💬 Comments

    🍪 Air Fryer Snacks Recipes

    You're in for a treat with one of these air fryer Indian snack recipes! (Or serve them as an air fryer starter, whatever works for you.)

    Consider bringing one of these fun dishes to your next party or potluck. Depending on where you live, you can impress your friends with the international flair of your tasty creation.

    Several of these recipes are healthier air fried versions of classic Indian recipes or Indian street food. Others fall into the fun food category, because sometimes you just need to treat yourself! Whatever you’re looking for, you should be able to find a tasty snack, dessert, or appetizer in this list:

    air fryer samosas
    1. Air Fryer Samosas
    Can you air fry frozen samosas? Yes! Learn to air fry mini samosas, regular samosas, veggie samosas, chicken samosas, or any other type!
    Check it out here

    You know those donut-like treats served in a warm, sugary syrup in Indian restaurants in the U.S.? Those lovely treats are called gulab jamun. Here is my air fryer version of them, enveloped in lush cheesecake:

    gulab jamun cheesecake with air fryer gulab jamun
    2. Gulab Jamun Cheesecake with Air Fryer Gulab Jamun
    This air fryer gulab jamun cheesecake has a layer of milk-based donuts surrounded by creamy cheesecake with a sweet pistachio crust. *Drool*
    Check it out here
    nankhatai-sqr-500x500
    3. Nan Khatai - Indian Cookies
    This popular Indian cookie is made of a combination of all purpose flour, chickpea flour, and semolina. You can make them in the air fryer or oven bake them!
    Check it out here

    These air fryer chickpeas have a vegan nacho seasoning. Why not use a little curry seasoning instead to give them the flavors of Indian cuisine?

    air fried chickpeas
    4. Air Fryer Chickpeas (Crispy Roasted Garbanzo Beans Snack Recipe!)
    Can you air fry chickpeas? Yes! Garbanzo beans, nutritional yeast, and spices come together deliciously in my air fryer chickpeas recipe.
    Check it out here

    If you think the only air fryer plantains around are tostones and maduros, the next snack will come as a surprise...

    Air-Fryer-Banana-Chips-11-500x500
    5. Plantain Chips in Air Fryer
    Plantain chips, also famously known as Kerala banana chips, are made with raw bananas or plantains and coconut oil. Traditionally, these banana chips are deep-fried in coconut oil; however, here I am making them in an air fryer.
    Check it out here
    Crispy-Paneer_Ruchik-Randhap-3-500x500
    6. Crispy Paneer - Airfryer Recipe
    Crispy paneer is a calcium-packed snack made in the airfyer. It's perfect as a party starter or a snack for kids. (Yum!)
    Check it out here

    🍽️ Air Fryer Breakfast Recipes

    What are some air fryer breakfast recipes that are Indian? First up, I want to mention that a typical breakfast in India varies by region. You could also eat many of these foods for lunch or dinner.

    Some common Indian breakfast foods include flatbreads (roti), steamed rice pancakes (idlis), potato flatbreads (aloo paratha), and lentil crepes (dosas). Like other Indian meals, these are often served with chutneys and dips. One of my favorite Indian breakfast recipes is poha, a flattened rice dish cooked with onions and spices.

    Here are some air fryer Indian breakfast recipes. You can also serve these as snacks:

    Lentil-Fritter-sqr-500x500
    7. Dal Vada - Lentil Fritters In Air Fryer
    Air fryer dal vada are a tasty Indian fritter recipe made with red lentils and chana dal. They're a wonderful light meal or snack that's vegan, gluten free, and low oil!
    Check it out here
    methi-muthia-recipe-1-500x500
    8. Methi Muthia (Steamed, Fried, Air-Fryer)
    Methi Muthia is a recipe from Gujarat that can be used for a snack, for tea time, or for breakfast. You're going to love this delicious vegan Indian air fryer recipe.
    Check it out here

    🌱 Air Fryer Indian Vegetarian Recipes

    These Indian vegetarian air fryer recipes highlight the wonderful plant-based offerings of India. Indian cuisine is truly a bounty of colors and flavors. The Indian veg recipes below should delight vegetarians and omnivores alike.

    Why is Indian cuisine so great for vegetarians and vegans? Many Indian recipes feature a wide range of vegetables and mouthwatering spices. Legumes, cheese, and yogurt are prominent protein sources, with meat less commonly seen at the center of the plate.

    If you’re following a plant-based diet, I think exploring international cuisine is a wonderful way to keep things interesting. Indian cuisine is just one of many cuisines that often feature plant-forward meals.

    One downside of some Indian dishes is that they are fried in lots of oil. The frying can add a lot of calories (energy density) to food, and is generally not the healthiest option. These air fryer recipes for Indian vegetarian food are wonderful because there's no frying!

    Baked-Aloo-gobi-in-Air-Fryer-Piping-Pot-Curry-360x361
    9. Roasted Aloo Gobi (Indian Spiced Potato & Cauliflower)
    This Roasted Aloo Gobi is so good! All you need to do is toss cauliflower and potatoes in spices, and roast in the air-fryer or oven, and you have the perfect Indian veggie dish. No mushy cauliflower and takes less than 20 minutes to put together!
    Check it out here
    Stuffed-Okra-bharwan-bhindi-square-image-480x480
    10. Stuffed Okra – Bharwa Bhindi (Air Fryer)
    Bharwa bindi is a tasty Indian side dish that's vegan, low calorie, and gluten free. You'll love this wonderful way to prepare okra that's bursting with flavor!
    Check it out here
    Cauliflower-airfryer-sqr-web
    11. Indian Air Fryer Cauliflower Bites
    These air fryer cauliflower bites have been infused with fragrant spices and make a wonderful Indian side dish. They're vegan and gluten free!
    Check it out here
    malai-kofta-rc2-500x500
    12. Malai Kofta (Air Fryer or Instant Pot)
    Malai Kofta is a delicious vegetarian curry featuring paneer and potatoes. Get the directions to make it in the Instant Pot or Air Fryer!
    Check it out here
    Air-Fryer-Eggplant-Fry-13-500x500
    13. Air Fryer Eggplant (Begun Bhaja)
    Air fryer eggplant is an easy and delicious side dish made with just 4 ingredients. They are ready in less than 15 minutes and pair very well with your meals.
    Check it out here
    Slimming-World-Chickpea-Curry-In-Air-Fryer-500x500
    14. Slimming World Chickpea Curry In Air Fryer
    Here's how to make a delicious, quick, and simple Slimming World Chickpea Curry using the air fryer and the soup maker. It's packed with plant based protein!
    Check it out here
    Air-Fryer-Tandoori-Gobi-9-500x500
    15. Tandoori Gobi in Air fryer
    Cauliflower florets marinated with yogurt and aromatic spices, and roasted in an air fryer to perfection is a great vegetarian starter or snack.
    Check it out here

    You're probably wondering why this next recipe is on the list. Falafel is part of Levantine cuisine, and quinoa is from South America. But what you may not know is similar Indian dishes (such as vada) may have influenced the invention of falafel. So interesting!

    fg-Quinoa-Falafel-recipe
    16. Quinoa Falafel with Tahini Sauce {Baked or Air Fryer!}
    This Quinoa Falafel recipe is gluten-free, naturally vegan, and most importantly, makes the best falafels with chickpeas and quinoa that are wonderfully crisp on the outside with a tender, moist middle that is packed with flavor and protein. Make these air fryer falafels, cooked to perfection, then serve immediately or store/freeze for later!
    Check it out here

    🍗 Air Fryer Indian Recipes for Chicken and Lamb

    I thought I’d start with some Indian veggie recipes. However, I’ve rounded up some delish air fryer recipes for Indian chicken and lamb dishes too.

    Veggies are super for phytonutrients and fiber, but chicken and lamb have some benefits as well. Both chicken and lamb are rich sources of (often lean) high-quality protein. Poultry and meats are a rich source of vitamin B12, as well as other B vitamins.

    If you’re a vegetarian who eats a lot of Indian food, you can get many B vitamins from whole grains. Enriched or fortified white rice should provide some B vitamins too.

    Vitamin B12 doesn’t naturally occur in plant foods. Some reliable sources include chicken and meats, some dairy products, fortified foods, or a vitamin supplement. These Indian chicken and lamb air fryer recipes are a delicious way to get a whole food source of this nutrient.

    Chicken-Tikka-Instant-Pot-Crisplid-Piping-Pot-Curry-360x361
    17. Chicken Tikka Kebab
    Chicken Tikka Kebab is a delicious appetizer that is packed with flavor. It starts with chicken pieces marinated in yogurt along with lime juice and aromatic spices, then threaded onto skewers and cooked to create a delicious appetizer.
    Check it out here
    Tangdi-Kebab_2-500x500
    18. Chicken Tangdi Kebab in an Airfyer
    Zero oil, super juicy and succulent chicken made in an airfryer. Perfect for a party or a midweek treat!
    Check it out here

    Kofta is another dish that is often associated with Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine. However, you can enjoy kofta in India and Indian restaurants as well, sometimes as part of a lamb kofta curry. Mouthwatering!

    Air-Fryer-Lamb-Kofta-Kebabs-500x500
    19. Air Fryer Lamb Kofta Kebabs
    Here's how to make the most delicious juicy lamb kofta kebabs in the air fryer. It's ideal for a quick healthy kebab fix and one of those air fryer beginner recipes that you will want to make time and time again.
    Check it out here

    And finally, here's one for the folks who want Indian food but don't like cooking!

    📖 Recipe

    Like this recipe?Leave a rating by clicking the ⭐ below!
    air fryer indian recipes

    Air Fryer Indian Recipes

    Summer Yule
    Here's the best Indian recipes to cook in an air fryer, including this air fryer chicken tikka masala!
    5 from 2 votes
    Rate Recipe Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Cook Time 50 mins
    Total Time 50 mins
    Course Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch, Side Dish, Snack
    Cuisine Indian
    Servings 1
    Calories 300 kcal

    Equipment

    Air Fryer

    Ingredients

    • 10 ounces chicken tikka masala and rice (283 grams; frozen meal)
    • cilantro (garnish, optional)
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    Instructions

    • Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes. Cover the tray of curry with foil. Make sure the tray is oven safe!
    • Air fry the chicken tikka masala meal for 30 minutes in the middle of the air fryer oven. Stir it, replace the foil cover, and air fry for 20 more minutes.
    • Make sure the chicken reached a safe minimum internal temp of 165°F (74°C). Add more cooking time if needed, as air frying times may vary between brands.
    • Garnish with cilantro, if desired. Serve.
    Save this Recipe Saved!

    Video

    Notes

    The nutrition information is an estimate provided as a courtesy. It will differ depending on the specific brands and ingredients that you use. Calorie information on food labels may be wildly inaccurate, so please don't sweat the numbers too much. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 39gProtein: 17gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 690mgPotassium: 404mgFiber: 1gAdded Sugar: 1gCalcium: 6% DVIron: 10% DV
    Keywords air fryer indian breakfast recipes, air fryer indian food, air fryer indian recipes, air fryer indian recipes vegetarian, air fryer vegetarian indian recipes, best insdian recipes air fryer, indian food air fryer, indian recipes air fryer, indian recipes in air fryer, indian recipes vegetarian air fryer
    Want to watch a video?Check out my cooking channel!
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    👩‍🍳 Other Indian Recipes

    Still craving Indian cuisine? No worries, I’ve got you! Check these delicious Indian-inspired recipes out next:

    • Egg Kheema
    • Mango Popsicles with Coconut and Curry
    • Palak Paneer
    • Mango Lassi Smoothie

    FAQs

    Which is the best air fryer for Indian cooking?

    The best air fryer for Indian recipes is the one you own! I love my Kalorik air fryer. That said, you can cook Indian food in a Ninja Foodi, Philips, Cosori, Power Air Fryer, Cuisinart, Actifry, Nuwave, Instant Vortex, Pampered Chef Air Fryer, and so on. Air fryer times may need adjusting depending on the air fryer brand you use.

    Does Indian food fried in air fryers taste the same as the deep fried version?

    The answer to this depends on the recipe and the type of food you're cooking. You can make air fried Indian food that is crispy like deep fried. In some cases, it will taste like you used a deep fryer. For other recipes, air fryer Indian food tastes more like oven baked food.

    What are some keto air fryer Indian recipes?

    There are several air fryer keto Indian recipes in the list above. They include bharwa bhindi, air fryer Indian cauliflower bites, begun bhaja, chicken tikka kebab, chicken tangi kebab, and air fryer lamb kofta.

    Can you make pooris in an air fryer?

    Poori (AKA puri) is an unleavened Indian fry bread made of whole wheat flour. My Dainty Soul Curry has a recipe for Air Fryer Puri (Chaat Puri) that looks absolutely awesome. Yay, whole grains!

    What are some air fryer South Indian recipes?

    Some say South Indian food is different from the cuisine of northern India because less meat is used (though this varies by household). The air fryer chana dal vada above is a popular snack or breakfast in some South Indian cuisines. Another South Indian air fryer recipe from the list is the Kerala banana chips.

    Thank you to my fellow bloggers who contributed to this delicious roundup of the best air fryer Indian recipes!

    « Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash Recipe (Time and Temp)
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    1. Angelina Smith says

      April 08, 2022 at 5:54 am

      5 stars

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