Healthy Air Fryer Samosas
Samosas are one of the most iconic snacks in South Asian cuisine, known for their crispy pastry and flavourful fillings. Whether served as a street food favourite or a party appetiser, these savoury pockets of goodness are loved worldwide.
My friend @browngirlvegan and I experimented with using filo pastry instead of the traditional dough, making these samosas crispier and lighter.
We also cooked them in the air fryer, reducing the need for excessive oil while still keeping that satisfying crunch.
The best part? They’re super easy to make and perfect for a healthier snack or appetiser.
Hey, I'm Verna!
About this recipe
What Are Samosas?
Samosas are a popular South Asian snack consisting of a crispy, golden pastry shell filled with a savoury mixture of spiced potatoes, peas, onions, and sometimes meat.
They are usually deep-fried until perfectly crunchy and are often served with chutneys like tamarind or mint-coriander.
You’ll find them everywhere, from Indian and Pakistani households to street food stalls and even global fast-food chains that have embraced their popularity.
A Brief History of Samosas
While samosas are widely associated with South Asian cuisine, their origins actually trace back to the Middle East and Central Asia.
Historical records suggest that the samosa (or "sambusa") was introduced to the Indian subcontinent by traders and travelers as early as the 13th or 14th century.
Over time, it evolved into the much-loved crispy snack we know today, with different regions adding their own variations and flavours.
Why You'll Love These Air Fryer Samosas
- Healthier Alternative: Using filo pastry and an air fryer significantly reduces the oil content compared to traditional deep-fried samosas.
- Easy to Make: No need to knead dough or worry about deep frying—just wrap, air fry, and enjoy!
- Crispy & Delicious: Despite being lighter, these samosas still have that irresistible crunch and classic spiced filling.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether as a snack, party appetiser, or side dish, these air fryer samosas are always a hit.
Ingredients
- 1 pack ready-made filo pastry sheets
- 2 tbsp neutral cooking oil
- 3-4 medium potatoes
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tsp fennel seeds
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- 1 green chili, deseeded and finely chopped
- 1/2 cup green peas
- 2 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp garlic granules
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tbsp fresh coriander, finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
- 1/2 tsp salt
For the chutney
- 1 cup mint leaves
- 1/2 cup coriander leaves
- 1 tsp minced ginger
- 1 green chili
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 garlic clove
- 1/2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp salt
Pair it with
Instructions
1. Prepare the Potatoes
Wash and peel the potatoes before dicing them into small cubes. You can microwave them for 6 minutes on high, checking every 2 minutes, or boil them in water for 7-8 minutes until soft.
Cover the potatoes while microwaving to help them cook evenly.
2. Sauté the Spices and Shallots
Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds, 1 teaspoon of fennel seeds, and the chopped shallots. Sauté for a few minutes until the shallots soften and become fragrant.
3. Add the Ground Spices
Add grated ginger, green chilli and coriander, as well as the turmeric, red chilli powder, cumin powder, and garam masala. Mix well.
4. Mash the Potatoes
Add the cooked potatoes into the pan and begin mashing them with the back of your spoon or a potato masher. Add a little water if the potatoes need further cooking. Aim for a mix of mashed and chunky potatoes for texture.
5. Add the Green Peas
Once the potatoes are about 75% mashed, stir in a handful of green peas. Give everything a good mix and set the filling aside to cool while you prepare the pastry.
6. Prepare the Pastry
Take your filo pastry sheets and fold them inward to create a double layer, with the width being around 4 inches. Slice the pastry horizontally into strips to create your samosa wrappers.
7. Fill and Fold the Samosas
Place a heaping tablespoon of the cooled potato filling into one corner of each pastry strip.
Fold the pastry into a triangle shape, as shown in the video below. Tuck the ends in or seal them with a flour-water mixture (2:1 ratio). Repeat until all the samosas are assembled.
8. Cook the Samosas
Brush the samosas generously with oil. Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they aren't overcrowded.
Air fry at 180°C (350°F) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
If you prefer to deep fry, cook them at 200°C (400°F) for 5-6 minutes until they are golden brown.
9. Make the Mint Chutney
While the samosas are cooking, prepare a simple chutney by combining the ingredients (typically mint leaves, coriander, green chilies, lemon juice, and salt) in a food processor or pestle and mortar. Blend or grind until smooth.
10. Serve and Enjoy!
Once the samosas are crispy and golden, serve them immediately with a generous dollop of the fresh mint chutney. Enjoy the crispy, spiced goodness!
FAQs
1. Can I use puff pastry instead of filo pastry?
Yes! Puff pastry will give you a flakier, more buttery texture, but it will be slightly heavier than filo pastry.
2. What fillings can I use?
Classic fillings include spiced potatoes and peas, but you can also use lentils, minced meat, or even cheese for a fun twist!
3. Can I bake these instead of air frying?
Absolutely! Bake them at 180°C (350°F) for about 20 minutes or until golden and crispy.
4. How do I store and reheat samosas?
Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 180°C for 3-5 minutes to crisp them up again.
5. Can I freeze these samosas?
Yes! Freeze them before cooking, then air fry straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Video demonstration
Leave a comment
Like this recipe?
This recipe is featured in my debut cookbook "Have You Eaten?", if you liked this recipe, then I'd encourage you to buy my cookbook for even more exclusive and delicious recipes!
.webp)
More tasty recipe ideas for you
If you liked this recipe then you might like some of these below! Or if you're looking for more inspiration, my cookbook has dozens of exclusive meals not on my website!
