Healthy Air Fryer Samosas
Samosas are a classic South Asian snack, loved for their crispy, golden pastry and mouthwatering savoury filling. Traditionally deep-fried and filled with spiced potatoes, onions, peas, or meat, these crunchy pockets of deliciousness are perfect for any occasion. However, in this recipe, we’re shaking things up a bit.
My friend @browngirlvegan and I decided to take a non-traditional approach, using filo pastry to make them a little lighter and healthier - plus, we cooked them in the air fryer instead of deep frying. The result? Still ultra-crunchy and just as satisfying! This shortcut makes the process easier, while keeping all the flavour and crunch we love about samosas. So whether you're looking for a healthier alternative or simply craving a delicious snack, this air-fryer samosa recipe is the perfect option.
Hey, I'm Verna!
About this recipe
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. Wash and peel potatoes. Dice them and microwave on high for 6 minutes in 2 minute intervals. Cover the lid while microwaving. Alternatively you can boil them in water for about 7-8 minutes.
2. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add cumin and fennel seeds and the chopped shallots. Saute for a few minutes.
3. Add grated ginger, green chilli and coriander, as well as the turmeric, red chilli powder, cumin powder, and garam masala. Mix well.
4. Add back the cooked potatoes combine, mashing them along the way. Add some water to cook the potatoes further if they are not fully cooked.
5. Once the potatoes are 75% mashed, with some chunks remaining, toss in the green peas. Give it another mix and set the filling aside to cool.
6. When the filling has cooled down, prepare to fold the samosas by slicing the pastry sheet by folding the pastry sheet inwards to create a 2-layered piece, ensure the width is around 4 inches. Slice them horizontally accordingly.
7. Place a heaped tablespoon of the potato filling into one corner of the cut pastry sheet. Fold the pastry into triangles (as demonstrated in the video below). Tuck in the ends or seal them with a 2:1 ratio of flour-water mixture.
8. Repeat until all samosa's are made. Brush them generously with oil and place into the airfryer basket in a single layer. Do not overcrowd.
- If you prefer to deep fry, that's possible as well. It will take around 5-6 minutes before they are golden brown with oil at 200ºC/400ºF.
- To air fry, cook for 10-12 minutes at 180ºC/350ºF, turning them halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
9. While you wait for the samosas to cook, make the chutney by combining the listed ingredients together in a food processor, or pestle and mortar, until you get a smooth paste.
10. Serve the air-fried samosas while hot with a generous smear of the mint chutney. Enjoy!
Video demonstration
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