Champions Trophy Fever? Here’s How to Make the Best Air-Fried Samosas & Pakoras While Watching the Match

I know, I know, a platter of crisp samosas and pakoras devoured as your team goes for it on TV during the Champions Trophy is heaven. 

What if I were to tell you, though, that you can indulge in a similarly golden, crisp delight but deep-fried not? Sounds like a miracle food? Hear me out.

Thanks to an air fryer, you can make your favorite match-day snacks, outside crispy, inside soft without swimming them in oil. 

And I promise that if you take a bite of these air-fried samosas and pakoras, you would not want to switch back. 

Want to boost your snack life? 

Let's begin!

Why Go for Air-Frying vs Deep-Frying?

Credits: Glen India

So if you've ever prepared samosas or pakoras, you realize how much oil they absorb in deep-frying. Although it provides them that characteristic crunchiness, the oil also contributes unwanted calories and fat. 

Air frying recipes, on the other hand, employ hot air to cook food, giving a crunchy outside while using only a fraction of the oil.

Advantages of Air-Frying

• Less Oil, Less Calories: Air frying uses less oil, so your snacks are lighter.
• Crispy Texture: You still enjoy that ideal crunch without the greasy texture.
• Healthier Snack Choice: Less fat equals a healthier option for your game-day snacks.
• Convenience & Speed: Air fryers prepare food quicker than other methods and leave less mess and cleanup.
• Easy to Use: With automatic functions and easy controls, becoming an air-fry master is a breeze.

So, if you're willing to indulge without feeling too sluggish or bloated, air-fried samosas and pakoras are your key to a healthier snacking experience as you cheer for your favorite team.

The Secret to Perfect Air-Fried Samosas

Credits: Glen India

Ingredients 

1. 2 cups boiled and mashed potatoes
2. ½ cup boiled green peas
3. 1 small onion, finely chopped
4. 1 tsp cumin seeds
5. 1 tsp garam masala
6. ½ tsp turmeric powder
7. 1 tsp red chili powder
8. 1 tsp amchur (dry mango powder)
9. Salt to taste
10. 1 pack of readymade samosa sheets (or homemade dough)
11. 1 tbsp oil for brushing

Instructions 

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

• Heat a pan and add cumin seeds. Let them splutter, then add the onions and sauté until golden brown.
• Add the boiled potatoes, green peas, and spices (garam masala, turmeric, red chili powder, and amchur).
• Mix well and sauté for 2 minutes until all is well mixed and the spices are aromatic. Let it cool.

Step 2: Fill the Samosas

• If using store-bought samosa sheets, see the instructions for putting them together. Use a sheet, fold it into a cone shape, and fill it with the prepared filling. Seal the edges with a small amount of water so the filling doesn't spill out.
• If preparing the dough from scratch, roll it out into thin circles, cut it in half, and proceed the same way.

Step 3: Air-Fry to Perfection

• Preheat the air fryer to 180°C (350°F) for a couple of minutes.
• Lightly brush each samosa with a little oil to ensure they crisp up nicely.
• Arrange the samosas in the air fryer basket without overcrowding them.
• Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through until they’re golden and crispy.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Serve these air-fried samosas hot with mint chutney or tamarind sauce for a refreshing burst of flavor!

Here’s How to Prepare Air-Fried Pakora

Credits: Glen India

Pakoras, crispy fried fritters of chickpea flour, are another staple snack during cricket matches. 

Whether spicy or not, they're the ideal finger food to be enjoyed with a cold beverage as you watch your team play. 

Ingredients 

1. 1 cup gram flour (besan)
2. ½ cup chopped onions
3. ½ cup finely chopped spinach (or any vegetables of your choice, potatoes, cauliflower, or zucchini are great)
4. 1 tsp ajwain (carom seeds)
5. 1 tsp cumin powder
6. ½ tsp turmeric powder
7. 1 tsp red chili powder
8. Salt to taste
9. Water (just enough to make a thick batter)
10. 1 tbsp oil for brushing

Instructions 

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

• In a bowl, mix gram flour, onions, spinach, and the remaining spices.
• Add water to make a thick batter (not watery). You want the batter to cling to the veggies.
• Mix well to incorporate and ensure all the ingredients are well coated.

Step 2: Form the Pakoras

• Scoop spoonfuls of the batter and drop them into small mounds on the air fryer basket.
• If you like bite-sized pakoras, form them into small balls. If you prefer larger fritters, make them a bit larger.

Step 3: Air-Fry to Crispy Perfection

• Preheat the air fryer to 180°C (350°F).
• Brush the pakoras lightly with oil to give them a beautiful golden finish.
• Air fry for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through so that they are cooked evenly. The pakoras should be crispy on the outside and soft inside.

Step 4: Serve with Chutney or Yogurt

Pakoras taste best when they are served hot with green chutney or a side of tangy yogurt. You may also add some tamarind sauce for that added flavor kick.

More Variations to Try

Credits: Glen India

Though the traditional samosa and pakora recipes are a favorite among many, why not level up your game-day snacks? Here are some variations you can try:

1. Cheese and Potato Samosas

Throw in a sprinkle of grated cheese (such as mozzarella or cheddar) in the potato stuffing to create a cheesy, creamy twist with each bite.

2. Paneer Pakoras

Instead of veggie, dust the pieces of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) with the batter and air-fry. Crispy, cheesy bites to be loved for sure!

3. Spicy Vegetable Samosas

Add a little extra green chili, ginger, and garlic to the filling for others who like the extra heat of spice.

Making Your Snacks with the Ideal Drinks

There's nothing greater than crunchy samosas and pakoras! Nothing, that is, but being paired with the ideal drink with which to sip it down.

Here are a few ideas on drinks

• Masala Chai: Traditional Indian tea flavored with ginger, cardamom, and cinnamon.
• Iced Lemonade: Zesty and refreshing, just right to offset the spiciness of your snacks.
• Cold Coffee: For all coffee fans, this is an excellent complement to your pakoras and samosas.

Why These Snacks are Perfect for the Champions Trophy

Credits: Glen India

The Champions Trophy isn't so much about the sport; it's about the spectacle. It's about being among friends and loved ones, sharing a laugh, and most of all, a good meal. Air-fried samosas and pakoras are ideal because:

• They can easily be made in bulk, so everyone can get a piece of the action.
• They're personalized, you can choose the filling and ingredients to taste.
• They're the epitome of comfort food, crispy, delicious, and rewarding, much like a satisfying game of cricket.

Tips to Get the Most from Your Game Day Snack Time

• Make Ahead: Prepare the filling or batter ahead of game time. Just air fry them up when you're ready to serve!
• Cook in Batches: If you're making a large number of snacks, don't fill the air fryer. This will ensure that everything gets cooked well.
• Make It Fun: Get creative with the filling. Experiment with adding corn, cheese, or mushrooms to the filling!

Conclusion

As the Champions Trophy intensifies, ensure that your snacks match the thrill! Air-fried samosas and pakoras are ideal to curb your cravings and yet remain light and nutritious. 

If you are watching the match with friends or have a cricket session to enjoy alone, these snacks will make your experience better.

So, turn on your air fryer and prepare for a crunchy game day delight. Cheers to watching the match, the meal, and the friends, all at once! Enjoy your snack and let your favorite team win the trophy!

With Glen India’s innovative kitchen appliances, like their high-performance air fryers, you can enjoy crispy, guilt-free samosas and pakoras without compromising on taste.