Crispy Air Fryer Samosas: Viral Oil-Free Recipe You’ll Wish You Tried Sooner!

I can’t believe people still think samosas have to be deep-fried to be delicious! 

Seriously, every time I see those golden, crispy samosas at a party, they have the same old story for those crispy looking samosas at a function saying how greasy and amazing it is at the same time.

Get ready because I am here to change that thought. There is a new trend of making oil-less samosas in an air fryer. Yes, you read that right! Oil-less and still deliciously crispy.

Impressive, isn't it? No sloppiness or unhealthy nutrients. You'll discover why this is the best revolutionary recipe of the year.

Let’s make mouth-watering samosas together. But this time, we make sure the samosas fit within the calorie diet unlike usual recipes.

Why Air Fryer Samosas Are Stealing the Spotlight

Credits: Glen India

Whether you are throwing a party or quietly enjoying a cup of evening chai, samosas are always a delicious addition. The only drawback to traditional samosas is that they are quite literally to die for, since they are deep-fried which instantly makes them heavenly but also leads to a heavy feeling later on. Now we have the air fryer, which uses the circulation of hot air to crisp up food while avoiding excess oil. This new kitchen contraption performs miracles and makes our favorite samosas less fatty–both in taste and sentiment.

This recipe became popular completely overnight and there is a good reason for that: it is fully nutritious and quick to prepare. The time for making a batch would be about an hour, but even that could be shortened through clever cooking with different fillings. 

Plus, it provides the taste of delicious samosas while appealing to one’s aim of reducing oil intake. Whether you are an overwhelmed parent, someone who pays attention to healthy food, or a samosa lover, this recipe will change your world.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Perfect Samosas

Credits: Canva

For the Dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil or melted ghee (for binding, not frying)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup water (adjust as needed)

For the Filling:

• 3 medium potatoes, boiled and mashed
• 1/2 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 green chili, finely chopped (optional, for heat)
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh coriander leaves, chopped
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

For Cooking:

Cooking spray or a light brush of oil (optional, for extra crispiness)

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Air Fryer Samosas

1. Creating the Dough

The first step involves combining salt and flour in a bowl. After that, pour in the oil or ghee. Pour water into the mixture slowly while kneading. Stop when a firm and smooth dough is formed. Once done, wrap the dough in a damp cloth so it can relax for twenty minutes. Allowing it to rest will make rolling easier later on.

2. Cook the Filling

While the dough rests, let’s make the filling. Add a teaspoon of oil, although the entire step can be skipped if oil-free filling is desired.

• Combine ginger, turmeric, coriander powder, and hara masala. Mixing ginger in will elevate the filling aroma to another level.
• Squeeze lemon juice along with fresh coriander leaves once. They're only added near the end because the filling needs to cool down first to ensure the dough isn't soaked at the end.

3. Shaping the Samosas

Shape the rested dough into 6 equal balls. Roll each ball into a thin oval shape, approximately 6 inches in diameter. Cut the circle in half to form 2 semicircles. Take a semicircle and form a cone by folding it. Seal the edge with a bit of water. Add about a tablespoon of filling into the cone, then fold the cone into a triangle. Seal the open edge and firmly press the edges to avoid any leaks. Repeat this step until all dough and filling are used.

Trick: If making the shapes of the samosas is difficult for the first time, do not panic. It is a lot like folding a paper airplane, after the first time, it is a walk in the park. Not to mention, the taste will still be great even if they are not made perfectly.

4. Air Frying the Samosas

Credits: Glen India

Preheat the Air Fryer to 375 F (190 C). Allow an additional 5 minutes for it to warm up. For a crunchier result, you can lightly spray or brush some cooking oil on the samosas. This step is not necessary though. Place the samosas in a single layer in the air fryer basket so there is space between them to allow for even cooking. Do not overcrowd them. Set the air fryer to a timer of 12-15 minutes, turning them halfway to ensure even crispness. Depending on the number of samosas, you may have to repeat this step multiple times.

5. Serve and Relish

Let the samosas cool down for a few minutes, as they will be very hot. Best served with any yogurt or chutney of your choice. While these samosas can be best enjoyed fresh, you can store leftovers in a container for 48 hours. If you wish to retain the crispiness, reheating them in the air fryer is the way to go.

Preparing Food without Oil

Let’s begin with the benefits of going oil free first. When cooking samosas, the masala filling often absorbs oil, adding to the calorie count, while also muzzling taste. Air frying helps preserve the filling. Not to mention the additional flavor the samosa attains. Furthermore, with air fryers, total fat can be cut down to as much as 75% compared to other methods. This is amazing for the body and the palate.

This recipe meets those peculiar requirements and adapts it into a lifestyle need. It requires very little effort. No more standing on the stove with piping hot oil splattering everywhere. Just take the samosa, put it in the air-fryer, set the timer, have coffee, and enjoy your favorite show. That is multitasking which of course, fits in the modern world.

Tips for Samosa Success

Credits: Canva

Want to take your samosas to the next level? Here are some tried-and-true tips:

• Experiment with fillings: Try spiced lentils, paneer, or even shredded chicken for a twist.
• Don’t overfill: Too much filling can make the samosas burst open during cooking.
• Keep the dough covered: This prevents it from drying out while you’re shaping.
• Adjust the spice: If you’re cooking for kids or prefer milder flavors, skip the green chili and reduce the garam masala.
• Freeze for later: Assemble the samosas, freeze them on a tray, then store in a freezer bag. Air fry straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Conclusion

Air fryer samosas are more than just a recipe—they’re a lifestyle upgrade. Crispy, flavorful, and oh-so-easy to make, they’re proof that you don’t have to compromise on taste to eat healthier. From the flaky dough to the spiced potato filling, every bite is a reminder that good food can be simple, satisfying, and good for you. So, the next time you’re craving a snack that’s equal parts comfort and crunch, give this viral recipe a try. You’ll wish you’d discovered it sooner. And for the best results, make sure you’re using a reliable air fryer like the ones from Glen India, designed to make your cooking effortless and your samosas perfectly crispy every time.