Healthy Crispy Pooris with Zero Grease: With an Air Fryer

Who wouldn’t enjoy a crispy hot poori that puffs like a balloon? It is relished in every Indian household, and is a common dish consumed during breakfast, festivals, or when celebrating something special. 

While splendid, we can’t deny that pooris are fried in an insane amount of oil, making one feel really heavy or concerned about their health. For the longest time, we have neglected to realize that there is not one way to achieve that crunch, and we have been so used to deep frying. 

That is no longer the case! An air fryer can cook puffs without the excess oil making them taste golden and crisp.

 In this essay, I’ll teach you how to prepare these oil-free puffs step by step so that you can savor this dish without feeling any regret and please everyone seated at the table.

What You’ll Need for Air Fryer Pooris

The beauty of pooris is their simplicity, and the air fryer version is no different. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Whole wheat flour (atta): 2 cups, for that authentic poori taste.
2. Semolina (sooji): 2 tablespoons, for extra crispiness.
3. Salt: ½ teaspoon, to enhance the flavor.
4. Water: About ¾ cup, to knead the dough.
5. Oil: 1 teaspoon for the dough, plus a tiny bit for brushing.
6. An air fryer: The star of the show.
7. A rolling pin and a small round cutter (optional, for uniform pooris).

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Air Fryer Pooris

Now, let’s get to the fun part, making those pooris. I’m going to break this down into simple steps so even if you’re a beginner, you’ll feel like a pro by the end. Grab your apron, and let’s get started.

Step 1: Make The Dough 

Credits: Canva

First, in a large bowl, mix the whole wheat flour, semolina, and salt. Use your fingers to combine all the dry ingredients. Then, pour in oil – oil makes the dough a bit elastic, which helps when rolling it. Add water slowly; sprinkle it bit by bit while kneading it into a dough or use a dough maker. 

Knead for 5-7 minutes until the mixture is smooth. Resting is equally important, so cover the dough with a damp towel and set it aside for 15 minutes. 

Step 2: Rolling the Pooris

Start by pouring flour on the rolling board to avoid sticking. Take one of the balls of dough and roll it out into a disc that is round, and approximately 4 to 5 inches in diameter. Every detail matters when it comes to rolling the dough. If it is too thick, the pooris will not puff, but if it is too thin, they will crisp up like papad. 

Step 3: Setting-up the Air-Fryer

You can start rolling the dough and simultaneously preheat the air fryer to 200 degrees Celsius for five minutes. 

Step 4: Air fry the Pooris 

Using a brush, apply a light coat of oil to only one side of each poori as this is how they attain that crispy texture and golden color. 

Depending on the size of the air fryer’s basket, add 2-3 pooris at a time, ensuring that none of them overlap. Set the temperature to 200°C and cook for 3-4 minutes while flipping them halfway through. 

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy 

The pooris are now ready and should be served while hot. You can serve them with your side dish of choice, for example, spicy aloo sabzi, paneer butter masala, or for the ones with a sweet tooth, the classic halwa which goes well with pooris. 

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Pooris

Credits: Glen India

Even though air fryer pooris are straightforward, a few tricks can take them from good to great. Here are some tips to ensure success:

1. Don’t skip the semolina: It adds that extra crunch that makes pooris irresistible.
2. Roll evenly: Uneven thickness can lead to uneven cooking or pooris that don’t puff.
3. Don’t overcrowd the air fryer: Cook in small batches for the best results.
4. Adjust cooking time: Every air fryer is slightly different, so check after 3 minutes and adjust if needed.
5. Keep the dough covered: This prevents it from drying out, which can make rolling harder.

These little tweaks make a big difference, especially if you’re new to air frying.

Why Air Fryer Pooris Are a Lifestyle Game-Changer

Switching to air fryer pooris isn’t just about cutting out grease, it’s about embracing a lifestyle that’s healthier without sacrificing the foods you love. In a world where we’re constantly juggling work, family, and self-care, finding ways to make comfort food guilt-free is a win. 

Air fryer pooris let you enjoy festive meals, weekend brunches, or even a quick dinner without the heavy aftermath of deep-fried food. Plus, they’re so easy to make that you can whip them up on a busy weeknight, making you the hero of the dinner table.

For families, this is a game-changer. Kids love pooris, but as parents, we worry about too much oil. With an air fryer, you can serve up their favorite meal while sneaking in a healthier twist. 

And let’s not forget the convenience, air fryers are easy to clean, and there’s no dealing with splattering oil or disposing of used cooking oil. It’s a win for your health, your kitchen, and your peace of mind.

Conclusion: A Healthier Take on a Classic

Making golden crispy pooris with zero grease is not just a recipe, it’s a lifestyle upgrade. With an air fryer, you can keep the joy of this beloved dish alive while making it healthier, easier, and more accessible. Whether you’re cooking for a festive gathering or a cozy family meal, these pooris are sure to impress without the guilt. 

So, next time you’re craving that perfect poori, skip the oil and let your air fryer work its magic. For the best results, trust the innovative technology of Glen India air fryers to bring this healthier twist to your table.