Love Street-Style Pani Puri? Here’s How to Make It Healthier with an Air Fryer

Unpopular opinion: Street-style pani puri doesn’t have to be a guilty pleasure.

I know, I know, half the fun of eating pani puri is the thrill of that crispy, tangy, and spicy explosion of flavors, straight from a street vendor’s cart. 

But let’s be real: deep-fried puris drenched in masala water aren't exactly a health-conscious choice. The oil, the hygiene concerns, and the mystery of how long those puris have been sitting out—it all adds up.

But here’s the good news: you don’t have to give up pani puri to eat healthier. 

What if I told you that your favorite street-style treat could be made lighter, crispier, and just as delicious, without deep frying? 

The secret? Your air fryer.

Yep, that kitchen gadget isn’t just for fries and chips. Stick with me, and I’ll show you how to recreate the magic of street-style pani puri while cutting back on unnecessary oil, without sacrificing the crunch or the flavor.

Why Choose an Air Fryer for Pani Puri?

Credits: Glen India

• Less Oil, More Health: Air-fried puris use up to 80% less oil than deep-fried ones. Which makes it  healthier as well as tastier.
• Lower Caloric Intake: Cutting down on oil reduces overall calorie consumption, making it a diet-friendly snack.
• Crispy and Light: The air fryer gives the same crunchy texture without excess grease.
• Heart-Healthy Choice: Consuming less fried food lowers bad cholesterol and improves heart health.

Ingredients for Air-Fried Pani Puri

Credits: Glen India

The first bite of this Indian street food  Pani Puri is nothing short of magical. The crispy puri cracks open, releasing a burst of tangy, spicy, and refreshing pani (flavored water) that tickles the taste buds. 

For the Puris:

• 1 cup semolina (suji)
• 2 tbsp whole wheat flour
• ¼ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• ⅓ cup water (adjust as needed)
• Cooking spray or 1 tsp olive oil

For the Pani (Flavored Water):

• 1 cup fresh mint leaves
• ½ cup fresh coriander leaves
• 2 green chilies (adjust spice level)
• 1-inch ginger
• 1 tbsp tamarind pulp
• ½ tsp black salt
• ½ tsp roasted cumin powder
• ½ tsp chaat masala
• 3 cups chilled water

For the Filling:

• 1 cup boiled and mashed potatoes
• ½ cup boiled chickpeas
• ½ tsp black salt
• ½ tsp cumin powder
• ½ tsp red chili powder
• ½ tsp chaat masala
• 1 tbsp finely chopped coriander leaves

Step-by-Step Instructions

Credits: Glen India

1. Making the Air-Fried Puris

Prepare the Dough:

• In a bowl, mix semolina, whole wheat flour, baking soda, and salt.
• Add water gradually and knead into a stiff dough. Cover and let it rest for 30 minutes.

Roll & Cut:

• Roll out the dough into a thin sheet.
• Use a small round cutter (or a bottle cap) to cut out circles.

Air Frying the Puris:

• Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
• Lightly brush the puris with olive oil or use a cooking spray.
• Place them in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overlapping.
• Air fry for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they puff up and turn golden brown.

2. Preparing the Pani (Flavored Water)

• Blend mint leaves, coriander leaves, green chilies, ginger, and tamarind pulp with a little water.
• Strain the mixture and add black salt, cumin powder, chaat masala, and chilled water.
• Mix well and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to enhance the flavors. 

3. Making the Filling

Credits: Glen India

• Mix boiled potatoes, chickpeas, black salt, cumin powder, chili powder, and chaat masala.
• Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.

4. Assembling the Healthier Pani Puri

Credits: Glen India

• Gently crack open the air-fried puris.
• Stuff them with a spoonful of the potato-chickpea filling.
• Pour the chilled pani into each puri.
• Serve immediately and enjoy your guilt-free, crispy, and flavorful homemade Pani Puri!

Conclusion

With an air fryer, you can relish your favorite street food in a much healthier way. This method eliminates excess oil while keeping the crunch intact. Plus, using fresh and nutritious ingredients makes this homemade Pani Puri a much better alternative to store-bought versions.

Give this easy recipe a try and treat yourself to a healthier Pani Puri experience!

For a good quality Air Fryer you can always consider Glen India.