So you finally gave in and bought an air fryer or you planning to buy one for ages. Or maybe it’s been sitting on your kitchen counter for months, quietly judging you. Either way, let’s change that today.
If you love Indian vegetarian food and also want to cook a little healthier, a little faster, and with a lot less oil — your air fryer is about to become your best kitchen buddy.
Why Your Air Fryer Deserves More Attention?
Air fryers aren’t just about reheating or mimicking deep-fried snacks. For Indian kitchens, they’re a real game-changer.
If you’re watching your health — whether it’s for weight loss, high protein meals, or just eating clean, gym goers, this small machine goes a long way. It also means less oil, fewer splatter burns, less time standing in front of a hot stove.
Let’s Get Cooking! Here is 15 Indian Vegetarian Air Fryer Recipes You’ll Actually Love
Check out more delicious Indian air fryer recipes, veg and non-veg included!
A Few Tips to Make It All Work
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket.
Use oil spray or brush instead of pouring
Preheat your air fryer if the recipe calls for it. Yes, it matters!
Aluminum foil or parchment paper? Only if it doesn’t block airflow. Perforated sheets are ideal.
Cooking in an air fryer doesn’t mean giving up your love for real, homemade Indian food. In fact, it might help you fall in love with cooking again — less mess, fewer calories, and still packed with all the flavor that reminds you of home.
Whether you’re in Bangalore or Boston, these vegetarian air fryer recipes are your shortcut to healthy, comforting and deeply satisfying meals.
Which recipe are you trying first?! Share a Cooksnap 💬📸
FAQ
1. Can I cook Indian food in an air fryer?
Yes, definitely! Air fryers are great for Indian cooking — especially snacks, tikkas, and dry sabzis. You can get crispy results with very little oil, which is perfect for things like tikkis, pakoras, and even kebabs.
2. Is air-fried food really healthier than deep-fried?
In most cases, yes. Air frying uses up to 80% less oil than deep frying, so it’s lighter on calories and better if you’re watching your weight or cholesterol.
3. Can I make full meals in an air fryer or just snacks?
You can make both! While snacks are common, you can also cook things like stuffed parathas, roasted veggies, paneer wraps, and even small bakes or pulao-style dishes if your air fryer has a baking tray.
4. What oil should I use in the air fryer?
A light brush or spray of any neutral oil (like sunflower or rice bran oil) works well. For more flavor, you can use ghee or mustard oil — just use a little to avoid smoking.
5. Do air fryer recipes really taste like deep-fried?
Not exactly the same, but close! You’ll get crispiness and flavor without the heavy, greasy feel. For many Indian snacks, the difference is surprisingly small — especially once you get the seasoning right.
6. Is an air fryer good for high-protein vegetarian meals?
Yes! You can air fry paneer, tofu, chickpeas, or soy-based foods for a quick, protein-rich meal — perfect for vegetarians trying to stay fit or on a high-protein diet.
Manisha Malvi Angaitkar
