Samosas have always been my comfort food the kind of snack that makes everything feel just a little warmer, a little better. But I’ll admit, the traditional deep-fried version made them more of an occasional indulgence than a regular treat.
That changed when I discovered the magic of the air fryer. Now, these golden, crisp-on-the-outside, soft-and-spiced-on-the-inside parcels are a weekly affair at my place and without the heavy grease or guilt.
What makes this recipe special isn’t just the perfect flaky dough or the punchy, turmeric-spiced potato filling. It’s how you get all the authentic flavor with 80% less oil, making it a smart pick for those watching their calories or just craving a lighter snack option.
According to Harvard Health, cutting back on fried foods can reduce your risk of heart disease by nearly 25%. That’s a pretty good reason to air-fry your samosas, don’t you think?
I love pairing mine with a smoky, nutty Romesco Sauce for a bold twist or sipping a refreshing Aperol Spritz alongside for a light weekend bite. There’s something so satisfying about watching them puff and turn golden in the air fryer no splatter, no mess, just simple joy.
This recipe has been trending lately thanks to its clever fusion of traditional flavors with modern convenience. And if you’ve ever struggled to get that perfect crispy texture without frying, trust me this one’s a game-changer.
I’d love to know how you make your samosas unique. Drop your filling ideas or dipping sauce combos in the comments!
What Makes This Air Fryer Samosa My Go-To Snack?
- A Family Tradition Now Healthier: Growing up, I watched my mom roll out samosas every Sunday. This recipe brings back that nostalgic feeling but with way less oil and quicker cooking thanks to the air fryer.
- Weeknight Friendly: Life gets busy, but this recipe fits right in. I prep the filling ahead, and when the craving hits, I just pop a few into the air fryer crispy samosas in minutes!
- Totally Flexible Filling: I’ve played around with the filling so many times sweet potatoes, leftover chicken, even crumbled paneer. This dough is versatile and forgiving, making it a favorite for fridge-cleanout nights.
- Light Yet Satisfying: These samosas are hearty enough to keep me full, but they never feel heavy. That balance helps me stay on track with mindful eating, especially when I want something snacky.
- Crispy Without the Mess: That golden, crunchy shell is everything. No deep frying, no oil splatters just clean hands and happy taste buds.
Air Fryer Samosas Recipe
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Potato masher or fork
- Frying pan (for preparing filling)
- Pastry brush (optional, for oil brushing)
Ingredients
For Samosa Dough:
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons oil can be substituted with ghee
- ¾ cup water
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
For Samosa Filling:
- 2 potatoes medium to large size, prefer Yukon Gold
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil divided
- ½ teaspoon cumin seeds optional
- ½ teaspoon black mustard seeds optional
- ½ teaspoon minced ginger
- ½ teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 Thai bird’s eye chili pepper optional, chopped; substitute with jalapeño
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- ½ teaspoon amchur powder optional (dried mango powder)
- ½ teaspoon garam masala
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 teaspoon chopped cilantro optional
Instructions
- Mix flour, salt, baking soda, and oil, then knead with water to form smooth dough.
- Cover and let the dough rest for 15–20 minutes.
- Boil and mash potatoes; sauté spices, peas, and mashed potatoes in a pan.
- Divide dough into balls and roll into ovals; cut each oval in half.
- Shape each half into a cone, seal edges with water.
- Fill cones with potato mixture and seal to form samosas.
- Preheat air fryer to 180°C (350°F).
- Brush samosas lightly with oil and air-fry for 15–20minutes until golden and crispy.
Nutrition
Next-Level Variations For Air Fryer Samosas!
1. Caramelized Onion & Feta Samosas:
Skip the usual potato-pea filling and try slow-cooked caramelized onions mixed with crumbled feta. The sweetness of the onions and the salty bite of feta create an incredible flavor punch.
2. Thai-Inspired Peanut Veggie Samosas:
Use stir-fried veggies (like bell peppers, carrots, and cabbage) tossed in a rich peanut sauce. It’s got crunch, spice, and a nutty finish—surprisingly addictive and totally different.
3. South Indian Tempered Lentil Samosas:
Make a filling with cooked toor dal or moong dal, tempered with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and grated coconut. It’s earthy, light, and perfect for those who love regional Indian flavors.
4. Mediterranean Chickpea & Olive Samosas:
Mashed chickpeas, kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and a touch of za’atar. This one is tangy, savory, and ideal if you’re in the mood for something globally inspired.
5. Tandoori Mushroom & Corn Samosas:
Marinate mushrooms and corn in tandoori masala, lightly sauté, then use as your filling. It brings smoky depth and a meaty texture great for serving with mint yogurt dip.
6. Sweet-Spiced Apple & Raisin Samosas:
For a dessert twist, use chopped apples sautéed with ghee, cinnamon, nutmeg, and golden raisins. Air fry until golden and serve with vanilla yogurt or honey drizzle.
Quick Questions?
Q. Can I freeze these samosas before air frying?
Ans: Yes! Assemble and freeze them on a tray, then transfer to a zip-lock bag. Air fry straight from frozen just add 3–4 extra minutes to the cooking time.
Q. What’s the best way to reheat leftover samosas?
Ans: Pop them back in the air fryer at 160°C (320°F) for 5–6 minutes to revive their crispiness. Avoid microwaving—they turn soggy.
Q. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose?
Ans: You can, but the texture will be a bit denser and less flaky. Try using half wheat and half all-purpose for a better balance.
Q. How can I prevent the samosas from drying out in the air fryer?
Ans: Lightly brush or spray them with oil before air frying. This helps keep the outer layer golden and crisp without turning too dry.
Q. What dips go well besides chutneys?
Ans: Try smoky Romesco Sauce, garlic yogurt dip, or even hummus for a tasty fusion twist.
