Easy Air Fryer Samosas with Less Oil

Samosas are an iconic Indian snack. Crispy, golden pastry wrapped around a spicy filling — traditionally deep-fried — they’re a must-have at parties, weddings, and even casual evening tea times. But as much as we love them, the heavy use of oil in deep frying makes them less suitable for regular snacking.

Enter the Air Fryer Samosa — a healthier, guilt-free alternative that doesn’t compromise on crunch or flavour. With the air fryer, you can achieve that same golden-brown crispiness while using a fraction of the oil. It’s a win-win: flavourful and satisfying yet light enough for modern health-conscious lifestyles.

The Origins and Popularity of Samosas

The samosa has a rich history that stretches beyond India. Originating from the Middle East (where they were called sambosa or sanbosag), these triangular pastries traveled along trade routes to Central Asia before firmly embedding themselves in Indian cuisine during the Delhi Sultanate era.

In India, samosas have become more than just food — they’re cultural icons:

• Street food stalls in Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata sell them fresh by the dozens every evening.
• Festivals and weddings always include platters of samosas alongside chutneys.
• Tea-time snacks at home often feature samosas paired with masala chai.

Today, they’ve gone global. From the UK to the USA and Australia, samosas are available in Indian restaurants, supermarkets, and even frozen snack aisles. The popularity stems from their adaptability — the filling can be vegetarian, meaty, vegan, or even fusion with cheese, noodles, or Mexican beans.

But one universal truth remains: people love the crunch. And the air fryer makes this crunch possible without the heavy oil.

Why Use an Air Fryer for Samosas?

The air fryer circulates hot air around food, creating a convection effect that mimics frying. Here’s why it works so well for samosas:

1. Less Oil, Same Crispiness – Instead of submerging in hot oil, you only brush or spray a thin layer of oil on the pastry.
2. Even Cooking – Hot air ensures the wrapper gets crisp on all sides, not just the surface.
3. Fewer Calories – Air-fried samosas typically cut fat content by 50–70% compared to deep-fried ones.
4. No Mess – No oil splattering, no greasy smell lingering in the kitchen.
5. Quick and Convenient – Air fryer preheats in minutes, and cooking time is reduced compared to oven-baking.

So, if you’re someone who avoids deep-fried snacks but still wants authentic flavour, this is the best middle ground.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Samosas (Potato Filling Version)

For the Dough (outer wrapper):

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (maida)
• 3 tbsp oil or ghee
• ½ tsp salt
• Water (as needed for kneading)

For the Filling:

• 3 large potatoes, boiled, peeled, and mashed
• ½ cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 green chilies, chopped
• 1-inch ginger, grated
• ½ tsp cumin seeds
• ½ tsp mustard seeds (optional)
• ½ tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• ½ tsp red chili powder
• 1 tbsp lemon juice or ½ tsp dry mango powder (amchur)
• Fresh coriander leaves, chopped
• 2 tbsp oil

For Air Frying:

• Oil spray or brush of light oil

Step-by-Step Recipe: How to Make Air Fryer Samosas

1. Prepare the Dough

1. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and oil/ghee.
2. Rub the oil into the flour with your fingers until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add water and knead into a firm but pliable dough.
4. Cover with a damp cloth and rest for 30 minutes.

2. Prepare the Filling

1. Heat 2 tbsp oil in a pan. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
2. Add onions, ginger, and green chilies. Sauté until golden.
3. Mix in turmeric, coriander powder, chili powder, and garam masala.
4. Add boiled potatoes and peas. Mash and mix thoroughly.
5. Finish with lemon juice/amchur and chopped coriander.
6. Let filling cool completely.

3. Shape the Samosas

1. Divide the dough into small balls (about golf-ball size).
2. Roll each ball into an oval (about 6 inches long).
3. Cut in half to make two semi-ovals.
4. Shape each semi-oval into a cone, sealing the edge with water.
5. Fill with 1–2 tbsp of potato mixture.
6. Seal the top edges firmly, pinching to avoid gaps.

4. Air Fry the Samosas

1. Preheat air fryer to 180°C (350°F).
2. Brush or spray samosas lightly with oil.
3. Arrange in a single layer in the basket (don’t overcrowd).
4. Air fry for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown.
5. Serve hot with mint chutney, tamarind chutney, or tomato sauce.

Variations: Make Samosas Your Way

1. Meat Samosas – Substitute potato filling with minced chicken, lamb, or beef cooked with onions, peas, and spices.
2. Paneer Samosas – Use crumbled paneer with peas, onions, and garam masala.
3. Vegan Samosas – Skip paneer or dairy-based wrappers. Use oil instead of ghee in the dough.
4. Gluten-Free Samosas – Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour mix (like rice flour + chickpea flour).
5. Fusion Fillings – Cheese & jalapeño, spinach & feta, or Mexican-style beans & corn.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Air Fryer Samosas

• Seal properly: Use a dab of water or flour slurry to seal edges, or the filling may leak.
• Don’t overstuff: Too much filling can cause bursting.
• Brush, don’t drench: A light coat of oil helps crispness without making it greasy.
• Batch cooking: Cook in small batches for even browning.
• Make ahead: Shape samosas and freeze them raw; air fry straight from frozen, adding 3–4 minutes to cook time.

Nutrition Breakdown (Per 1 Medium Samosa)

• Calories: ~120
• Fat: 4–5g (vs 10–12g in deep-fried)
• Carbs: 18g
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 2g

This makes them a lighter option without sacrificing taste — ideal for weight-watchers or those managing cholesterol.

Serving Suggestions

Air Fryer Samosas are incredibly versatile:

• Evening Snack – Pair with masala chai.
• Party Appetizer – Serve with green chutney and tamarind chutney.
• Festive Platter – Include alongside pakoras, cutlets, and chaat.
• Kid-Friendly Treat – Mildly spiced versions work great for school lunch boxes.
• Fusion Style – Serve with salsa or hummus for a global twist.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use store-bought samosa wrappers?
Yes! Phyllo sheets or spring roll wrappers work. Just adjust cooking time since they crisp faster.

2. Do I need to pre-cook the filling?
Yes. Raw fillings release moisture and make the pastry soggy.

3. Can I freeze air fryer samosas?
Absolutely. Freeze shaped, uncooked samosas on a tray, then store in ziplock bags. Fry from frozen.

4. My samosas are not crispy enough — why?
They may need a longer cook time or a light extra oil spray.

5. Are air fryer samosas healthier than deep-fried?
Yes, they use 70–80% less oil while maintaining crunch.

Cultural and Festive Relevance

In Indian households, samosas symbolize celebration. They are a staple for:

• Diwali parties where snacks flow freely before dinner.
• Ramadan iftar platters alongside dates and pakoras.
• Holi gatherings with colourful drinks and savoury bites.
• Wedding tea stalls that feature endless refills of samosas and chai.

Switching to an air fryer doesn’t take away from the tradition — it only makes it more sustainable for frequent enjoyment.

Final Thoughts

Air Fryer Samosas bring together the best of both worlds: the beloved taste of authentic Indian street food and the modern convenience of healthier cooking. Whether you’re hosting a party, prepping snacks for kids, or simply indulging on a weekend evening, this recipe ensures you can enjoy samosas guilt-free.

So, get your air fryer ready, prepare that spicy potato filling, and bite into crunchy, golden parcels of happiness — all with far less oil.