Air-Fryer Samosas

Using an air fryer brings the samosa, a beloved Indian appetizer, to your dinner table with a healthier twist. The result? Crispy, golden-brown triangles that house a flavorfully spiced potato-and-pea filling sans the need for deep frying.

Whether you’re looking for a tasty snack or a hearty party appetizer, these samosas in an air fryer are crunchy and delicious. Best of all, our recipe simplifies the process even further by using egg roll wrappers instead of homemade dough. Pair the air-fryer samosas with your favorite chutney and you’ve got a delicious Indian meal.

Air-Fryer Samosa Ingredients

• Red potatoes: About 1 pound red potatoes forms the heart of the filling, providing a creamy texture and base to absorb the flavors of all the spices. Here are the different types of potatoes you can use for cooking.
• Canola oil: Just 2 teaspoons oil are used to sauté the onions, adding flavor to the filling.
• Onion: Finely chopped onion adds a savory depth to the filling in these air-fryer samosas.
• Frozen peas: Add a pop of color and a mild sweetness to the filling mixture with 1/4 cup thawed peas.
• Sugar: Granulated white sugar balances all the savory flavors in the samosas.
• Garam masala: Just 1 tablespoon of this classic Indian spice blend is aromatic and essential for the authentic Indian flavor. Here’s how to make your own garam masala at home.
• Chili powder: Add 1 teaspoon chili powder to the filling for a touch of heat.
• Egg roll wrappers: Twenty wrappers provide crisp, flaky shells for the samosas, making them easy to assemble and cook in the air fryer.
• Cooking spray: A light spritz of cooking spray ensures that the samosas crisp up evenly in the air fryer and achieve their characteristic golden-brown exterior.
• Mango chutney: Serve these air-fryer samosas with chutney for a sweet and tangy dipping sauce.

Directions

Step 1: Cook the potatoes

Preheat the air fryer to 350°F. Place the red potatoes in a large saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat and cook uncovered until tender, 10 to 12 minutes. Drain and let cool before peeling and chopping them into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Prepare the filling

In a large skillet, heat the canola oil over medium-high heat. Add the finely chopped onion and saute for three to four minutes or until softened and fragrant. Stir in the chopped potatoes, peas, garam masala, chili powder and salt. Cook for another five minutes, stirring occasionally to allow the flavors to blend. Remove the skillet from the heat and let the filling cool slightly.

Editor’s Tip: For extra flavor, toast the spices in the oil for 30 seconds before adding the onions to the pan.

Step 3: Assemble the samosas

Cut each egg roll wrapper in half lengthwise to form long strips. Place about 1 tablespoon potato filling about 1/2 inch from the corner of each strip. Moisten the wrapper edges with water and then fold one corner over the filling to form a triangle. Continue folding like a flag until you reach the end of the strip. Seal the end with water.

Editor’s Tip: Keep unused wrappers covered with a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out while you work.

Step 4: Air-fry the samosas

Working in batches, place the samosas in a single layer in the greased air-fryer basket and spritz them with cooking spray. Cook for seven to eight minutes, turning once halfway through until golden brown and crispy. Serve warm with mango chutney.

Dan Roberts for Taste of Home

Recipe Variations

• Use sweet potatoes: Swap in mashed sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter twist to these samosas in the air fryer.
• Make them meaty: Add cooked ground beef or chicken to the potato mixture for a protein-packed version.
• Use cheese: Mix in some crumbled paneer or grated cheddar cheese for a creamy twist to the air-fryer samosa.
• Give it a Greek-inspired twist: Replace some potato with cooked chopped spinach and crumbled feta for a Mediterranean version.

How to Store Air-Fryer Samosas

Leftover samosas can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Place them in the air fryer at 300° for two to three minutes to restore their original crispiness to reheat.

Can you freeze air-fryer samosas?

Yes, you can freeze these air-fryer samosas either cooked or uncooked. Assemble the samosas and freeze on a baking sheet. Transfer the frozen samosas to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to three months. When ready to serve, cook directly from frozen in the air fryer, adding three to four additional minutes to the cook time for the uncooked ones.

Air-Fryer Samosa Tips

Dan Roberts for Taste of Home

Can I use phyllo dough instead of egg roll wrappers?

Yes, you can use phyllo dough for a flakier crust. Just be sure to brush each layer of phyllo with melted butter or oil before folding. Alternatively, you can also follow this samosa recipe to make your own samosa dough at home.

Can I make these samosas without an air fryer?

While this recipe is designed for an air fryer, you can also bake these samosas in an oven. Place the samosas on a baking sheet lined with parchment and bake in a preheated 375° oven for 15 to 20 minutes, until golden brown and crispy. Flip the samosas halfway through for even browning on both sides.

What dip pairs well with air-fryer samosas?

Aside from mango chutney, these samosas pair well with mint chutney, tamarind sauce or a cheesy yogurt dip. Here are 12 Asian sauces to keep in your pantry.

Can I use other vegetables in the air-fryer samosa filling?

Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like finely diced carrots, corn or even small cubes of sweet potato. Make sure any added vegetables are cooked until tender before adding them to the filling.