Add Preferred SourceThis irresistible fried idli recipe is a delicious variation of traditional idlis (steamed cakes made from fermented rice and lentil batter)! Fried idli is a great way to repurpose leftover idlis, transforming them into a completely different dish with a unique taste and texture.
Fried idli is a popular Indian snack and breakfast dish made from leftover idlis. Idli is a traditional South Indian steamed rice cake, typically made from fermented rice and black lentils (urad dal). They are a staple in South Indian cuisine.
Why you will love this recipe?
- Easy preparation: The recipe is incredibly simple and straightforward. Since it uses leftover idlis, you're already starting with a pre-cooked base, making it a quick and convenient recipe.
- Kid-friendly and lunchbox-friendly: Air-Fried idli bites are an ideal snack for kids and a fantastic addition to their lunchboxes.
- Maintains the essence of idlis: While this recipe gives idlis a delightful variation, the idli bites retain the essence of traditional idlis, albeit with a different texture. The soft and chewy interior remains intact, offering a lovely contrast to the crispy exterior.
Ingredients
Idli: Leftover idlis straight from the refrigerator work best for this dish. If you are planning to make them using fresh idlis, make sure they are cooled completely before cutting them. Hot idlis will not hold shape when cut.
Oil: Any cooking oil or ghee can be used to coat the idlis.
Seasoning: I have used lentil chutney powder (also called idli podi) to season the idlis. It is easily available in Indian grocery stores and on Amazon.
Variations
There are numerous variations you can try to customize this easy recipe and make it your own. Here are some ideas:
Curry leaves, mustard seeds, and cumin seeds: In a little oil, temper mustard seeds and curry leaves until they sizzle and release their aroma. Toss the fried idlis in this fragrant tempering and garnish with cilantro (coriander leaves) and lemon juice before serving.
Chili idli: Replace paneer with fried idli pieces in chilli paneer recipe to make unique chilli idli.
Idli Manchurian: Replace fried cauliflower florets in gobi Manchurian with fried idlis to make idli Manchurian.
Step-by-step instructions
Expert Tips
Leftover idlis that have been refrigerated overnight work best for this recipe. The slightly firm texture of refrigerated idlis makes them easier to cut and prevents them from becoming too mushy during frying.
Traditional idli made with a fermented batter of rice and lentils is used in this recipe. You can also use rava idli made using semolina instead of plain idlis.
When cutting the idlis, try to make them as uniform as possible. This ensures even cooking and a consistent texture across all the idli bites.
Recipe FAQs
This dish pairs wonderfully with various chutneys and sauces and is commonly served with coconut chutney or tomato chutney. Additionally, you can enjoy them with sambar or even tomato ketchup.
While you can use freshly made idlis for this recipe, using leftover idlis is recommended for the best results. Freshly made idlis might be too soft and delicate, making them prone to breaking or becoming mushy during frying. Leftover idlis that have been refrigerated overnight firm up slightly, which makes them easier to handle and ensures a better texture when fried. If using freshly made idlis, refrigerate them for a few hours before cutting and frying.
Yes, you can make them in advance and reheat them later. After frying the idli pieces, allow them to cool completely. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you are ready to serve, simply reheat them
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Recipe card
Fried Idli (Air Fryer)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 8 idlis (leftover idli works best)
- 2 tablespoon oil
- 2 teaspoon chutney powder (use store-bought or homemade chutney powder)
Instructions
- Take out the idlis from the refrigerator and cut the cold idlis into bite-sized pieces.
- Transfer them to a bowl and drizzle the oil. Toss them well so that the idli pieces are coated with oil.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400 F (205 C) for 2 minutes. Spray oil on the air fryer basket.
- Place the cut idli in a single layer. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping them once midway.
- Transfer to a bowl and sprinkle chutney podi and toss them well. Serve hot with chutney or ketchup.
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