Fried Idli (Air Fryer)

5 from 22 votes

This 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. It is a favorite among kids and adults alike, often served as an appetizer or evening snack at South Indian homes.

Prep Time5

Cook Time10

Total Time15

Course: Breakfast, Snack

Cuisine: Indian

Diet: Diabetic, Gluten Free, Hindu, Vegan, Vegetarian

Servings:

Calories: 78kcal

Author: Shilpa Kerur

Equipment

Air fryer

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.

Notes

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.

See the variations section above for different seasoning options.

Nutrition