Healthy Sabudana Vada (Air Fryer & Deep Fryer Recipe)

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Sabudana vada is a very popular Indian snack that is loved thorough out the country during festive seasons like Navratri, Diwali etc. The texture of Sabudana Vada made in air fryer is crispy in texture and full delicious flavors despite of minimum oil used. Traditionally deep-fried, this delightful snack can now be made healthier without compromising on taste by using an air fryer.

In this Healthy Sago Vada recipe, I have provided step-by-step process to show how to make crispy and healthy Sabudana vada in an air fryer, along with some helpful tips, tricks, and serving suggestions to elevate your snacking experience.

WHY MAKE SABUDANA VADA IN AIR-FRYER

Sabudana vada is typically made with soaked sabudana (tapioca pearls), mashed potatoes, and a blend of spices. The mixture is then shaped into patties and deep-fried until golden and crispy. However, with the help of an air fryer, you can achieve the same crispy texture with less oil, making it a healthier alternative.

With the help of an air fryer, you can enjoy crispy and healthy Sabudana vada without the guilt of deep-frying. By following the tips and tricks mentioned above, you can achieve the perfect texture and flavors. Serve these delicious vadas with your favorite chutneys or dips, and enjoy them as a snack or a part of your festive menu. So, grab your air fryer and get ready to indulge in this irresistible Indian snack!

WHAT IS SABUDANA

Sabudana is naturally gluten-free & has no added preservatives. Otherwise known as Sago or Tapioca pearls in English, this is a favorite breakfast and evening snack option in most Indian households. Sabudana can be used in savory dishes like, classic Sabudana khichdi, sabudana pakoda, or can be used to make creamy desserts like sabudana kheer.

BENEFITS OF SABUDANA OR TAPIOCA

• Good for Digestive Health. Sabudana is loaded with dietary fibr and helps keep the digestive system healthy.
• Treats Anemia.
• Prevents Hair Fall.
• Lowers the Risk of Heart Disease.
• Improves Bone Health.
• Provides Nourishment to Babies.
• Pacifies Acne.
• Anti-ageing Properties.
• Traditional Fasting Food

KEY INGREDIENTS TO MAKE HEALTHY, LOW OIL AIR-FRIED SAGOO CUTLETS

• Sabudana or Tapioca Pearls
• Potatoes
• Peanuts
• Green Chilies
• Salt
• Cumin seeds
• Sugar
• Lemon Juice
• Fresh Coriander Leaves
• Oil

STEP-BY-STEP PROCESS TO MAKE HEALTHY SABUDANA VADA -AIR FRYER & DEEP FRYER

STEP 1: PREPARE THE INGREDIENTS FOR SABUDANA VADA

Rinse sabudana and drain all the water. Add enough water and allow the sabudana to soak overnight.

NOTE check if the sabudana is soaked completely, take one pearl between your fingers and mash it. If the sabudana is ready, then it will mash smoothly and you won’t feel any grain.

If you are using unroasted raw peanuts, then dry roast the peanuts and crush them coarsely.

NOTE: If you are using peanuts with skin, remove the skin by gently pressing peanuts on the palm of your hands, after they have cooled down. Then blow over the skin to discard it

Boil and mash the potato.

NOTE: If you are using Instant Pot to boil the potatoes, then add water to the stainless steel insert, place the trivet, and place the medium-sized potatoes on the trivet. Pressure cook for 12 to 15 minutes depending on the size and allow natural pressure release.

Coarsely grind cumin seeds and green chilies.

STEP 2: MAKE THE SABUDATA PATTIE DOUGH

Mix together soaked sabudana, mashed potatoes, ground peanuts, green chili, ground cumin, lemon juice, salt, and sugar. Mix everything together by hand.

STEP 5: SHAPE THE AIR FRYER SABUDANA VADA

Make lemon-sized balls, and then flatten them into a disc by using your palms

STEP 4: FRY THE SABUDANA VADA

AIR-FRYER SABUDANA METHOD

Coat the basket with cooking oil. Place basket inside the Air Fryer

Place 6 to 7 vadas at a time in the basket with some space between each. 

Set the temperature to 500 degrees and adjust the cooking time to 8 mins. After the 8 min cooking cycle completes, gently turn the vadas in the basket using a pair of tongs. Close the CrispLid and adjust the cook time to 7 mins. You may brush more oil on the vadas after turning them over. 

Take the vadas out after the cooking cycle completes.

DEEP-FRYER MATHOD

Heat oil in a large pan. And to check if the oil is ready, put a bit of the dough into the oil. The dough should come up to the surface slowly. Make sure that the oil isn’t hot. It has to be MEDIUM HOT.

NOTE -You will need enough oil in the pan so that when you put the vadas into the pan, they need to be immersed in oil

Note – The temperature of oil should be medium hot and not very hot. If you fry the vadas in very hot oil they might cook fast from the outside but would be raw from the inside.

Slowly add the vadas in the oil, and cook them on one side for 2-3 minutes, until they start floating on the top. Flip and cook on both sides until golden brown.

TIPS & TRICKS FOR AIR FRYING SABUDANA VADA

Soak the sabudana properly: Its important to soak the sabudana in water for at least 4-5 hours or overnight until they become soft and plump. Drain the excess water thoroughly before using them in the vada mixture.

Use the right amount of binding agent: In sabudana vada recipe, the mashed potatoes as a binding agent. Make sure the potatoes are well-cooked and mashed without any lumps.

Preheat the air fryer: Preheating the air fryer helps in achieving a crispy exterior. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for preheating time and temperature.

Lightly brush or spray oil: Before placing the vada in the air fryer, lightly brush or spray them with oil. This will help in achieving a golden-brown and crispy texture.

Flip halfway through: To ensure even cooking, flip the vada halfway through the cooking time. This will help in achieving a uniform crispiness on both sides.

If you are deep-frying the vadas, then fry them only a medium heat otherwise they will brown from outside and remain soggy inside.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS OF HEALTHY LOW OIL SABUDANA VADA

Sabudana vada is best enjoyed hot and crispy, straight out of the air fryer. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your snacking experience:

Mint chutney: Serve the vada with a tangy and refreshing mint chutney. The combination of flavors will tantalize your taste buds.

Sweet yogurt dip: Pair the vada with a sweet yogurt dip made with whisked yogurt, sugar, and a pinch of cardamom powder. The creamy and sweet dip complements the savory vada perfectly.

Green chutney and tamarind chutney: For a burst of flavors, serve the vada with a combination of green chutney (made with coriander, mint, and green chilies) and tangy tamarind chutney. The contrasting tastes will create a delightful balance.

Tomato Chutney: Try fiery hot tomato chutney if you like crispy vadas dipped into something spicy

FAQs

Why my vada burst in the oil – There might be a couple of reasons why. If your sago pearls aren’t soaked enough then the unsoaked pearls may burst in oil. Secondly, if you don’t have enough potato mixture to bind the vada, then the vadas may break open in oil. To make sure your sabudana is soaked properly, you check by mashing a pearl with your fingers. The pearl should mash and feel like a paste.

Why the sabudana vadas arent crispy enough – If you have moisture in the sabudana when you made the dough, your sabudana cutlets wont be crispy. Once you drain the water from the soaked sabudana, leave them in the strainer for few minutes to get rid of any excess water. Also fry in medium hot oil to get a thoroughly cooked sabudana vada

How long should I soak the sago pearls – My recommendation is over night.

Is Sabudana vada very carb rich – Yes, Sabudana is carb rich.

What is ratio of mashed potatoes to soaked sabudana – I use 2 cups soaked sabudana to 1 cup of mashed potatoes

How do I store the left over Sagoo vadas – Store the left over sabudana vada in an air tight container

How do I re-heat the sabudana vadas – You can re-heat the vadas either in the microwave or air fry them in an air fryer for a few minutes.

SOME OTHER FESTIVE SNACK RECIPES

Beetroot Tikki in Air Fryer | Beetroot Cutlets

Khasta Moong Dal Kachori Recipe

Spicy Lentil and Potato Croquettes

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