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    You are here: Home / Recipes / Air Fryer / Dal Vada - Lentil Fritters In Air Fryer

    Dal Vada - Lentil Fritters In Air Fryer

    Published by Alpa Jain . This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Jump to Recipe
    Dal vada or lentil fritters make a great snack for a party, potluck, special occasion, or an accompaniment with Indian tea. This is a vegan and gluten-free lentil fritters recipe made with chana dal and red lentils. The best part is they are made in a healthy way by using very little oil in the air fryer.
    air fryer dal vada pin.
    Five lentil fritters served in a plate with ketchup on the side.

    Indian lentil fritters known as dal vada is popularly served as a snack or an appetizer. They are vegan, gluten-free, and usually deep-fried. However, with air fryers becoming more common, they can be easily made in the air fryer.

    This is a real simple recipe to make lentil fritters with no flour and very basic ingredients found in the pantry. I really enjoy making these on special occasions and sometimes to accompany my evening tea.

    Jump to:
    • What is dal vada made of?
    • How to make the dal vada batter?
    • How to make lentil fritters in air fryer?
    • What to serve with lentil fritters?
    • How long does vada last in the fridge?
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    What is dal vada made of?

    Dal vada is made with lentils like moong dal, chana dal, or red lentils. These real simple lentil fritters are made with red lentils and chana dal (split chickpeas) in an equal ratio.

    Both the dals are soaked for about 6 hours or even overnight before blending into a coarse paste.

    This lentil fritters recipe uses no flour but a few basic ingredients like turmeric powder, serrano pepper, onions, nigella seeds, ginger paste, and salt are added for flavor. You can add some chili powder if you want it spicier.

    Lentil fritters served in a plate with ketchup on the side.

    How to make the dal vada batter?

    To make dal vada batter soak the lentils for at least 6 hours or even overnight. Grind the batter coarsely in a blender like Vitamix with a minimum amount of water.

    For 1 cup of dry dal, I have used ¼ cup water and used low speed to blend it coarsely. Add all the ingredients and mix well with the help of a spatula.

    The consistency should be thick, so you need to be careful in adding water while blending. In case the batter becomes runny, you can add some boiled mashed potatoes.

    collage of step by step dal vada 6 images

    How to make lentil fritters in air fryer?

    Lentil fritters can be deep-fried or air-fried. Of course, the air-fried version is healthier as it requires very little oil. First, preheat the air fryer to 390 °F for about 5 minutes.

    Now place a parchment paper and make a fritter of about 2 inches in diameter and half a centimeter in thickness. Place the fritters on the parchment paper, either with the help of a spoon or with your hands, whatever you are comfortable with.

    Air fry for 8 minutes at the temperature of 390 °F and then apply oil on both sides with the help of a basting brush.

    Air fry once again for 8 minutes after flipping the sides. Continue in a similar way for the remaining batter.

    What to serve with lentil fritters?

    Lentil fritters are spicy and savory. They are best served with Indian green chutney, sweet and sour tamarind chutney, or tomato chutney. If you do not have either at hand, you can also serve them with some tomato ketchup and sriracha sauce.

    Lentil fritters make a good evening time snack accompanied by a hot cup of masala chai. It is delightfully refreshing, especially on a cold chilly day.

    Five lentil fritters served in a plate with ketchup on the side.

    How long does vada last in the fridge?

    Leftover dal vada can last for about 3 days in the fridge when stored in an air-tight container. They can be reheated again before serving. It is best to reheat them in the air fryer to retain their crispiness.

    Vada batter also stores well in the fridge for 3-4 days. It is best not to mix the onions and spices if you plan to store them in the fridge but just add them before you are ready to make the fritters.

    air fryer dal vada pin.

    If you enjoyed this recipe, you may also like

    • Indian appetizers for potluck
    • Lentil flatbread
    • Moong dal halwa
    • Toor dal
    • Chana dal
    • Dal makhani
    • Mixed lentils

    Don't forget to rate the recipe by clicking the stars. Also, pin the recipe by clicking the "Pin" button, for your future reference.

    📖 Recipe

    Lentil fritters served in a plate with ketchup on the side.

    Dal Vada | Lentil Fritters In Air Fryer

    Dal vada or lentil fritters make a great snack for a party, potluck, special occasion, or an accompaniment with Indian tea. This is a vegan and gluten-free lentil fritters recipe made with chana dal and red lentils. The best part is they are made in a healthy way by using very little oil in the air fryer.
    4.79 from 14 votes
    Rate Recipe Print Pin Save Saved!
    Course: Appetizer, Side Dish
    Cuisine: Indian
    Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
    Prep Time: 15 mins
    Cook Time: 40 mins
    Total Time: 55 mins
    Servings: 16 pieces
    Calories: 45kcal
    Author: Alpa Jain
    Follow on Facebook@culinaryshades

    Equipment

    • Air Fryer
    • Vitamix or another blender

    Ingredients

    • ½ cup Chana dal (soaked for 6-8 hours)
    • ½ cup Split red lentils (masoor dal, soaked for 6-8 hours)
    • ¼ cup Water

    Ingredients to be mixed

    • ¾ teaspoon Salt
    • ½ teaspoon Turmeric powder
    • 1 teaspoon Ginger (paste)
    • ¼ teaspoon Nigella seeds
    • 1 cup Onion (chopped finely)
    • 1 tablespoon Serrano pepper (chopped)
    • 1 teaspoon Oil (more for coating)
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • Rinse and soak chana dal and masoor dal for 6-8 hours.
    • Discard the water used for soaking.
    • Blend soaked dals with ¼ cup water into a coarse paste.
    • Add all the other ingredients and mix with a spoon or spatula.
    • Preheat the air fryer for 5 minutes at 390 °F.
    • Take about 2 tablespoon of batter and make it into a patty of 2 inches width.
    • Place it in the air fryer over a parchment paper.
    • Air fry the fritters for 8 minutes at 390 °F.
    • Apply oil using a basting brush.
    • Flip once with the help of kitchen tongs and apply oil on the other side.
    • Air fry for an additional 8 minutes on 390 °F.
    • Carefully remove them from the air fryer.
    Nutrition Facts
    Dal Vada | Lentil Fritters In Air Fryer
    Amount per Serving
    Calories
    45
    % Daily Value*
    Fat
     
    1
    g
    2
    %
    Saturated Fat
     
    1
    g
    6
    %
    Trans Fat
     
    1
    g
    Polyunsaturated Fat
     
    1
    g
    Monounsaturated Fat
     
    1
    g
    Sodium
     
    110
    mg
    5
    %
    Potassium
     
    73
    mg
    2
    %
    Carbohydrates
     
    8
    g
    3
    %
    Fiber
     
    3
    g
    13
    %
    Sugar
     
    1
    g
    1
    %
    Protein
     
    2
    g
    4
    %
    Vitamin A
     
    11
    IU
    0
    %
    Vitamin C
     
    1
    mg
    1
    %
    Calcium
     
    16
    mg
    2
    %
    Iron
     
    1
    mg
    6
    %
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
    Tried this recipe?Mention @culinaryshades23 or tag #culinaryshades

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Bec says

      March 19, 2022 at 3:16 am

      Does the lentil have a bitter after taste? I have tried the air fryer before but never turns out like the deep fried ones. I love the healthy option though but comes with a taste compromise.

      Reply
      • Alpa Jain says

        March 20, 2022 at 11:16 am

        Hi Bec,

        It should not have a bitter after taste if you air fry them. Was it overcooked by any chance? It might happen if lentils are old or if you store the batter in the fridge with onions in it.

        Hope this helps.

        Regards
        Alpa

        Reply
    2. Ysrm says

      February 16, 2022 at 12:28 pm

      5 stars
      Great

      Reply
    3. Christine Taylor says

      January 19, 2022 at 4:16 pm

      Looks good

      Reply
      • Alpa Jain says

        January 19, 2022 at 5:46 pm

        Hi Christine,

        Thankyou, glad you liked it.

        Regards
        Alpa

        Reply
    4. Jerry says

      December 13, 2021 at 3:34 pm

      Simply Delicious Fritters Alpa !!! I love it !!!!!

      Reply
      • Alpa Jain says

        December 13, 2021 at 6:03 pm

        Hi Jerry,

        Thankyou for the feedback, glad you liked it 🙂

        Regards
        Alpa

        Reply

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    Alpa Jain - Author of Culinaryshades

    Hi! I am Alpa. I am passionate about cooking and love to share my tried and tested vegan and vegetarian recipes for your family and friends to enjoy!

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