Air Fryer Samosa: The Crispiest and Healthiest Way to Enjoy This Classic Snack

If you’re craving the crunch of a perfectly golden samosa but want to avoid deep frying, you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll explore everything about making air fryer samosas, from cooking frozen ones straight from the freezer to crafting homemade versions that burst with flavor. You’ll also learn how to reheat samosas in the air fryer without losing their crisp and discover mouthwatering tips for achieving that ideal crunch every time.

Learn more about air frying frozen snacks like pizza pockets here: Air Fry Totino’s Pizza

Whether you’re a samosa lover or just want quick and easy snack ideas, this guide will walk you through techniques, tricks, and recipes using one of the most versatile kitchen appliances: the air fryer.

crispy air fryer samosa with chutney on white plate

Air Fryer Samosa

de43a779b643bc60de94feaefff3fb7fSophie Joy
Learn how to cook crispy air fryer samosas — frozen or homemade — without deep frying. This guide covers cooking times, dough and filling tips, reheating tricks, and more for the perfect golden samosa.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 16 minutes
Total Time 41 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Indian
Servings 8 pieces
Calories 165 kcal

Equipment

  • Air fryer
  • mixing bowl
  • Rolling Pin
  • pan or skillet
  • Spatula
  • brush or oil spray

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp oil or melted ghee
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 2 medium potatoes, boiled and mashed
  • ½ cup green peas, steamed
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • ½ tsp turmeric
  • salt and chili powder to taste
  • chopped cilantro and green chilies (optional)
  • cooking oil spray or brush for air frying

Instructions
 

  • Mix flour, salt, and oil. Add water gradually and knead into a stiff dough. Let it rest for 15–20 minutes.
  • Heat a pan with cumin seeds, then add turmeric, garam masala, potatoes, peas, and seasoning. Mix well and let cool.
  • Roll dough into 6-inch ovals and cut in half. Shape each into a cone, fill with potato-pea mix, and seal the edges.
  • Preheat air fryer to 370°F. Lightly brush samosas with oil and place them in a single layer in the basket.
  • Air fry for 14–16 minutes, flipping halfway through. Optional: raise temp to 400°F for last 2 minutes for extra crisp.

Notes

Do not thaw frozen samosas before air frying. Always flip halfway for even browning. For homemade versions, use a firm dough and seal well to avoid leaks. Reheat leftovers at a lower temperature to prevent drying out. Use a rack or liner to improve airflow if needed.

Nutrition

Calories: 165kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 3gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 0.7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1.8gMonounsaturated Fat: 3.3gSodium: 210mgPotassium: 220mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 55IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 16mgIron: 1.2mg
Keyword air fryer samosa, frozen samosa in air fryer
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Table of contents

Introduction to Air Fryer Samosas

An air fryer samosa is simply a samosa that’s cooked using rapid air technology instead of being deep-fried in oil. The air fryer mimics the crispy finish of deep frying by circulating hot air around the food at high speeds. The result? A golden, crunchy exterior with a warm, flavorful filling — all without soaking your snack in oil.

Samosas have long been a popular snack in Indian, Middle Eastern, and African cuisine. Traditionally, they’re deep-fried to achieve that irresistible crunch. But with more people turning to healthier cooking methods, the air fryer samosa recipe has become a go-to for quick, mess-free indulgence.

And with the rise of frozen snacks and convenience foods, many are wondering: Can I cook frozen samosa in air fryer? Yes, and we’ll show you how.

Benefits of Cooking Samosas in an Air Fryer vs. Deep Frying

Using an air fryer to cook your samosas has several benefits:

BenefitDeep FryingAir Frying
Oil UsageHighMinimal (spray only)
CaloriesHigher due to oil absorptionLower and heart-healthier
CleanupGreasy, messyQuick and easy
SafetyHot oil splatter riskSafer enclosed system
SpeedModerateFaster due to convection

Here’s why people love the air fryer samosa:

  • Healthier Alternative: Reduces up to 80% of the oil content.
  • No Oil Mess: No pots of oil to heat or dispose of.
  • Time-Saving: Frozen samosas cook in under 15 minutes.
  • Crispier Results: You still get that crunch — no sogginess.

Discover great ideas like Foil in an Air Fryer to help optimize your cooking even further.

Choosing the Right Samosa for Your Air Fryer

Types of Samosas That Work Best (Frozen, Homemade, Veggie, Meat)

Not all samosas are created equal, especially when it comes to air frying. Some samosas have a thicker dough, some are extra oily, and some are super fragile — all of which can affect how they cook in an air fryer.

Here’s a breakdown of samosa types and how well they work in the air fryer:

Samosa TypeBest for Air Fryer?Notes
Frozen Veggie Samosas✅ ExcellentEasy, crispy, minimal mess
Frozen Meat Samosas✅ ExcellentEnsure they’re cooked through
Homemade Samosas✅ GreatSlightly longer cook time
Mini Cocktail Samosas✅ FastGreat for snacks/parties
Sweet Samosas (chocolate, coconut)⚠️ Good with careUse foil to prevent leaks

The air fryer samosa recipe adapts well to most types, but for beginners, starting with frozen veggie samosas is easiest. They hold their shape and cook evenly without splitting or leaking.

For more snack transformations, check out Alexia Sweet Potato Fries in Air Fryer — another great freezer-to-fryer treat!

Where to Buy Frozen Samosas and Best Brands for Air Frying

If you’re not making samosas from scratch, frozen samosas are your best bet. They’re pre-assembled, spiced, and ready to cook. Here are a few popular and air fryer-friendly brands available in the U.S.:

BrandTypeBest Feature
Deep Indian KitchenVeggieSpicy, crispy results
Trader Joe’sChicken & VeggieAffordable and fast cooking
Patak’sPotato & PeaTraditional Indian flavor
Sukhi’sChickenPremium taste, cooks evenly
Haldiram’sMini VegGreat for parties, quick cook

Pro Tip: Avoid samosas with high moisture fillings as they can cause sogginess during cooking. Stick to firm, pre-cooked fillings like potatoes, peas, or dry minced meat.

Don’t miss our Samosa Pizza Chaat if you’re craving something super unique and fusion-style — it combines samosas with pizza flavors!

How to Cook Frozen Samosa in Air Fryer

Step-by-Step Guide for Air Fry Frozen Samosas

Cooking frozen samosas in an air fryer is one of the fastest ways to enjoy this snack without sacrificing texture or taste. The air fryer samosa technique is ideal for busy weeknights or quick appetizers when you’re entertaining guests.

frozen air fryer samosas in basket before cooking
Air fry frozen samosas directly without thawing.

Here’s how to air fry frozen samosas to golden perfection:

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 2–3 minutes.
  2. Place frozen samosas in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd — air circulation is key.
  3. Lightly spray the samosas with cooking oil for extra crispness (optional but recommended).
  4. Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even browning.
  5. Check for doneness — the outer shell should be crispy, and the filling hot.

Cooking time may vary depending on samosa size and brand, but in general, mini samosas take 8–10 minutes while larger ones may need 12–14 minutes.

Looking for inspiration? Try other air-fried appetizers like How to Cook Totino’s Pizza in Air Fryer for additional frozen snack ideas.

Timing, Temperature, and Flipping Tips for Even Cooking

The magic of the air fryer samosa lies in its even cooking. Here’s how to avoid hot spots or soggy bottoms:

  • Use a rack or perforated liner for improved airflow under the samosas.
  • Flip once halfway through cooking — around the 6-minute mark.
  • If your air fryer doesn’t preheat, add 1–2 minutes to the total time.
  • Want extra crunch? Set the last 2 minutes at 400°F to “blast” crisp them.

Quick Reference Chart

Samosa TypeTemp (°F)TimeFlip?
Mini Frozen Veg3758–10 minYes
Large Frozen Chicken37512–14 minYes
Homemade Raw37014–16 minYes

For a side of crispy bites, you can also explore Air Fryer Lemon Chicken Bites.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Air Frying Frozen Samosas

If your samosas in air fryer turn out soggy or burnt, here are common errors to avoid:

  • Crowding the basket: This limits airflow and causes uneven cooking.
  • Skipping the oil spray: A light mist adds crunch and helps browning.
  • Using frozen samosas with wet fillings: Moisture buildup leads to a soggy crust.
  • Overcooking: This dries out the filling and hardens the wrapper.

Bonus Tip: Never thaw frozen samosas before air frying. They cook best straight from the freezer for that perfect golden crust.

Check out tips like using parchment or foil safely in the air fryer: Foil in an Air Fryer

Homemade Air Fryer Samosa Recipe

Air Fryer Samosa Dough and Filling (Vegetable/Potato/Pea)

Making Air Fryer Samosa at home lets you customize every bite. You can control the spice level, use your favorite vegetables, and skip the greasy oil altogether. This is the perfect option if you want a healthier version without compromising flavor.

Let’s start with the basics — the dough and the filling.

homemade air fryer samosa with potato filling
Customize your samosas with fresh homemade filling.

Dough Ingredients:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons oil or melted ghee
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • Water (as needed to form a stiff dough)

Mix and knead all the ingredients until you get a firm, smooth dough. Let it rest covered for 15–20 minutes.

Filling Ingredients:

  • 2 medium potatoes (boiled and mashed)
  • ½ cup green peas (steamed)
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • ½ tsp turmeric
  • Salt and chili powder to taste
  • Optional: chopped cilantro and green chilies

Sauté cumin seeds, then add spices and mashed potatoes. Mix in peas and season well. Let the filling cool before using.

Using fresh ingredients and controlling your spices makes your Air Fryer Samosa recipe taste better than takeout — and without deep-fried guilt!

Shaping and Sealing Samosas Properly for Air Frying

The secret to a perfect Air Fryer Samosa isn’t just the filling — it’s in the shape and seal. A well-folded samosa won’t open or leak during air frying.

Here’s how to fold a samosa:

  1. Roll a dough ball into a 6-inch oval.
  2. Cut it in half to form two semi-circles.
  3. Shape each into a cone and seal with a water-flour paste.
  4. Fill with about 1½ tablespoons of the potato-pea mix.
  5. Pinch the top shut securely.

Repeat for all samosas. Keep them covered with a damp cloth so they don’t dry out before air frying.

If you’re experimenting with more fusion, don’t miss our Samosa Pizza Chaat — it’s the perfect twist on tradition!

Exact Temperature and Cooking Time for Perfect Homemade Samosas

Now comes the exciting part: cooking your Air Fryer Samosa. Whether you’re new to air frying or already hooked, these tips ensure a golden finish every time.

Cooking Instructions:

  • Preheat air fryer to 370°F.
  • Lightly brush the samosas with oil or ghee.
  • Place in the basket without overlapping.
  • Air fry for 14–16 minutes, flipping halfway.

Want them even crispier? In the last 2 minutes, increase temp to 400°F.

Here’s a cheat sheet:

Samosa TypeTempTimeFlip
Raw Homemade370°F16 minYes
Pre-Cooked Homemade375°F10–12 minOptional

Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd the fryer. Air needs space to circulate or your Air Fryer Samosas will cook unevenly.

Using parchment paper or air fryer liners can prevent sticking, but only if they’re weighted down by the food. Otherwise, they may fly up and touch the heating coil — a big no-no.

Reheating Samosas in the Air Fryer Without Drying Them

How to Reheat Samosa in Air Fryer Without Burning Edges

Leftover Air Fryer Samosas? Don’t toss them or let them get soggy in the microwave. You can absolutely reheat samosa in air fryer and still enjoy that irresistible golden crunch — as if they were just made.

reheated air fryer samosa on wire rack
Reheat samosas in air fryer without losing crisp.

Reheating in the air fryer helps maintain the crispy texture of the samosa’s shell while warming the spicy, savory filling inside. Here’s exactly how to do it without drying them out:

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 320°F (160°C) — a medium-low setting is ideal.
  2. Place your samosas in a single layer inside the basket or tray.
  3. Do not cover or wrap them in foil, which traps moisture.
  4. Air fry samosas for 5–6 minutes, flipping them halfway for even crisping.

This method works for all types — whether you’re reheating homemade air fryer samosa, veggie-filled, meat-stuffed, or mini party versions.

Want to reheat multiple samosas at once? Do it in batches to avoid crowding, which leads to uneven results.

Looking for inspiration? Try pairing your reheated snack with bold flavor sides — check out Alexia Sweet Potato Fries in Air Fryer for the perfect crisp duo.

Time and Temperature Settings for Leftover Samosas

Different samosa sizes and fillings need slightly adjusted times. Here’s a handy chart:

Samosa TypeTempTimeFlip
Mini Veggie300°F4 minOptional
Regular Veggie320°F6 minYes
Chicken/Keema330°F6–7 minYes

Need extra crisp? Set the final minute at 360°F for a crunchy finish.

Avoiding Soggy Bottoms When Reheating

Reheating samosas in air fryer the wrong way often leads to a soggy base or a dry shell. Here’s how to get it right every time:

  • Don’t stack or overlap – airflow is essential.
  • Flip halfway to balance browning and texture.
  • Skip the microwave – it causes condensation and ruins the crunch.
  • Don’t use foil — it blocks heat from reaching the samosa’s bottom.

Bonus tip: Place a wire rack in your air fryer basket if you have one. It lifts the samosas and allows better heat circulation for crispier bottoms.

Want more on technique? Learn about safe methods like using foil in an air fryer here: Foil in an Air Fryer

FAQs About Cooking Samosas in the Air Fryer

How to cook frozen samosa in air fryer?

To cook a frozen air fryer samosa, preheat your air fryer to 375°F, then place the frozen samosas in a single layer in the basket. Spray lightly with oil for extra crisp. Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway. The result? A crisp, golden crust with perfectly heated filling.

Whether you’re air frying a traditional potato-pea samosa or a meat version, this method works great every time. Avoid thawing — cooking from frozen delivers better texture.

How to make samosa in air fryer?

To make homemade air fryer samosa, start by preparing a stiff dough using flour, oil, and water. Fill each with your favorite mixture (spiced potatoes, peas, meat), seal, and preheat your air fryer to 370°F. Brush with oil and air fry for 14–16 minutes, flipping halfway.

The air fryer samosa recipe is a healthier, cleaner twist on a deep-fried classic — no messy oil, no long cleanup, just crispy perfection.

Can I cook samosa in air fryer?

Yes, you can absolutely cook samosa in an air fryer — both frozen and homemade. The air fryer circulates hot air to create a crunchy shell without deep frying. It’s ideal for a quick snack or party platter, and works with all types of samosas.

Cooking samosas in air fryer is efficient, mess-free, and produces that signature golden crust everyone loves.

Can I put samosa in air fryer?

You sure can! Just place them directly in the air fryer basket, ensuring they’re not stacked or touching too closely. Air fry samosas at the recommended temperature and flip once to get even crisping on both sides.

Whether you’re reheating or making from scratch, the air fryer samosa method is versatile and beginner-friendly.

Don’t miss our creative take on samosa fusion flavors: Samosa Pizza Chaat

Conclusion: Why Air Fryer Samosa Is the Ultimate Smart Snack

By now, you’ve seen how the humble air fryer samosa has transformed into a guilt-free, no-fuss snack option that fits every lifestyle. From frozen to homemade, veggie to meaty, the air fryer handles samosas like a pro — giving you the crunch of deep frying without the oil, hassle, or cleanup.

Whether you’re meal prepping, feeding a crowd, or just craving something crispy, air frying samosas is the healthiest and smartest way to enjoy this globally beloved snack. You can even reheat samosa in air fryer for next-day freshness without sacrificing flavor.

Looking for more crispy snack ideas? Check out How to Cook Totino’s Pizza in Air Fryer — it’s another freezer-friendly winner.

So, go ahead and fire up that air fryer — your perfect air fryer samosa awaits!

for more recipes follow us in Pinterest

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating