12 Healthy Air Fryer Indian Recipes to Try Today

If you grew up with dadi’s kitchen, you know the comfort of warm spices and hands-on cooking. Many of those classics were deep-fried or slow-roasted, which made them special but not always suited for weekday tiffins or a health-focused routine. Air frying gives you the best of both worlds: bold Indian flavors and a way to cut oil without losing texture. This list brings ten main healthy air fryer recipes plus two bonus picks, all chosen to fit busy North American homes and to slot easily into lunchboxes, weeknight dinners, or festive plates. Each recipe focuses on simple ingredient swaps, modest oil use, and practical tips—like spacing pieces for even browning or adjusting marination times for plant and animal proteins. You’ll find vegetarian hits such as tandoori gobi, protein-packed paneer tikka, and roasted chickpeas that make great snacks. The non-vegetarian picks include lean air-fried chicken and a tandoori salmon that brings omega-3s to the table with minimal fuss. For dessert, there’s a fruit-forward spiced pear recipe and lighter takes on classic sweet treats. Try a few, tweak spices to your family’s taste, and use the air fryer to refresh dadi’s recipes for modern life.

1. Tandoori Gobi (Air-Fried Cauliflower Tandoori)

Marinated cauliflower florets make an excellent air fryer starter that keeps the tandoori flavor but uses far less oil. Toss florets with yogurt, red chili (or paprika for less heat), turmeric, garam masala and a squeeze of lemon for brightness. Let the spices sit so the cauliflower absorbs them well. Preheat the air fryer and arrange florets in a single layer for good circulation. Short cooking time gives you lightly charred edges and a tender inside without deep frying. Serve with a cooling mint-yogurt dip or tuck them into a whole-grain roti for an easy tiffin option. This method highlights how air frying can replicate the smoky notes of a tandoor without heavy oil or long grilling sessions. When made this way, tandoori gobi works as an appetizer, a side, or a plant-forward main for a light dinner.