If you just bought an air fryer (or you're about to), here's the fun part: it's brilliant for the food we actually love to eat in Pakistan. From crispy samosas to chicken tikka, these 10 easy recipes use a fraction of the oil and almost none of the mess. Each one is family-tested and beginner-friendly.
New to air frying? Start with our Best Air Fryer in Pakistan buying guide and How to Use an Air Fryer first.
1. Crispy Samosas (Oil-Free)
Brush frozen or homemade samosas lightly with oil. Air fry at 180°C for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.
2. Crunchy Pakoras
Shape your besan-coated pakoras, place in a single layer, lightly spray with oil. Air fry at 190°C for 12–14 minutes. No oily karahi to clean afterward.
3. Perfect French Fries
Soak cut potatoes 20 minutes, pat dry, toss with a teaspoon of oil and salt. Air fry at 200°C for 15–18 minutes, shaking twice.
4. Chicken Tikka
Marinate chicken in yogurt, tikka masala, lemon and ginger-garlic. Air fry at 200°C for 18–20 minutes, turning once. Smoky flavour, no grill needed.
5. Seekh Kebabs
Shape spiced mince onto skewers (or as logs). Air fry at 190°C for 12–15 minutes until browned and cooked through.
6. Spring Rolls
Air fry frozen or fresh spring rolls at 180°C for 10–12 minutes for shatteringly crisp results.
7. Roasted Chana / Makhana Snack
Toss chickpeas or makhana with a little oil and chaat masala. Air fry at 180°C for 12–15 minutes for a guilt-free tea-time snack.
8. Grilled Vegetables
Toss capsicum, onion and mushrooms with oil and spices. Air fry at 190°C for 10 minutes.
9. Reheated Leftovers (Crispy Again)
Reheat pizza, fried chicken or naan at 160°C for 4–6 minutes — far better than a microwave's soggy result.
10. Air Fryer Cake / Muffins
Pour batter into a small air-fryer-safe tin. Bake at 160°C for 18–25 minutes. Great for small-batch desserts.
Air Frying Tips for Pakistani Cooking
- Single layer = maximum crunch. Don't overcrowd.
- Light oil spray on besan and dough items boosts crispiness.
- Preheat for 2–3 minutes before adding food.
- Shake the basket halfway for even cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you cook samosas and pakoras in an air fryer? Absolutely — they come out crisp with just a light brush of oil instead of deep frying.
Do I need to preheat the air fryer? A 2–3 minute preheat gives noticeably crispier results, especially for fried-style snacks.
Which air fryer is best for these recipes? A 5–6.5L model handles family portions comfortably — see our air fryer range.
👉 Want to make these at home? Check out Dekitchenality's air fryer collection and start cooking with less oil today.