Air Fryer Chapati Recipe Easy Homemade Method
Air Fryer Chapati Recipe Easy Home Cooking Procedure
Air Fryer Chapati Recipe is a simple, modern twist on classic Indian flatbread using an air fryer to cook soft whole-wheat chapatis with minimal oil. This technique yields nutritious, light rotis that pair perfectly with dal, sabzi, or your favorite curry. Classic chapati, also called roti, is traditionally made by roasting a soft dough of whole-wheat flour on a hot tawa (griddle) and sometimes over flame for puffing.
Recipe Card
| Prep Time | 20 mins |
|---|---|
| Cook Time | 6–8 mins per batch |
| Servings | 4–5 chapatis |
| Difficulty | Easy |
Ingredients (Exact Quantities)
- Whole wheat flour (atta) – 2 cups (about 260 g)
- Water – ~¾ cup (180 ml), adjust as needed
- Salt – ½ tsp (optional)
- Oil – 1 tsp (for dough, optional to make softer chapatis)
- Oil spray – for air fryer basket
Step-By-Step Instructions
1. Prepare The Dough (10–15 mins)
In a large bowl, add 2 cups whole wheat flour and ½ tsp salt (if using). Slowly pour ~¾ cup water while mixing with your fingertips until a crumbly dough begins to form. Add 1 tsp oil for extra softness if you like.
Knead the dough for 7–10 minutes until smooth and pliable. It should feel soft but not sticky to touch. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest at room temperature for 10 minutes. This resting improves texture and pliability. Understanding Air Fryer Chapati Recipe is essential.
2. Divide And Roll (5–7 mins)
After resting, divide the dough into 8 equal portions (~30–35 g each). Roll each portion into a smooth ball using your palms. Lightly dust a rolling surface with flour and, using a rolling pin, flatten each ball into a round disc about 6–7 inches (15–18 cm) in diameter.
3. Preheat Air Fryer (3 mins)
Preheat your air fryer to 200 °C (390 °F) for 3 minutes. This step ensures a hot cooking environment which crisps and lightly browns the chapatis evenly.
4. Air Fry The Chapatis (6–8 mins per batch)
Spray the air fryer basket lightly with oil to prevent sticking. Place 2–3 rolled chapatis in a single layer without overlapping. Air fry at 200 °C for 3–4 minutes. Flip each chapati and air fry for another 3–4 minutes. This relates to Air Fryer Chapati Recipe.
Watch closely—the goal is a soft chapati with gentle brown spots, not a cracker. If you prefer softer texture, remove after 6 minutes. For crisp edges, cook up to 8 minutes.
Pro Tips From My Kitchen
- When I visited a friend’s home in Rajasthan, I learned that slightly wetter dough gives more pliable chapatis—don’t be afraid to adjust water little by little.
- Most people get chapati thickness wrong. Too thin and the chapati turns brittle in the air fryer; aim for even 2–3 mm thickness.
- I personally recommend brushing with ghee or butter after air frying for traditional flavour and softness.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer—air circulation is key for even cooking.
Chef’s Notes
Substitutions
- For a high-protein version, replace ¼ cup whole wheat flour with besan (gram flour) or add 2 tbsp sattu (roasted gram) to the dough.
- For gluten-free air fryer chapati options, try millet flours like jowar or bajra—texture and cook times vary slightly.
Storage Tips
- Store leftover cooked chapatis in an airtight container for up to 2 days in the refrigerator. Reheat in the air fryer for 2–3 minutes for a fresh texture.
- Uncooked dough can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours—bring to room temperature before rolling.
Nutrition Information Per Serving (1 Medium Chapati)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ≈100–120 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 18–23 g |
| Protein | 3–4 g |
| Fat | ≈1–2 g |
| Fiber | 2–3 g |
These nutrition values are based on standard whole wheat chapatis (~40 g each) and will vary slightly based on thickness and flour brand.
Why This Air Fryer Chapati Recipe Works
This method bridges tradition with convenience. Chapati—a staple flatbread in South Asian cuisines—is rich in complex carbohydrates and fibre, providing sustained energy. Cooking in an air fryer uses hot circulating air to gently cook and brown the chapatis while keeping them soft without excess oil. This makes it a lighter version compared to pan-fried or deep-fried bread. Learn more about Air Fryer Chapati Recipe.
However, to learn more about the origins and cultural context of chapati and roti, visit Chapati on Wikipedia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Cook Multiple Chapatis At Once?
Yes. Air fryers cook best when items are in a single layer. So cook 2–3 chapatis per batch without overlapping. Overcrowding can make them unevenly cooked.
Do I Need To Preheat The Air Fryer?
Yes. Preheating ensures even temperature from the start; this helps chapatis brown gently without getting tough.
Can I Add Spices To The Dough?
Absolutely. Add cumin seeds, crushed garlic, or dried herbs to the dough for added aroma and flavour.
How Do I Keep Chapatis Soft?
Brush chapatis with a light layer of butter or ghee after cooking, and stack them wrapped in a cloth to retain moisture.
