Enjoy Crispy Treats with Oil Free Samosas Without the Calories
by Arun Raj on September 16, 2025
Introduction
Samosas—crispy, golden triangles bursting with spiced stuffing—are one of India’s favourite snacks. But there’s one problem: they’re usually deep-fried, oily, and calorie-heavy. The guilt often sets in right after the last bite.
What if you could enjoy the same crunch and flavour, without the extra oil? Enter the world of oil free samosas—made using baking or air frying. These guilt-free delights are light, crispy, and just as satisfying. In this blog, we’ll explore recipes, health benefits, and clever hacks for making samosas that are crispy without the calories.
Why Switch to Oil Free Samosas?
Traditional samosas are deep-fried in refined oil, which can:
Add unnecessary calories and fats
Increase risk of indigestion and bloating
Raise cholesterol if eaten often
Feel heavy and sluggish afterwards
With oil free cooking methods like baking and air frying, samosas become:
Lower in calories
Crispy and light
Suitable for weight management
A healthier snack for both adults and kids
How to Make Oil Free Samosas
1. Choose a Healthy Dough
Instead of refined flour, try:
Whole wheat flour → More fibre and nutrients
Multigrain flour → Balanced carbs and minerals
Millet flour blend → Gluten-free and gut-friendly
Add a pinch of ajwain (carom seeds) to the dough for flavour and easy digestion.
2. Nutritious Stuffing Ideas
Move beyond the usual potato filling. Try these protein and fibre-rich alternatives:
Paneer and spinach → Calcium + iron boost
Sprouts and moong dal → High protein, low GI
Chickpeas and corn → Tasty and filling
Soya granules with peas → Vegan and protein-packed
Sweet potato and herbs → Lower GI than potatoes
Season with cumin, coriander powder, turmeric, and fresh coriander for authentic flavour.
Air Fryer Samosas: Preheat air fryer at 180°C, brush samosas lightly with ghee or olive oil spray, and cook for 15–20 minutes until golden.
Baked Samosas: Place samosas on a baking tray, brush with milk or oil spray, and bake at 200°C for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway for even crispiness.
Both methods give that crispy bite without deep frying.
Flavour Variations for a Twist
Give your samosas an exciting spin with these ideas:
Cheese and corn samosas → Melty, kid-friendly option
Mexican samosas → Beans, salsa, and cheese filling
Paneer tikka samosas → Spicy protein boost
Fruit and nut samosas → Dry fruits, coconut, jaggery for a sweet twist
Health Benefits of Oil Free Samosas
By switching to oil-free cooking, samosas become:
Low in unhealthy fats → Heart-friendly snack
Rich in protein and fibre → Keeps you full longer
Better for digestion → No post-snack heaviness
Kid-friendly → A smart option for lunchboxes or evening treats
Weight-watcher friendly → Fits into calorie-conscious diets
Ayurvedic Angle: Samosas Without Aggravating Doshas
In Ayurveda, deep-fried, heavy foods aggravate Kapha and Pitta dosha, causing indigestion, acidity, and lethargy. Switching to:
Air-fried samosas with light spices helps balance digestion
Ajwain, ginger, fennel, and turmeric in stuffing support gut health
Multigrain flours reduce heaviness
This makes oil free samosas not just tasty but also dosha-friendly.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your crispy samosas with:
Mint chutney → Cooling and refreshing
Tamarind chutney → Tangy-sweet balance
Yogurt dip → Creamy and gut-friendly
Serve as an evening snack, a party appetizer, or even as a light dinner with salad.
Final Thoughts
Who says samosas can’t be healthy? With these oil free samosas, you get the same crisp, satisfying bite without worrying about calories or cholesterol. From air fryer to baked versions, and fillings packed with protein and fibre, this snack is both indulgent and nourishing.
So the next time your cravings hit, ditch the oily version and go for oil free samosas—crispy without the calories!