Air-Fried Chana Dal Recipe: A Healthy, Crunchy Protein Snack

By Bhavna's Food Journey on November 29, 2025

Air-Fried Chana Dal Recipe: A Healthy, Crunchy Protein Snack

Looking for a light, crunchy, and guilt-free snack that's packed with protein? Air-fried chana dal is the perfect answer. This simple recipe transforms humble split chickpeas into a crispy, flavorful treat—without deep frying. It's ideal for tea-time munching, topping on chaats, adding to salads, or packing into lunchboxes.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
• High in protein & fiber
• Low oil, air-fried, and healthier than store-bought
• Ready in under 30 minutes after soaking and prepping
• Naturally gluten-free & vegan
• Customizable with spices you already have!

Ingredients:

For Soaking
• 1 cup chana dal
• Water (enough to soak)
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon turmeric
• Little salt

For Seasoning
• 2–3 teaspoons oil
• Black and regular salt to taste
• ¼ tsp Red chili powder (optional)
• ¼ tsp Cumin powder
• ¼ tsp Aamchur powder (optional, for finishing)

Procedure:

1. Soak the Dal (5–6 hours)
Rinse chana dal well.
Soak it in plenty of water along with baking soda, turmeric, and salt.
This helps soften the dal and gives it a beautiful color.

2. Parboil the Dal
Boil a pot of water and add the remaining soaking water for flavor.
Once boiling, add the soaked dal.

Cook for 2–3 minutes on high heat.
The dal should be just cooked—softened but still firm with a bite.

Avoid overcooking or it will get mushy.

3. Dry the Dal
Drain completely.
Spread the dal on a clean, dry kitchen cloth and let it sit for about 30 minutes, or until the surface feels dry to touch.

This step is key for crispiness!

4. Season
Transfer the dried dal to a mixing bowl. Add:
• 2–3 tsp oil
• Salt
• Chili powder (optional)
• Cumin powder

Mix well to coat evenly.

5. Air Fry

Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Place the dal in a single layer. Divide in 2 batch if it doesn't fit.

Air fry for 15 minutes, shaking the basket every few minutes so it crisps evenly.

Once golden and crunchy, remove from the air fryer.
Sprinkle a pinch of aamchur powder for extra tang.

6. Cool & Store

Let the chana dal cool fully before storing in an airtight container. Stays fresh and crunchy for 1-2 weeks!

You can use this in making chat adding onion, tomato, etc, sprinkle on bhel or sev puri.

Variations to Try

1. Masala Chana Dal
Toss with chaat masala, black salt, and red chili powder after air frying.

2. Garlic & Herb
Mix in garlic powder and dried herbs before air frying for a savory twist.

3. Lemon Pepper
Season with pepper and lemon zest; finish with a squeeze of lemon juice after air frying.

4. Spicy Peri-Peri
Add peri-peri or paprika powder for a hot, smoky flavor.

📌 Tips for Perfect Crispiness

• Make sure the dal is not fully cooked while boiling.
• Drying the dal is crucial—moisture = soggy snack.
• Air fry in batches if needed; overcrowding reduces crisping.
• Cool completely before storing.

A great high-protein, low-fat snack for adults and kids!

Air fried chana dal