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The Recipe · No.208 · Samosas

Samosas, and where to source them

Samosas — 5best2buy.com 5BEST2BUY.COM Samosas Indian 5best2buy.com

A samosa is judged by its shell. A stiff dough fried low and slow is what makes it shatter and blister rather than turn soft and greasy. Fry at a moderate 325F so the shell cooks all the way through and crisps evenly before the outside gets too dark.

By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026

Prep45 min
Cook30 min
Makes12 samosas
CuisineIndian
Cost$$
Vegetarian
Contains  dairy · gluten
Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy.
Make it gluten-free: swap in a gluten-free flour blend (check the other labels too).
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for 12 samosas
All-purpose flour
A stiff dough with a little fat rubbed in gives the crisp, flaky shell; too soft and it fries up bready.
2 cups
Ghee
Rubbed into the flour as the moyan; the fat is what makes the shell blister and flake.
4 tbsp
Garam masala
With cumin, coriander, and amchur, it seasons the potato; toast whole cumin in the pan first for depth.
1.5 tsp
Dried chiles
A crushed dried chile in the filling sets the heat under the sweet potato and pea.
1-2
Potatoes and peas
Boiled potato roughly mashed with green peas is the classic filling; keep some texture, do not puree.
1 lb potato, 1 cup peas
Onion, ginger, cilantro
Fresh aromatics and herbs cooked into the filling for brightness.
1 onion, 1 in, handful
The Rundown
Greedometer ●●●●● A fair little treat
A reasonable little indulgence.
EffortSome doing
Cook it with
Air fryer
The Method
  1. DoughRub ghee into flour and salt, then bind with just enough water for a stiff dough. Rest it 30 minutes covered so it rolls without cracking.
  2. FillingToast cumin, add aromatics and spices, then fold in mashed potato and peas. Cool it fully; hot filling steams and softens the shell.
  3. ShapeRoll dough thin, cut into half-circles, form cones, fill, and seal the top edge with a wet finger. A tight seal keeps oil out.
  4. FryFry at 325F, moderate not hot, for 8-10 minutes until deep golden and blistered. Low and slow is what makes the shell shatter.
The Toolkit

Rolling pin · Heavy pot · Frying thermometer · Slotted spoon

Straight Answers
Can you make Samosas in an air fryer? — Yes

Yes — this is exactly what an air fryer does well. Work in a single layer so the air can move, and shake or flip halfway for even crisping. It runs a touch faster than the oven, so check early.

Can you freeze Samosas? — Not ideal

You can, but the crisp coating softens. Freeze the cooked pieces, then re-crisp them in a hot oven or air fryer — never the microwave.

Can you make Samosas ahead of time? — Prep ahead

Best fried to order — the crunch fades if it sits. Do the breading or shaping ahead and cook it fresh when you serve.

Is Samosas gluten-free? — Not as written

Not as written — it contains gluten. Make it gluten-free: swap in a gluten-free flour blend (check the other labels too).

Is Samosas vegan? — Vegetarian, not vegan

It’s vegetarian but not vegan as written — it has dairy. Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy.

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