Fried Idli | Idli Fry (Mumbai Style)

ByDassana Amit Updated on
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Got some leftover Idli at home? Don’t want to just reheat them and eat with the usual chutney and sambar? Well, I’ve just got the recipe for you to turn those into a crunchy, munchy, yummy dish – the Fried Idli, a specialty from the food culture of Mumbai in Maharashtra. Besides being a quick snack made with leftover idli, this Fried Idli recipe is also a famous breakfast dish in many South Indian restaurants across Mumbai. With just 4 ingredients, this is a vegan recipe as well.  

About Fried Idli

As the name of the recipe suggests, Fried Idli simply means idli that is deep fried. Basically, in this recipe, the idlis are cut into thick batons or fingers or wedges and then deep-fried to a crispy, golden perfection.

This is then followed by a sprinkle of either of these ground spice powders on the crispy idlis – red chilli powder, chaat masala powder, Idli Podi or Pav Bhaji Masala.

idli fry on a white plate.

This Fried Idli is the way I would have the same dish in the South Indian or Udupi restaurants of Mumbai.

While making this Fried Idli recipe at home, you can customize the dish and choose to sprinkle the fried idli with any seasonings of your choice. Personally, I love the idli podi and red chili powder with these crunchy idli fingers.

In addition to this Idli Fry, these are some of the easy-peasy and basic, yet scrumptious dishes that you can make with leftover idlis:

This Idli Fry is a super easy recipe made with a minimum number of ingredients that you can ever imagine of.

You can relish this Fried Idli with your favorite coconut chutney or even with tomato ketchup or a green chutney made with coriander or mint leaves.

How to make Fried Idli

1. Cut 4 to 5 refrigerated or a day old idli into fingers or wedges or batons.

Do not use idlis that are steaming hot or made on the same day. As these are too soft, fluffy and moist, they can break in the oil while frying.

Ensure to refrigerate the idli for some hours. Refrigerated idli tend to absorb less oil while frying as compared to fresh idli.

leftover idlis cut into fingers.

2. Heat oil for deep frying in a kadai or pan till medium hot. Add the idli fingers and deep fry till light golden or slightly more.

Do not fry for a longer time and make them too golden or brown. Ideally, the fried idli wedges should be crispy from outside and soft from inside.

You can also opt to pan fry or shallow fry them. If pan frying or shallow frying, then keep the idlis whole and do not chop them.

It is easier to pan fry or shallow fry whole idlis than chopped idlis. If you prefer, you can also halve them.

frying idli fingers in hot oil.

3. Remove the smaller pieces first as they will get fried quickly. Drain the Fried Idli on kitchen paper towels to remove excess oil.

Sprinkle either chaat masala, red chili powder, pav bhaji masala or idli podi on top and some salt. Mix well so that masala coats the Fried Idli evenly.

You could also chose to keep the fried idli as is without sprinkling any seasonings or spices and enjoy them with a chutney or dip of your choice.

fried idli placed on kitchen paper towel.

4. Serve Fried Idli hot with Sambar, Coconut Chutney or tomato ketchup.

fried idli served on a white plate with a bowl of tomato chutney kept on the top left side.

Expert Tips

  1. To make this dish, you can use only leftover idli or a day-old idli that have been refrigerated. Don’t use fresh idli because it is soft. Thus, can break in the oil while frying and absorb a lot of oil as well. It can also stick to each other while frying.
  2. It is always better to refrigerate the idli for a few hours before you fry them. This way, they won’t break while frying in the hot oil.
  3. In case you don’t want to deep-fry the idlis, you can also either pan-fry or shallow-fry them.
  4. While frying idlis, the smaller pieces get fried quickly as compared to the larger pieces. So, you have to remove the small pieces first. If not done this way and fried all the pieces equally, then the outside texture of smaller pieces will turn a little dense due to extra frying and you may not like them.
  5. Don’t fry the idlis too brown. They should be crispy from outside and soft from inside. Frying them for a long time or browning them too much, will make for a denser and dry texture on the outside.

FAQs

Can I use fresh idli for making Fried Idli?

While it’s traditionally made with leftover idlis, you can use fresh idlis too. Just allow them to cool and firm up a bit before slicing and frying.

Can I add more spices to this dish?

Yes, apart from chaat masala, idli podi or pav bhaji masala, you can also include red chili powder, some turmeric powder and/or dried mango powder (amchur powder) as well.

What chutneys are commonly served with Fried Idli in Mumbai?

Coconut chutney and mint chutney are popular choices to accompany Mumbai style Fried Idli. Some vendors or eateries also serve it with tangy-sweet tamarind chutney or tomato ketchup.

Can I make a healthier version of Mumbai style Fried Idli?

Yes, you can make a healthier version by using less oil for frying or opting for alternative cooking methods like baking or air-frying. Additionally, consider adding more vegetables for a nutritious twist.

What is the ideal texture of Fried Idli?

The ideal texture is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Slicing or chopping the idlis to a medium thickness and proper frying contribute to achieving this balance.

Step by Step Photo Guide Above

idli fry or fried idli on a white plate kept on a folded white napkin.

Fried Idli | Idli Fry (Easy Snack)

Author: Dassana Amit
4.93 from 13 votes
As the name suggests, Fried Idli is simply idli that is deep fried. The idli is chopped into wedges, batons or fingers and deep fried. Made with leftover idli, serve this crispy, tasty snack with coconut chutney, sambar or tomato ketchup.
Print Rate
Prep Time: 1 minute
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 11 minutes
Servings2
CourseBreakfast, Snacks
DietGluten Free, Vegan
CuisineSouth Indian

Ingredients

  • 4 to 5 Idli or as required, one day old refrigerated idli
  • Chaat Masala or pav bhaji masala or red chilli powder or idli podi, as required
  • salt as required
  • oil as required, to deep fry or shallow fry

Instructions

  • Cut the refrigerated or day old idlis into wedges, as shown in the photo above in the step-by-step guide.
  • Heat oil in a kadai or pan till medium hot. Add the idli fingers and deep fry till light golden or slightly more.
  • Ideally, the fried idli pieces should be crispy from outside and soft from inside. You can also pan fry or shallow fry them.
    Do not make them too brown or golden.
  • Remove the smaller pieces first as they will get fried quickly. Drain the fried idli on paper towels to remove excess oil.
  • Sprinkle either red chilli powder or pav bhaji masala or chaat masala or idli podi on top and some salt. Simply mix well so that masala is coated evenly.
  • Serve the Fried Idli with sambar or coconut chutney or tomato ketchup.

Notes

  • Use only a day old or refrigerated idli to make this snack. Freshly steamed idli can break in the oil while frying as they are too soft, fluffy and moist. These can also absorb a lot of oil while frying.
  • Always refrigerate the idli before frying. 
  • Opt to shallow fry or pan fry the idlis if you prefer. If pan frying or shallow frying, keep the idli whole as it is easier to pan fry/shallow fry them this way. If you prefer, you can halve them.
  • Add your choice of spices and seasonings to the fried idli.

This Fried Idli from the archives was first published in May 2014. It has been updated and republished on November 2024.

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Dassana Amit

I am Dassana Amit, a vegetarian chef and baker with decades of experience, professionally trained in Indian and continental cooking and baking. I’m also a certified pastry chef, trained at Le Cordon Bleu in plant-based patisserie. For over 16 years, I’ve shared trusted, strictly vegetarian recipes with step-by-step photos, expert tips, and practical guidance. Bringing together tradition, technique, and a love for honest, soulful vegetarian cooking.

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45 Comments

  1. I’m so glad that I came across this recipe, which I had tried on my first trip to Mumbai. It is easy and supremely delicious.5 stars

    Reply

  3. I’ve used this recipe and liked the result. Any estimate on how many calories a single deep fried idly contains?

    Reply

  8. I made this dish in less than 7 minutes. It looked just like the one in the picture. It was delicious. Thank you for sharing such an easy, quick recipe. Making breakfast became a cakewalk for today.

    Reply

  13. I tried the recipe just now and it was soooooooo yummmmm!!!
    Thank you so much for this yummy yet a very very simple recipe.5 stars

    Reply

  14. Hi. Giving five stars once again as the children loved them for a kids’ get together. Thanks. Dk5 stars

    Reply

  17. Hi Dassana,

    I have just come across your site and i must say, by just reading through the recipes and looking at the pictures and the comments of so many, i have become your fan without even trying out any of your recipes as yet.

    I normally do not cook as i have a maid at home but i have made my new year’s resolution that i will start cooking and i will start with your simple recipes.

    Thank you so much for all your hard work!

    Wish me good luck! 🙂

    Wish you a very happy New Year!!

    Carina

    Reply

  19. haiii Dassana,
    this is soo awesome and simple…!!!
    usually am interested in fresh idli only.. but i will try this,and today itself!! 😀
    good going.. best wishes!!5 stars

    Reply

  20. I’ve been always coming to your blog if i need any veg recipes and have tried your recipes(and many more left to try). 🙂 Thanks dassana for all the interest you take to share your awesome yet easy to make recipes….5 stars

    Reply