Oil-fried and air-fried banana chips for Onam: Dietitian explains what is healthier

The smell of fresh, crispy, fruity banana chips wafting in the air is an integral part of Kerala's Onam celebrations. Munching on them day in and day out while preparing elaborate Onam dishes and setting up festivities has always been normal in Kerala households. However, at a time when many people are mindful of their health and calorie intake, the fitness-minded are also exploring ways to make these festive must-haves healthy, and one of the ways to do it is air-frying, if social media is to be believed. Chip lovers on social media say you can 'have the chips and eat them too' if they are air-fried, instead of limiting or saying no to the delicacy. However, what's the truth of it? Minu Marin Jose, clinical dietitian of Mar Sleeva Medicity, Pala, explains.

Are air-fried chips better?
Air-fried chips are preferable to oil-fried ones, says the dietitian. However, she explains, "That does not mean that one can safely eat as much as they want. The intake should be less than 10 chips at a time. Five to six chips are alright." How can we ensure the quality of store-bought chips? The ingredient label is what we can depend on to make an informed purchase, she says. "Pick those which have the minimum basic ingredients like salt, oil and banana. If they have artificial preservatives, customers can choose to avoid them," she says. 

Are chips from live counters safe?
We get an opportunity for a 'sensory evaluation' when buying chips from live counters, says the dietitian. Here are a few tips:
a) Check the colour of the oil in which the chips are made. If the oil is extremely black or brown, it means it has been severely reheated. It's best to go for chips made in clear oil.
b) Safe-to-eat banana chips are of golden yellow colour. Avoid brown or darker-coloured chips, as this means they are overburnt due to reheating. 

c) Observe how hygienically they are handling the chips. See whether personal cleanliness is maintained and gloves are used when required. 
d) Taste a few chips for sampling and see whether they are fresh. If they feel heavy, have a stale or greasy aftertaste, do not buy them. 
e) Ensure that the chips are crispy. Soggy or chewy chips aren't good quality.