The Classic Sabudana Vada
Sabudana vada is a beloved fasting staple, but its deep-fried nature can make it a heavy indulgence. The air fryer transforms this classic, delivering a perfectly crisp exterior and soft, fluffy interior with minimal oil. The key lies in properly soaked
sabudana pearls, which provide sustained energy. Mixed with boiled potatoes for binding, coarsely crushed peanuts for crunch and protein, and seasoned with sendha namak (rock salt) and green chillies, these patties are both delicious and compliant with vrat rules. To make them, shape the mixture into flat discs, brush lightly with ghee, and air fry at around 180°C for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. The result is a guilt-free vada that captures all the traditional flavour without the excess fat.
Crispy Kuttu Ke Pakode (Buckwheat Fritters)
Kuttu ka atta, or buckwheat flour, is a nutrient-dense, gluten-free flour permitted during Hindu fasts. Traditionally used for deep-fried pakoras, it adapts beautifully to the air fryer. These fritters offer a satisfying crunch and nutty flavour. The role of kuttu is to provide a fibre-rich base that keeps you full longer. To prepare, make a thick batter with kuttu flour, water, sendha namak, and spices like cumin or ajwain. You can fold in grated potatoes or other vrat-friendly vegetables like bottle gourd. Drop spoonfuls into a preheated air fryer, brush with ghee, and cook at about 190°C for 12-14 minutes until golden and crisp. They come out significantly lighter than their deep-fried counterparts, making them an ideal evening snack with a cup of tea.
Roasted Makhana (Fox Nuts)
Makhana, or fox nuts, are a nutritional powerhouse, low in calories but rich in protein and fibre. They are a popular vrat snack because they are light, easy to digest, and require minimal preparation. While often shallow-fried, roasting them in an air fryer is faster, oil-free, and yields an incredibly crunchy texture. Simply toss the makhana with a tiny bit of ghee (to help seasonings stick), sprinkle with sendha namak and black pepper, and air fry at 160-180°C for about 5-8 minutes. Shake the basket once or twice to ensure they cook evenly. Let them cool completely before storing in an airtight container to maintain their crispness. This simple recipe provides a quick, healthy snack to curb hunger pangs between meals.
Shakarkandi Chaat (Sweet Potato Chaat)
Sweet potatoes, or shakarkandi, are a fasting superfood, providing complex carbohydrates for steady energy. Instead of boiling them, which can make them mushy, the air fryer roasts them to perfection, caramelizing their natural sugars and creating crispy edges. Cut peeled sweet potatoes into cubes, toss with a little ghee, sendha namak, and cumin powder, and air fry at 180-200°C for about 15-20 minutes until tender and browned. Once cooked, toss the hot sweet potato cubes with a squeeze of lemon juice, fresh coriander, and roasted peanuts to create a simple, tangy, and filling chaat. It’s a complete snack that balances sweet, savoury, and sour flavours.
Farali Pattice (Stuffed Potato Patties)
A specialty from Gujarat, farali pattice is a more elaborate vrat snack that is incredibly rewarding. It features a mashed potato outer layer filled with a flavourful mixture of coconut, nuts, and spices. Traditionally deep-fried, these patties can be made much healthier in an air fryer. The outer casing is made from boiled, mashed potatoes bound with a vrat-friendly flour like arrowroot or singhara atta. The delicious filling often includes fresh coconut, chopped nuts like cashews and peanuts, raisins for sweetness, and spices. Shape the potato mixture around a small portion of the filling, form into patties, brush with ghee, and air fry at around 180°C (350°F) for 12-15 minutes, turning once, until golden and crisp.
Air-Fried Arbi (Taro Root)
Arbi, or taro root, has an earthy flavour and a unique texture that becomes wonderfully crisp when cooked correctly. However, it is notorious for absorbing a lot of oil during frying. The air fryer solves this problem, making crispy arbi a viable and delicious vrat snack. To prepare, parboil the arbi, peel it, and cut it into wedges or roundels. Toss the pieces with a bit of ghee, sendha namak, ajwain (carom seeds), and a pinch of black pepper. Arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook at 180°C for about 15 minutes, or until the edges are browned and crisp. A final squeeze of lemon juice brightens up the flavour, turning this humble root vegetable into a delightful snack.
