1. The Classic Sabudana Vada
No Sawan fast is complete without the quintessential Sabudana Vada. Traditionally deep-fried, these tapioca pearl and potato patties can be beautifully adapted for the air fryer. The result is a snack that’s delightfully crispy on the outside and perfectly
soft and chewy on the inside. To make them, mix soaked sabudana with mashed boiled potatoes, crushed roasted peanuts, green chillies, and sendha namak (rock salt). Shape them into small, flat patties, brush them lightly with ghee or oil, and place them in a single layer in your preheated air fryer. Cook at around 180°C for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and firm. Serve hot with a side of mint-coriander chutney for that perfect fasting indulgence.
2. Wholesome Kuttu Atta Tikkis
Kuttu ka atta, or buckwheat flour, is a powerhouse of nutrients and a staple during Navratri and Sawan fasting. While kuttu puris are popular, they soak up a lot of oil. A healthier alternative is to make flavourful tikkis in the air fryer. Combine kuttu atta with mashed potatoes, grated ginger, chopped green chillies, and sendha namak to form a firm dough. Shape this mixture into flat, round tikkis. Brushing them with a touch of ghee enhances the flavour and helps them crisp up beautifully. Air fry them at 190°C for about 12-15 minutes, turning them over once during cooking. The tikkis will emerge with a satisfyingly crisp exterior, ready to be enjoyed with some cool yoghurt.
3. Crispy Air-Fried Arbi
Arbi, or taro root, has a tendency to absorb a lot of oil when fried, but the air fryer completely changes the game. This simple root vegetable can be transformed into a delightfully crispy and savoury snack. Start by parboiling the arbi, then peel and slice it into discs or wedges. Toss the pieces in a bowl with a spoonful of ghee or oil, and season with sendha namak, ajwain (carom seeds), and a pinch of black pepper. Spread them in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Roast at 180°C for about 15 minutes, or until the edges are nicely browned and crisp. A final squeeze of lemon juice just before serving lifts the flavour, making it an irresistible treat.
4. Gujarati-Style Farali Pattice
A beloved fasting snack from Gujarat, Farali Pattice is a flavourful potato patty with a sweet and nutty filling. Traditionally a deep-fried delight, it adapts wonderfully to the air fryer. The outer layer is made of mashed potatoes bound with arrowroot flour or singhara atta (water chestnut flour). The stuffing is a delicious mix of fresh coconut, peanuts, cashews, raisins, and mild spices. Carefully shape the potato mixture around a small ball of the filling, ensuring it is sealed completely. Brush the pattice with a little oil and air fry at 180°C for 15-20 minutes, flipping them gently for an even golden-brown crust. The result is a snack with a complex blend of textures and tastes, all without the guilt of deep frying.
5. Speedy Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potatoes (shakarkandi) are a vrat-friendly vegetable that are naturally delicious and packed with nutrients. Making them into fries in the air fryer is a quick, easy, and healthy way to satisfy snack cravings. Simply peel and cut the sweet potatoes into even-sized sticks. Toss them with a minimal amount of oil, a sprinkle of sendha namak, and maybe a dash of cumin powder for extra flavour. Arrange the fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure they cook evenly. Air fry at 200°C for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. They will come out slightly caramelised at the edges and perfectly tender on the inside.
6. Simply Roasted Makhana
For the simplest and perhaps healthiest vrat snack, look no further than makhana (fox nuts). While you can roast them in a pan, the air fryer makes the process even easier and ensures a perfect crunch every time. Toss the makhana in a bowl with a teaspoon of ghee and a sprinkle of sendha namak and black pepper. You don't need much; just enough to lightly coat them. Air fry at 160°C for about 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket once or twice. They are done when they become light and crispy. Let them cool for a minute before enjoying. This is a fantastic, low-calorie snack to keep your energy levels up during the day.
