Sabudana Vada Reimagined
The quintessential fasting snack, sabudana vada, is traditionally deep-fried to achieve its signature crispy exterior and soft, chewy interior. The air fryer revolutionises this classic, delivering that same delightful texture with just a fraction of the
oil. To make them, combine soaked sabudana, boiled and mashed potatoes, coarsely crushed roasted peanuts, green chillies, and sendha namak. Shape the mixture into flat patties, brush them lightly with ghee or peanut oil, and place them in a single layer in your preheated air fryer. Cook them at around 180°C for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. The result is a vada that’s golden and firm to the touch, without the greasiness of its deep-fried counterpart, making it a guilt-free indulgence.
Crispy Kuttu Ki Tikki
Buckwheat flour, or kuttu ka atta, is another staple during fasting periods like Navratri. Often used to make puris or pakoras, it can also be transformed into delicious tikkis in the air fryer. These tikkis offer a wonderfully nutty flavour and a satisfying crunch. Simply mix kuttu flour with boiled, mashed potatoes, chopped green chillies, and fasting-approved spices like black pepper and rock salt. Form the mixture into small, flat cutlets. Brushing them with a little oil and air frying at around 185°C for 15-20 minutes, flipping once, will yield perfectly crisp patties. They feel much lighter than traditionally fried versions and pair beautifully with a simple mint-yogurt dip.
Fasting-Friendly Paneer Tikka
Paneer is an excellent source of protein that keeps you full and energised during a fast. While tandoori paneer tikka is a restaurant favourite, a fasting-friendly version is incredibly easy to make at home in your air fryer. For the marinade, use thick yogurt (or hung curd) and mix it with vrat-approved spices like rock salt, cumin powder, and a pinch of black pepper, skipping onion and garlic. Gently coat cubes of paneer in this marinade and let them sit for at least 30 minutes. Arrange the paneer cubes in the air fryer basket and cook at 190°C for 10-13 minutes, until the edges are slightly charred and golden. This method gives you the smoky, flavourful essence of traditional tikka without needing a tandoor or excess oil.
Spiced Arbi Fry
Arbi, or taro root, has a reputation for absorbing a lot of oil when fried, which can make it a heavy dish. The air fryer solves this problem entirely. By parboiling the arbi, cutting it into wedges or discs, and tossing it with a minimal amount of ghee, rock salt, and spices like ajwain (carom seeds), you can achieve crispy, flavourful results. Arrange the seasoned arbi in the air fryer basket and cook at 180°C for about 15 minutes, or until the edges are crisp and lightly browned. A final squeeze of lemon juice just before serving brightens up the earthy flavour, turning this humble root vegetable into a zesty and delightful snack.
Sweet Potato (Shakarkandi) Chaat
Sweet potatoes are a powerhouse of nutrients and provide sustained energy, making them ideal for fasting. In an air fryer, they can be turned into a healthy and delicious chaat. Simply cube sweet potatoes, toss them with a little ghee and sendha namak, and air fry them at 190°C for 12-15 minutes until they are tender on the inside and slightly caramelised on the outside. Once cooked, you can toss the warm sweet potato cubes with roasted peanuts, chopped green chillies, and a generous squeeze of lemon juice. This creates a wonderful mix of sweet, savoury, and tangy flavours that feels like an indulgent treat.
Quick Roasted Makhana
Makhana, or fox nuts, are a light, airy, and nutritious snack that is perfect for any time of the day, especially during fasts. While you can roast them in a pan, the air fryer makes the process even quicker and more hands-off. Toss a cup of makhana with a teaspoon of ghee and a sprinkle of rock salt and black pepper. Spread them in the air fryer basket and cook at 180°C for about 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket once or twice in between to ensure they roast evenly. They become incredibly crunchy and make for a simple, satisfying, and wholesome snack that keeps you energised.
