1. Crispy Sabudana Vada
No Sawan fast is complete without the quintessential Sabudana Vada. This beloved snack traditionally requires deep-frying, but an air fryer delivers that same satisfying crunch with a fraction of the oil. To make them, mix soaked sabudana with boiled
mashed potatoes, coarsely crushed roasted peanuts, finely chopped green chillies, and sendha namak (rock salt). Shape the mixture into flat, round patties. Lightly brush each vada with ghee or oil and place them in a single layer in your preheated air fryer. Cook at 180°C for about 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and delightfully crispy on the outside while remaining soft and chewy inside. Serve hot with a side of yogurt or mint chutney.
2. Kuttu ke Pakore (Buckwheat Fritters)
Kuttu ke Pakore are another rainy-season favourite, perfect for Sawan evenings. Using an air fryer makes these buckwheat flour fritters surprisingly light and non-greasy. Create a thick batter by mixing kuttu ka atta (buckwheat flour) with water, sendha namak, and your choice of spices like cumin or black pepper. You can add boiled and diced potatoes or other vrat-friendly vegetables to the batter. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture into the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overcrowd. A light spray or brush of oil will help them crisp up. Air fry at 190°C for 12-14 minutes, turning them over midway, until they are crisp and cooked through. They pair wonderfully with a simple curd dip.
3. Air-Fried Arbi Fry (Taro Root)
Arbi, or taro root, has a unique earthy flavour that shines when roasted. While it typically soaks up a lot of oil, the air fryer gives you a perfectly crispy result without the heaviness. Start by boiling the arbi until it's tender but not mushy, then peel and slice it into rounds or wedges. Toss the pieces with a little ghee or oil and season with sendha namak, cumin powder, and a pinch of black pepper. Arrange them in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook at 180°C for about 15 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally, until the edges are golden brown and slightly charred. A final squeeze of lemon juice before serving elevates the flavour.
4. Tangy Shakarkandi Chaat (Sweet Potato Chaat)
Sweet potatoes are a fantastic source of energy during fasts. Turning them into a chaat makes for a truly delicious and filling snack. Peel and cut the sweet potato into bite-sized cubes. Toss them with a pinch of sendha namak and roasted cumin powder. Air fry the cubes at 200°C for about 15 minutes, or until they are tender on the inside and crispy on the outside. Once cooked, transfer the hot sweet potato cubes to a bowl. Add a squeeze of lemon juice, chopped green chillies, and roasted peanuts for extra crunch. Garnish with fresh coriander for a vibrant and tangy chaat that hits all the right notes.
5. Roasted Makhana (Fox Nuts)
For a quick, almost effortless snack, look no further than roasted makhana. These puffed lotus seeds are light, crunchy, and incredibly healthy. To prepare them in an air fryer, simply toss the plain makhana in a bowl with a teaspoon of ghee and a sprinkle of sendha namak and black pepper. Spread them evenly in the air fryer basket. Roast at 200°C for just 3-5 minutes, shaking the basket once in between. They will become wonderfully crisp and make for a perfect tea-time snack to curb sudden hunger pangs during your fast. You can prepare a large batch and store it in an airtight container.
6. Farali Banana Chips
Forget store-bought chips; homemade banana chips are fresher and healthier, especially when made in an air fryer. Use raw, firm bananas for the best results. Peel and slice them as thinly and evenly as possible using a mandoline or a sharp knife. To prevent them from browning, you can soak the slices in cold water with a little lemon juice for a few minutes, then pat them completely dry. Toss the dry slices with a pinch of sendha namak and pepper powder. Arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer and cook at 160°C for 12-15 minutes, flipping them once, until they are golden and crisp. Let them cool completely before storing.
