A Modern Twist on Tradition
The core principle of Sawan fasting is to consume simple, sattvik food that is light on the body and calming for the mind. However, many beloved fasting snacks like pakoras and vadas are traditionally deep-fried, which can leave you feeling sluggish.
This is where the air fryer comes in. It offers a modern solution to a traditional dilemma, allowing you to enjoy crispy, flavourful snacks with minimal oil. By air-frying, you retain the crunch and taste you love while making the food significantly lighter and healthier, aligning perfectly with the spirit of the fast. It’s about honouring tradition without sacrificing well-being.
1. Air-Fried Sabudana Vada
A quintessential fasting snack, Sabudana Vada is usually a deep-fried indulgence. In the air fryer, it becomes a nearly guilt-free treat. To make these, start with well-soaked sabudana (tapioca pearls), mixed with boiled and mashed potatoes, coarsely crushed roasted peanuts, chopped green chillies, and sendha namak (rock salt). For best results, shape the mixture into flat patties and let them chill in the refrigerator for about 20-30 minutes; this helps them hold their shape. Preheat your air fryer to 180°C, lightly brush the vadas with oil or ghee, and place them in a single layer. Air fry for about 20-22 minutes, flipping them halfway through and brushing with a little more oil to ensure they turn golden and crispy on both sides.
2. Crispy Kuttu ke Pakode
Kuttu (buckwheat flour) is a staple during Navratri and Sawan fasts. These pakoras are a perfect tea-time snack. To prepare, mix kuttu atta with boiled and roughly mashed potatoes. Add sendha namak, chopped green chillies, and a pinch of black pepper powder. You can also add finely chopped ginger for extra flavour. Add a little water to form a thick batter. Drop small spoonfuls of the batter into a preheated air fryer (around 180°C) after lightly greasing the basket. Air fry for 15-18 minutes, shaking the basket or flipping the pakoras midway, until they are crisp and cooked through.
3. Air-Fried Arbi Fry
Arbi, or taro root, offers a delicious alternative to potatoes and develops a wonderful texture when air-fried. First, boil the arbi until tender, then peel and slice it into thick rounds or lengthwise pieces. In a bowl, toss the arbi with sendha namak, black pepper, and roasted cumin powder. For binding, you can add a teaspoon of singhara (water chestnut) or rajgira (amaranth) flour. Arrange the seasoned arbi in a single layer in a preheated air fryer at 190°C. Cook for 15-20 minutes, flipping them once, until they are golden brown and crispy on the edges.
4. Sweet Potato (Shakarkandi) Chaat
Sweet potatoes are a nutritious and filling option during fasts. Air frying them brings out their natural sweetness. Peel and cut sweet potatoes into cubes or wedges. Toss them with a little bit of oil or ghee, sendha namak, and a pinch of black pepper. Air fry at 180°C for about 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking. Once they are tender and slightly caramelised, transfer them to a bowl. Squeeze some lemon juice over them and toss gently. You can serve it as is or add roasted peanuts for extra crunch.
5. Roasted Makhana (Fox Nuts)
Makhana is a light, nutrient-dense snack that's perfect for fasting. While traditionally roasted in a pan with ghee, the air fryer makes the process even easier. Simply place the plain makhana in the air fryer basket and air fry at 160°C for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are crunchy. You can shake the basket once in between. Once they are done, transfer them to a bowl while still warm and add a teaspoon of ghee (optional) along with sendha namak and black pepper powder. Toss well to coat, and your healthy snack is ready.
6. Raw Banana Cutlets
Raw bananas are another excellent potato substitute for fasting recipes. To make these cutlets, boil and mash raw bananas. Mix them with amaranth flour (rajgira) for binding, crushed peanuts, green chillies, cumin seeds, and sendha namak. Shape the mixture into tikkis or cutlets. Let them firm up in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes. Preheat the air fryer to 180°C. Brush the cutlets with a bit of oil and air fry for 10-12 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown and have a crisp exterior.
