Navratri is a time of devotion, rituals, and food that’s not just tasty but also meaningful. Many observe fasts (vrat) where certain ingredients are avoided, and meals should be light yet satisfying. This year, turning to the air fryer can make a big difference — you can enjoy crunchy, flavourful snacks with much less oil. Below are ideas, recipes, tips and tricks to elevate your Navratri menu, guilt-free.
Why Air Fryer for Navratri?
Less oil, less mess: Traditional deep-frying uses a lot of oil and can leave a greasy finish. Air frying gives texture and crisp without heavy oil.
Vrat-friendly ingredients stay intact: Ingredients like sabudana, kuttu, rajgira, singhara, makhana and potato can be used without compromising on dietary rules.
Quick & convenient: Many recipes require minimal prep, cook fast, and clean-up is easier.
Snack Ideas & Recipes
Here are several yummy snack ideas that work well for fasting days, each adapted for the air fryer:
Snack Key Ingredients How to Prep for Air-Frying
Sabudana & Peanut Tikkis Soaked sago (sabudana), boiled potato, crushed roasted peanuts, rock salt, mild spices Mix all ingredients, form patties. Spray or brush lightly with ghee or oil, air-fry at ~180-190 °C until golden on both sides.
Rajgira Patties Rajgira flour, mashed potato, mild spices Shape into small patties. Use light coating or brushing. Air-fry till crispy edges.
Kuttu Ki Tikki (Buckwheat Patties) Buckwheat (kuttu) flour, potatoes, green chillies, rock salt Similar to above, ensure even thickness to cook through without burning.
Makhana Namkeen Fox nuts (makhana), rock salt, black pepper, little ghee Roast in air-fryer till crisp, shaking basket mid-way for even cooking.
Sweet Potato Chips Sweet potato, rock salt, maybe a pinch of sendha namak (rock salt for vrat), little flavouring Thin slices, toss, and air fry in single layer so they crisp up nicely.
Paneer Tikka (Vrat style) Paneer cubes, curd (if allowed in your vrat), spices, maybe capsicum (if permitted) Marinate, then air-fry skewered or in tray. Ensure slight char for flavour.
Tips for Best Results
Pre-soak where needed — sabudana especially needs soaking and draining so it’s soft and holds shape.
Use wedges, slits or thin slices so heat circulates well; crowding causes uneven cooking.
Light brushing or spray of oil/ghee rather than deep frying ensures crispness without excess fat.
Check midway — flip or toss for even browning. Air fryers can have hot spots.
Season after cooking sometimes helps preserve crisp and not get soggy from salt.
Variations & Flavour Ideas
Use herbs and milder spices like cumin, coriander, mild green chilies depending on your taste and what your vrat allows.
Add crunch with roasted peanuts, nuts (almonds, cashews), or seeds if permitted.
For sweet treats, rustic dried fruits, coconut, jaggery or raw cane sugar (if allowed) can be used sparingly.
What to Watch Out For
Dietary restrictions vary: Some households allow curd, some don’t. Some allow a little salt; others prefer rock salt. Adjust recipes accordingly.
Some ingredients like onion, garlic are typically avoided in vrat-friendly cooking—make sure seasonings fit your tradition.
Clean air fryer baskets well: residues from previous cooking (especially with garlic/onion or strong spices) can affect flavour and violate vrat rules for some people.
Final Thoughts
Navratri doesn’t need to be all about oily fry-ups. With a good air fryer and thoughtful ingredient choices, you can enjoy crisp, tasty, fasting-friendly snacks that feel festive and don’t weigh you down.
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