The festival of Diwali is usually peppered with multiple gatherings, plenty of food and quality time with loved ones. When socialising, it is rather easy to be swayed by the temptation of eating a little more than usual - and take joy in it. While keeping health consciousness in mind could be a challenging task at hand, replacing greasy alternatives with air-fried ones using Usha’s Air Fryer preserves texture and taste, without piling on the excessive calories. What’s more? These delicacies are also a great way to put a contemporary spin on traditional preparations in large batches, making snack preparations feel hassle-free and breezy. From crunchy savouries to flaky sweet dishes, one kitchen equipment does it all!
Ribbon Pakoda
Image Credits: Perambur Srinivasa Sweets
The South Indian snack item made using a gram flour dough can easily be pressed into ribbons on a parchment sheet and placed in the air fryer for 5-6 minutes until crisp and ready to be savoured as it is or as a replacement to chips in a chip-and-dip platter. Flat and paper thin, the ribbon pakodas derive their name from their resemblance to its namesake decorative element - perfect to enjoy as a bar bite with drinks at a card party. Make an assortment of variations using ingredients such as garlic granules, coarse black pepper, curry leaf powder and some tossed with idli podi.
Chorafali
The flaky Gujarati snack is a popular snack preparation, often served with green chutney once dusted with chilli powder. Also known as chorafali fafda, the crispy snack makes for a delicious addition to festive snack platters - especially those meant for sharing. Create a chaat-inspired grazing board for parties or large gatherings, replacing store-bought fried snacks with air-fried chorafali chips that pair beautifully with an assortment of sweet and spicy condiments, or to even toss up a DIY-style chorafali bhel.
Nimki
Image Credits: Wikimedia Commons
Although traditionally made with all-purpose flour, the French fry like nimki can also make for a delicious snack option when made using gluten-free flour such as tapioca starch or a mix of rice and millet flour, for the perfect balance between crunch and flakiness. Making for the perfect appetiser, air-fried nimki are also a great accompaniment to simple festive meals such as chana pulao or bisi bele bath. Create a fusion party platter for your festive gathering by pairing the nimki with pesto, hummus, muhammara or sun-dried tomato aioli; or opt for the traditional route and crush them into bite-sized rolls for texture, over chaat plates and even as part of a festive-inspired savoury trail mix.
Praghree
The flaky, pastry-like Sindhi preparation is typically stuffed with mawa and scented with rose petals - making it a royal sweet treat that deserves a special spot on the party platter. Instead of deep-frying the layered dough, simply make smaller versions that are easy to hold while mingling with friends and place them in the air-fryer until golden-brown and the layers begin to separate - giving it the appearance of a sea coral. Once soaked in a cardamom and rose infused syrup, decorate it with varq or edible silver foil and pistachios to truly represent the festive spirit in sweet form.
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Chirote
Image Credits: Tata Motors Grihini Social Welfare Society
The Mangalorean pastry which is similar to the Sindhi pastry, is also different in many ways due to being made without any kind of stuffing in particular. While typically deep-fried in ghee, the air fryer variation simply requires the folded pastry dough to be brushed generously with ghee before it can be dipped in syrup or dusted with powdered sugar. Think of mini chirotes as a blooming rose - symbolically adding a floral element to your festive snack platter without the chances of them ‘wilting’. Garnish with dried rose petals and slivered almonds if planning on eating them at room temperature, or simply serve the chirote in individual portions, dunked in sweetened saffron milk.