The evening of Karwa Chauth holds a special place in many Indian homes. It marks the end of a day of fasting and brings families together for a meal prepared with care. The festive table often features classic sweets like gujiyas, halwa, or malpuas, but modern kitchens are gradually finding balance between comfort and convenience. An air fryer can make this process easier without compromising taste or tradition. Using appliances such as the Usha Air Fryer, one can prepare traditional mithai with less oil and quicker cooking time, keeping the flavours rich and authentic.
The idea of air-fried sweets suits today’s cooking habits perfectly, especially for families that want to preserve tradition while adapting to lighter and more efficient techniques. These recipes stay close to their original taste while reducing excess oil, which makes them ideal for those looking to enjoy their festive treats with a lighter touch. Below are five thoughtful air-fried sweet recipes that can make the Karwa Chauth evening both comforting and festive.
1. Coconut Ladoos
Coconut ladoos bring a touch of sweetness that feels familiar yet refreshing during festivals. Traditionally prepared with condensed milk and desiccated coconut, these ladoos can easily be adapted for the air fryer. Start by mixing desiccated coconut with condensed milk and a small amount of cardamom powder. Shape them into medium-sized balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Set the air fryer at 160°C and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes until the edges begin to turn golden.
Allow them to cool completely before storing them. The heat from the air fryer caramelises the surface slightly, which gives each ladoo a delicate crust while keeping the inside soft. These stay well for two to three days and can be served after the evening puja alongside nuts and dry fruits.
2. Mini Gujiyas
Gujiyas are almost inseparable from Indian festive celebrations, and Karwa Chauth is no exception. They can be made in smaller portions for easy air frying. Prepare the filling using grated khoya, crushed nuts, raisins, and a pinch of nutmeg. Fill each gujiya with this mixture and seal the edges carefully with a light brushing of water. Instead of deep frying, brush each gujiya with a minimal layer of ghee and place them in the air fryer basket.
Set the temperature to 170°C and cook for about 10 minutes, turning them halfway through for even browning. Once done, allow them to rest before serving. The texture remains crisp, and the khoya filling develops a rich aroma without the heaviness that comes from deep frying. You can lightly dust them with powdered sugar before serving, adding a touch of sweetness that suits the festive mood.
3. Apple And Jaggery Karanji
For those who prefer an innovative twist, apple and jaggery karanji offers a warm, caramelised flavour that feels festive yet distinct. Begin by grating fresh apples and cooking them with grated jaggery and a hint of cinnamon until the mixture thickens slightly. Fill this inside small portions of dough prepared using whole wheat flour and ghee.
Arrange the karanjis inside the air fryer basket and cook at 165°C for about 8 minutes until golden. The jaggery melts gently inside, creating a soft and rich filling that pairs beautifully with the crisp outer layer. These karanjis can be prepared a few hours in advance and lightly reheated before serving in the evening. The result is a festive dessert that feels traditional yet subtly inventive, reflecting the evolving tastes of Indian households.
4. Malpua Bites With Rabri Drizzle
Malpua remains one of the most indulgent sweets enjoyed during Indian festivals. However, preparing it in an air fryer reduces the oil content while preserving its richness. Prepare a batter with wheat flour, semolina, milk, and crushed fennel seeds. Let it rest for at least half an hour. Pour small spoonfuls of the batter into a greased air fryer-safe mould and cook at 170°C for 6 to 8 minutes until the edges are crisp and the surface turns golden brown.
Once cooked, drizzle each malpua bite with thickened milk rabri, garnished with saffron strands and chopped pistachios. The air-fried texture adds a light crispness, balancing beautifully with the creamy rabri. This version of malpua is easier to prepare for a small family meal and ensures that everyone can enjoy a festive sweet without feeling heavy after breaking the fast.
5. Dry Fruit Modaks
Modaks, often associated with Ganesh Chaturthi, also make a fitting appearance during Karwa Chauth, symbolising auspiciousness and sweetness. For this air-fried version, prepare a filling using chopped cashews, almonds, dates, and a little coconut cooked together with ghee. The outer shell can be made using wheat flour or semolina, depending on preference. Shape them carefully using a modak mould and brush lightly with ghee before placing them in the air fryer.
Cook at 160°C for around 8 to 10 minutes until the surface develops a light brown hue. Once cooled, these modaks gain a pleasant nutty aroma and a crisp finish that contrasts the rich filling. They make an ideal festive bite for Karwa Chauth, pairing beautifully with warm milk or saffron-infused water after the fast is broken.