Vishu is a celebration of abundance, renewal, and the vibrant flavours of Kerala’s culinary heritage. While the traditional Sadya and its accompanying snacks are often defined by the rich indulgence of deep-frying in coconut oil, modern wellness goals often call for a lighter approach. Utilising an Usha air fryer allows you to achieve that signature golden crunch and tender interior without the heavy saturation of traditional frying methods. By harnessing rapid air circulation, you can honour these age-old recipes while maintaining a focus on functional nutrition and digestive wellness. These five traditional treats have been adapted to ensure your Vishu celebration remains both culturally authentic and physically revitalising.
Crispy Pazhampori
The most iconic of Kerala snacks, Pazhampori depends on the natural sweetness of ripe Nendran bananas. To prepare these in an air fryer, coat thin longitudinal slices of banana in a thick batter of all-purpose flour (or rice flour for a gluten-free alternative), a pinch of turmeric, and a hint of cumin. Instead of submerging them in oil, lightly spritz the coated slices with coconut oil and arrange them in a single layer. Air fry at 180°C for about 12 minutes, flipping halfway through. The result is a vibrant, golden crust that shatters perfectly, revealing a warm, caramelised centre that perfectly complements a cup of evening tea.
Golden Unniyappam
Traditionally prepared in a specialised Appakarayil with generous amounts of ghee, Unniyappam can be successfully adapted for a low-oil festive spread. Prepare the batter using roasted rice flour, mashed small bananas (Palayankodan), jaggery syrup, and a sprinkle of black sesame seeds. To achieve the classic spherical shape, use small silicone moulds or a pre-heated aebleskiver pan that fits within your air fryer basket. Cook at 160°C for 15 minutes. The air fryer ensures a uniform rise and a deep mahogany crust, providing that nostalgic, chewy texture and jaggery-rich aroma without the excess fat.
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Also read: Vishu 2026: Kanji, Katta, Ada & The Breakfast Traditions That Start The Malayalam New Year Right
Crunchy Parippu Vada
A staple of the Malayali tea-time experience, Parippu Vada is loved for its gritty, spicy, and extremely crunchy profile. Soak split pigeon peas (Toor Dal) or Chana Dal for a few hours, then grind them coarsely with ginger, green chillies, curry leaves, and shallots. Shape the mixture into small, flat patties. By air frying these at 200°C for 15 to 18 minutes, you achieve a remarkably hard, crispy exterior that mimics the texture of high-heat oil frying. This method highlights the nutty flavour of the lentils and the freshness of the aromatics, making for a protein-packed, high-fibre festive snack.
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Spiced Medu Vada
The Medu Vada is a masterclass in texture: crispy on the outside and incredibly soft and spongy on the inside. To replicate this in an air fryer, ensure your Urad Dal batter is aerated well by whisking it until it floats in water. Add crushed black pepper and chopped curry leaves for that classic Vishu flavour profile. Pipe the batter into donut shapes onto small squares of parchment paper to maintain their form. Air fry at 190°C; the rapid air movement sets the exterior quickly, trapping steam inside to create the signature fluffiness. This version offers a much lighter alternative to the grease-heavy original while remaining perfectly dunkable in sambar or chutney.
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Salted Nendran Chips
No Vishu Sadya is complete without the rhythmic crunch of freshly made banana chips. To make these using low oil, slice raw Nendran bananas into paper-thin rounds using a mandoline. Toss them in a bowl with a teaspoon of coconut oil, sea salt, and turmeric powder until every slice is thinly coated. Arrange them in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap significantly. Air fry at 160°C in small batches, shaking the basket every few minutes to ensure even dehydration. This process results in a light, airy chip that highlights the natural starchiness of the banana, providing a satisfyingly loud crunch with only a fraction of the calories.
Image credit: Freepik