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Shardiya Navrtari, starting from the 22nd of September, 2025, is one of the most devoted times for the Hindu community. With the nine days of Navratri, a lot of people embrace the period of fasting. However, meal prep becomes essential if you’re going to abstain from grains, spices, and many vegetables. While traditional fasting recipes like sabudane ki kheer, aloo tikki, and singhare ke atte ka halwa are comforting, they can be too heavy if consumed daily.
Taking out the heavy amounts of oil and using the vrat-friendly ingredients in the best possible way, you can let your air fryer take care of your Navratri thali. So, to make your fasting period feel like a breeze and not burden your gut, here are some light recipes that can be easily prepared in Usha’s air fryer.
Sabudana Vada
Sabudana vada is one of the most popular vrat-friendly snacks or breakfast options. Typically made for Navrtari or Monday fasts, instead of shallow frying ot deep-frying, you can air fry for a healthier meal. Just take some soaked sabudana (tapioca pearls) and mix them with boiled and mashed potatoes. Shaping the mixture into patties, you can air fry the vadas and enjoy them with imli or pudina chutney.
Kutti Ki Tikki
Since people refrain from eating wheat flour during the fast, kuttu (buckwheat), ka atta is popularly used in most Indian households during Navratri. You can prepare the mixture with boiled and mashed potatoes, kuttu ka atta, water, and sendha namak. Preheat Usha’s air fryer, shape the tikkis, and let the modern gadget do its magic. In another fifteen minutes, your Navratri meal will be ready to be savoured.
Roasted Makhana
If you have a habit of munching on treats throughout the day, the guilt-free and fast-friendly option is roasted makhanas. Fox nuts, or makhana, are known for their nutritional value and can be turned into a snack in less than fifteen minutes. Simply toss a few cups of makhana with a little ghee and sprinkle rock salt, black pepper, and cumin powder. Transfer the coated makhana into the basket of Usha’s air fryer, cook for about five to ten minutes till crispy, and you’re all done.
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Shakarkandi Chaat
Sweet potatoes, aka shakarkandi, are a naturally filling ingredient that’s loaded with energy, making it a perfect add-on to your Navratri thali. While the traditional shakarkandi chaat is made by roasting sweet potatoes over coal, you can air fry it and have the same taste. Once they are caramelised (usually takes about ten to fifteen minutes), peel, chop, and top with lemon juice, coriander leaves, and sendha namak to taste.
Paneer Tikka
Whether you want a fast-friendly snack or a light dinner option, you can make paneer tikka in Usha’s air fryer and call it a day. Just marinate the cubes of paneer in dahi and vrat-friendly spices, and air fry till crispy. You can pair it with kuttu ki roti and raita or enjoy it as is for a light meal. For the best taste, don’t forget to serve it with a spicy hari chutney.
