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Dusshera, also known as Vijayadashami, is celebrated with devotion, theatre, community gatherings, and festive meals that reflect the culture of every region. In many Indian homes, the day begins with rituals and family prayers, followed by meals that are often associated with long-standing customs. Food plays an important role in how the festival is experienced, and snacks hold a special place in these spreads. Each state has its own speciality prepared with care, and families look forward to enjoying these during the celebration.
In recent years, kitchens have seen changes in cooking habits, and equipment like the air fryer has been introduced to make traditional recipes more convenient for everyday use. People appreciate the idea of reducing oil consumption while still maintaining the flavour and texture of foods that are usually deep fried. During Dusshera, when snacks are shared with family, neighbours, and guests, using an air fryer like one from Usha can make the cooking process less time consuming and more manageable. Adapting traditional recipes for modern methods requires understanding the ingredients and techniques involved. The goal is not to replace the authentic version but to create a version that suits today’s lifestyle without losing the connection to tradition. These adaptations also allow younger generations to try cooking festive foods at home without being overwhelmed.
Fafda
In Gujarat, Dusshera is associated with the popular pairing of fafda and jalebi. Fafda is a savoury snack made with gram flour dough, shaped into long strips, and usually deep fried until crisp. It is eaten with papaya chutney or spicy fried chillies. For an air fryer version, the dough can be prepared in the same way with gram flour, turmeric, ajwain, salt, and oil. Instead of frying in hot oil, the shaped strips can be brushed lightly with oil and placed in the air fryer basket. Cooking at around 180°C for ten to twelve minutes produces a crisp texture that is close to the original. Turning the strips halfway through ensures even cooking. This method reduces oil without taking away the characteristic crunch that people enjoy with fafda.
Murukku
In southern states, murukku is a festive snack enjoyed during Dusshera and other occasions. It is prepared with rice flour, urad dal flour, butter, and spices, pressed through a mould into spiral shapes and deep fried. The air fryer version uses the same dough, shaped with the mould, and then placed in the basket on parchment paper to maintain the design. Brushing with oil before cooking ensures a golden finish. Setting the temperature to 170°C for twelve to fifteen minutes works well. A light shake of the basket or turning the pieces halfway gives uniform colour. The result is crunchy murukku that keeps well for several days and is suitable for sharing with guests during the festival.
Kachori
In northern states, kachori is a familiar festive snack. It is a round, stuffed pastry usually filled with spiced lentils or peas and fried until golden. For an air fryer approach, the dough is rolled and filled in the traditional way, sealed carefully, and brushed with oil before being placed in the basket. Cooking at 180°C for about fifteen minutes allows the kachoris to puff slightly and develop a crisp exterior. The filling remains flavourful and warm, and serving them with chutneys makes them festive enough for gatherings. While the air fryer version has a slightly different finish, the taste remains authentic and satisfying.
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Chakli
Chakli, prepared during Dusshera in Maharashtra and Karnataka, is another spiral-shaped snack made with rice flour, gram flour, butter, and spices. The dough is pressed into spirals using a chakli maker, and the pieces are usually deep fried until crunchy. In an air fryer, the prepared spirals can be placed carefully in the basket, brushed with oil, and cooked at 175°C for ten to twelve minutes. The texture turns out crisp and light, with the flavour of cumin and sesame remaining intact. Preparing chakli this way allows larger batches to be made quickly for family celebrations without spending long hours at the stove.
Gujiya
Gujiya, though more common during Holi, is also made in some regions during Dusshera as part of sweet offerings. It is a pastry filled with khoya, dried fruits, and nuts, shaped into a half-moon and fried until golden. For an air fryer version, the gujiyas can be sealed with care, brushed with ghee or oil, and cooked at 180°C for twelve to fifteen minutes. The pastry becomes crisp, and the filling remains rich and aromatic. When prepared in this manner, gujiyas can be enjoyed warm without the heaviness of deep frying, making them suitable as festive treats for both children and adults.
