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During Navratri, evening meals often feel incomplete without a plate of snacks that bring both comfort and energy. Many households across India prefer to prepare light evening dishes that are aligned with the fasting rules followed during these nine days. Traditionally, these dishes are deep fried, which makes them crisp and filling but also heavier on the stomach. With the air fryer, the same favourites can be made with much less oil and in shorter cooking time, making it possible to enjoy them without feeling weighed down. Ingredients such as singhara flour, kuttu flour, sabudana, paneer, and vegetables take well to the air fryer, and with the right combinations, the results can taste fresh and festive. The air fryer has become a useful addition in many kitchens during festivals, as it allows one to prepare larger batches for family and guests while keeping the flavours intact and suitable for the vrat.
Sabudana Tikki
Sabudana is a popular fasting ingredient, and tikkis made from it are often prepared during Navratri evenings. The pearls are soaked until soft and then mixed with mashed potatoes, peanuts, and mild spices. Instead of shaping them for deep frying, they can be placed in the air fryer after a light brushing of oil. The hot circulating air makes them crisp on the outside while keeping them soft inside. This method reduces oil usage and allows the tikkis to be made in batches without standing for long at the stove.
Kuttu Flour Pakoras
Kuttu flour is one of the most commonly used fasting flours during Navratri. Small vegetable slices, such as boiled potatoes, pumpkin, or raw banana, can be dipped into a spiced kuttu flour batter and then arranged in the air fryer basket. The result is a pakora that is crunchy yet less greasy, allowing you to enjoy them in the evening without heaviness. The batter needs to be adjusted carefully so that it coats the vegetable slices evenly and does not turn too runny. Air frying these pakoras brings out their nutty flavour and keeps them light.
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Paneer Cubes With Sendha Namak
Paneer is considered suitable for fasting, and air frying small cubes of it can make for a simple evening dish. Paneer cubes can be marinated in curd, rock salt, and mild spices such as cumin powder before being placed in the air fryer. The texture turns golden and slightly firm outside while staying soft inside. Paneer absorbs flavours well, so even a short marination before air frying makes them very flavourful. This preparation is quick and convenient for evenings when something filling is needed without much effort.
Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato, or shakarkandi, is a popular food during Navratri fasting. Cutting it into long strips and air frying them with a light coating of oil makes crisp fries that can be enjoyed plain or sprinkled with rock salt and black pepper. Sweet potatoes naturally carry a mild sweetness which balances well with the seasoning. Air frying also allows them to cook evenly, giving a soft interior with a firm outer layer. They are nutritious and easy to prepare, making them a frequent choice during the evenings of Navratri.
Sabudana Appe
For those who enjoy variety, sabudana can also be used in appe form, made in a special appe pan but easily adapted for the air fryer. The mixture is similar to sabudana tikki but shaped into small balls. When placed in the air fryer basket with a light brush of ghee or oil, they turn crisp all around without needing frequent turning. These bite-sized pieces are convenient to serve when family or guests gather, and they remain crunchy even when made in larger quantities.
Singhara Flour Cutlets
Singhara flour is another fasting-friendly ingredient that combines well with boiled vegetables. The flour binds the mixture firmly, and when shaped into cutlets, they can be air fried to golden perfection. Potatoes, carrots, and even bottle gourd can be used along with sendha namak for seasoning. Air frying ensures the cutlets remain light and less oily compared to the deep-fried version. This dish is filling and keeps energy levels stable during the evening hours of Navratri.
