By Akshara
October 16, 2026
Enjoy the traditional Dussehra ritual of fafda-jalebi with a healthy, guilt-free upgrade this year. This air fryer fafda recipe captures all the iconic crunch, carom seed warmth, and savoury satisfaction of the traditional Gujarati street food classic using only a fraction of the oil. Paired with spicy papaya sambharo and sweet jalebis, it makes a festive Dussehra 2026 breakfast both indulgent and light.
1 cup gram flour (besan)  1/4 teaspoon carom seeds (ajwain), crushed between palms  1/4 teaspoon papad khar or baking soda  1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder  1/2 teaspoon coarse black pepper powder  2 tablespoons oil (plus extra for brushing)  Rock salt or regular salt to taste  3 to 4 tablespoons warm water (for kneading)
Mix the gram flour, crushed carom seeds, papad khar, turmeric powder, black pepper, salt, and two tablespoons of oil together in a bowl, kneading with warm water into a soft, smooth dough.
Divide the dough into small oval portions, press one portion firmly onto a wooden board with the heel of your palm, and drag it forward to form a thin, elongated fafda strip before lifting carefully with a flat knife.
Preheat the air fryer to 180C, brush the air fryer basket lightly with oil, and arrange the dough strips in a single layer without overlapping.
Brush the fafdas lightly with oil and air-fry at 180C for six to eight minutes until golden and crispy, then serve warm with spicy fried green chillies and raw papaya sambharo.