Olivia Carter
Makhana, also known as fox nuts or lotus seeds, is a popular snack in India. These crunchy and nutritious seeds are often roasted or fried to perfection. However, if you’re looking for a healthier alternative, you can make makhana in an air fryer. Air frying not only reduces the amount of oil used but also gives the makhana a crispy texture without compromising on taste.
To make makhana in an air fryer, start by tossing the seeds with a little oil and your favorite spices. You can use a mix of salt, black pepper, turmeric, and chili powder for a traditional Indian flavor. Adjust the spices according to your preference. Once the makhana is well-coated, spread it evenly in the air fryer basket.
Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and then cook the makhana for about 5 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. The makhana should turn golden brown and become crunchy. If needed, you can cook it for an additional 1-2 minutes, but be careful not to overcook as it can become too dry.
Once the makhana is ready, remove it from the air fryer and let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. Air-fried makhana will stay fresh for up to a week.
Air frying makhana is a quick and easy way to enjoy this delicious snack without the guilt. Whether you’re looking for a healthy option or simply want to try something new, give this recipe a try and elevate your snacking game!
Preparation
To make makhana in an air fryer, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups of makhana (fox nuts or lotus seeds)
- 1 tablespoon of ghee (clarified butter)
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper powder to taste
- Optional: other spices or seasonings of your choice
Here are the steps to prepare makhana in an air fryer:
- Start by preheating your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
- In a clean bowl, add the makhana and drizzle it with ghee. Make sure all the makhana is coated evenly with ghee.
- Add salt and black pepper powder to the coated makhana and mix well. You can also add any other spices or seasonings of your choice at this point.
- Place the seasoned makhana in the air fryer basket. Make sure it is spread out in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
- Put the basket in the preheated air fryer and cook for about 12-15 minutes, shaking or stirring the makhana every 5 minutes to ensure it cooks evenly.
- After the cooking time is up, check if the makhana has turned crispy and golden brown. If not, you can continue cooking for a few more minutes until desired crispiness is achieved.
- Once the makhana is crispy, remove it from the air fryer and let it cool completely before storing in an airtight container.
- Your homemade crispy and healthy makhana is ready to be enjoyed as a snack or added to other dishes!
Remember, the cooking time and temperature may vary slightly depending on the brand and model of your air fryer, so it’s always a good idea to keep an eye on the makhana as it cooks to avoid burning.
Now that you know how to make makhana in an air fryer, you can easily enjoy this nutritious and delicious snack anytime you want!
Cooking Method
Using an air fryer to make makhana is a simple and healthy alternative to traditional stovetop methods. Here is a step-by-step guide to cooking makhana in an air fryer:
Ingredients:
| 1 cup makhana (fox nuts) | 1 tablespoon oil | Salt (to taste) |
Instructions:
- Preheat the air fryer to 320°F (160°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the makhana, oil, and salt. Toss well to ensure that all the makhana are coated with the oil.
- Place the coated makhana in the air fryer basket. Spread them out in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
- Cook the makhana in the air fryer for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket every few minutes to ensure that they cook evenly. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
- Once the makhana turn crispy and golden brown, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool completely.
- Store the crispy makhana in an airtight container for up to a week, and enjoy them as a healthy snack.
By using an air fryer, you can achieve the same crispy texture and delicious flavor of traditional stovetop makhana, but with less oil and a healthier cooking method. Give it a try and enjoy this nutritious snack!
Serving and Storage
Once the makhana is cooked in the air fryer and crispy, it is ready to be served. You can serve it as a healthy snack on its own or incorporate it into various recipes.
Here are a few serving ideas:
| Serving Idea | Description |
|---|---|
| Makhana Chaat | Toss the crispy makhana with chaat masala, roasted cumin powder, chopped onions, tomatoes, and mint chutney for a delicious and tangy chaat. |
| Makhana Trail Mix | Mix the crispy makhana with roasted nuts, dried fruits, and seeds to create a nutritious trail mix. |
| Spicy Makhana Curry | Add the crispy makhana to a spicy curry sauce made with tomatoes, onions, and spices for a unique and satisfying curry dish. |
| Makhana Parantha | Grind the crispy makhana into a coarse powder and mix it with wheat flour to make a nutritious dough for paranthas. |
When storing the leftover makhana, make sure it is completely cooled down before transferring it to an airtight container. This will help maintain its crispiness for a longer time. You can store the makhana at room temperature for up to a week.
Enjoy the versatility of makhana and experiment with different serving ideas! You can also season the makhana with your favorite spices or herbs to create your own unique flavor combinations.
FAQ
What is Makhana?
Makhana, also known as fox nuts, is a type of popped lotus seed that is commonly used as a healthy snack in India. It is rich in essential nutrients and is often roasted or fried to enhance its flavour.
What is an air fryer?
An air fryer is a kitchen appliance that uses hot air circulation to cook food. It is a healthier alternative to deep frying as it requires little to no oil, resulting in lower calorie consumption.
