These air fryer roasted makhana and nuts are the perfect way to welcome healthy snacking into your life. Crispy, crunchy, delicious, and insanely easy to make. Roasting in the air fryer means there’s no need for excess oil, and everything’s ready in 20 minutes!
Love using your Air Fryer? Try my Air Fryer Malai Broccoli, Air Fryer No Yeast Pizza, Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Breasts and Air Fryer Kurkuri Bhindi!
If you’ve never tasted makhana before, consider this your cue to make some right now! Also known as fox nuts, popped lotus seeds or phool makhana, these babies are loaded with healthy vitamins and nutrients, have a tonne of benefits, and are absolutely delicious!
Making roasted makhana is also insanely easy, and our trusty air fryer makes everything a whole lot easier. Unlike roasting on the stove where you need to constantly keep stirring, an air fryer makes most of the process handsfree.
Some More Reasons Why You Want To Make This ASAP
- Can be eaten on fasting days and is great for those of you who follow a sattvic lifestyle.
- The addition of roasted almonds and roasted cashews makes this already healthy dish even more wholesome.
- This snack is easily customisable. You can vary the masalas, spices, and add or exclude ingredients based on what you have available.
- Perfect non-fried alternative for a crunchy snack to have with your evening chai.
- You can easily make a big batch for the week.
- I have made this in the air fryer, but it can easily be made on the stovetop too.
Ingredients You'll Need
Top Tips to Make the Best Air Fryer Roasted Makhana and Nuts
- It is important to pay attention to the cook time as nuts can burn very easily. Each air fryer is different, and the exact time of roasting may differ slightly depending on the one you have. I would recommend checking every minute or so after first roasting the nuts and makhana for 3 minutes.
- If roasting on the stovetop, never do it on high heat as that can burn the makhana and cook things unevenly. Makhana roasts best on low heat for those perfect crunchy and crispy results.
- If you’re making a bigger batch, I would recommend roasting it in batches. Overcrowding the pan can make the makhana chewy instead of crunchy.
- If you’re vegan, you can easily replace the ghee with coconut, olive or mustard oil, depending on what you prefer. You can even use any vegetable oil instead.
Roasted Makhana Variations: More Seasoning Ideas
This recipe is a basic version of makhana, but makhana is a super versatile ingredient and there are so many ways of seasoning it. These are some of our favourites:
- Peri-peri makhana: Simply toss everything in some store-bought peri-peri masala for a tasty treat.
- KFC fried chicken masala: My KFC fried chicken masala is honestly so delicious, and it will take your makhana game a notch higher!
- Makhana chaat: Instead of the usual murmura, mix some onions, tomatoes, boiled potatoes, green chutney, tamarind chutney, and sev for a quick chaat.
- Cheese Makhana: A little sprinkling of either parmesan cheese or cheese powder will make this an instant kids’ favourite!
- Garlic Makhana: Garlic makes everything better, and roasted makhanas are no exception. Toss everything in a dash of garlic powder for an instant boost of flavors.
- Paprika Makhana: If you prefer a dash of heat, paprika makhana is your best friend!
Frequently Asked Questions
The best way to check if makhana is roasted is to crush one in your hand. If it powders easily and makes a crunching sound, then it’s ready to be taken out of the air fryer.
These air fried roasted makhana and nuts stay well at room temperature in an airtight container for about two weeks. But make sure the container is clean and dry. If exposed to air or moisture, roasted makhana can become soft and soggy and don’t really taste great.
Absolutely! Makhana can get soft and chewy after a few days of being outside/exposed to air. If you notice this with your makhana, you can easily re-roast it for about 2-3 minutes in the air fryer or for a few minutes on the stovetop.
I think you can, even though I haven’t tried that. However, adding a little ghee or oil oil might be a good idea as it helps the masala stick to the makhana.
Ever since I have started making roasted makhana at home, my evening snack game has become so easy and guilt free. And since roasted makhana travels really well, I love giving it as part of Mahi’s school tiffin and she totally loves munching on it!
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Watch The Video!
Air Fryer Roasted Makhana and Nuts
Ingredients
- 100 grams Makhana Fox Nuts
- 100 grams Almonds
- 100 grams Cashews
- 2 teaspoons Ghee
- 1 teaspoon Mustard Seeds
- 2 sprigs Curry Leaves
- 2 teaspoons Chaat Masala
- ½ teaspoon Turmeric Powder
- ½ teaspoon Salt
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 180°C for 3 minutes.
- In the preheated air fryer, add Makhana and air fry at 180°C for 6 minutes. It's normal to hear sounds.
- Remove the air-fried Makhana. Add almonds and cashews to the air fryer. Air fry at 180°C for 6 minutes. Around the 3-minute mark, shake the nuts for even browning.
- Heat ghee in a Kadhai. Add mustard seeds and wait for them to splutter. Reduce the flame to low and add curry leaves, chaat masala, turmeric powder, and salt. Sauté for 10 seconds.
- Add the roasted Makhana and nuts. Toss well. Turn off the flame. Allow the mixture to cool completely, then store it in an airtight jar for easy snacking.
Video
Notes
- It is important to pay attention to the cook time as nuts can burn very easily. Each air fryer is different, and the exact time of roasting may differ slightly depending on the one you have. I would recommend checking every minute or so after first roasting the nuts and makhana for 3 minutes.
- If roasting on the stovetop, never do it on high heat as that can burn the makhana and cook things unevenly. Makhana roasts best on low heat for those perfect crunchy and crispy results.
- If you’re making a bigger batch, I would recommend roasting it in batches. Overcrowding the pan can make the makhana chewy instead of crunchy.
- If you’re vegan, you can easily replace the ghee with coconut, olive or mustard oil, depending on what you prefer. You can even use any vegetable oil instead.
Nutrition
Benefits of Makhana
Makhana in general is loaded with essential nutrients and vitamins that make it super healthy, but roasting makes it even better. Roasted makhana is easier to chew and doesn’t get stuck in your stick. Here are some more benefits of eating makhana that will convince you to make this dish ASAP:
- High protein and fiber: Makhanas are a great way to increase your daily protein and fiber intake, both of which can aid in weight loss.
- High in antioxidants: Being a rich source of antioxidants, makhanas help neutralise the effects of harmful free radicals, prevent oxidative damage. Which means it’ll help you maintain healthy, youthful skin, as well as reduce inflammation.
- Loaded with essential vitamins and nutrients: Makhanas are a rich source of phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, zinc, etc. making it a great addition to your diet to prevent heart problems, diabetes, and high blood sugar among others.
- Gluten free and vegan: Since makhana is naturally gluten-free and vegan, it is the perfect snack for people with dietary restrictions.
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