Air Fryer Indian Sweet Recipes Easy and Delicious
Are you looking to satisfy your sweet tooth with a healthy twist?
Look no further than these deliciously easy air fryer Indian sweet recipes.
These recipes are easy and delicious, from classic favourites like Gulab Jamun to Shakkarpara.
With the help of an air fryer, you can enjoy the indulgence of Indian sweets without the guilt of deep frying.
The air fryer gives your desserts a crispy outer layer while keeping the inside moist.
Plus, it reduces the amount of oil used, making these desserts a healthier alternative.
Why not try Indian snacks or main meals?
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5 Popular Indian Desserts Made In An Air Fryer
Indian cuisine is known for its rich and diverse array of desserts.
Many of these traditional sweets can be adapted to be cooked in an air fryer, allowing you to enjoy their deliciousness more healthily.
Here are 5 popular Indian desserts that can be made using an air fryer:
Gulab Jamun
Gulab Jamun is a classic milk dessert soaked in sugar syrup. The air fryer gives these soft and spongy balls a lovely golden-brown colour and a crispy outer layer.
Once cooked, they are soaked in warm sugar syrup for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Jalebi
Jalebi is a traditional dessert made from batter and soaked in sugar syrup. The air fryer gives the jalebis a crisp texture while keeping their spiral shape.
Once air-fried, they can be soaked in sugar syrup to achieve the perfect balance of sweetness.
Kheer
Kheer is a creamy rice pudding flavoured with cardamom and topped with nuts. The rice cooks to perfection in the air fryer, absorbing the flavours of the milk and spices.
The result is a rich and creamy dessert that’s delicious.
Kaju Katli
Kaju Katli is made from cashews and sugar, then air-fried creating a lighter version of this dessert.
The air fryer gives the cashew mixture a crispy texture and then is cut into diamond shapes. Simply delicious and well worth trying!
Shakkarpara
These yummy treats are diamond-shaped, crunchy, flaky cookies air-fried and coated with icing sugar. Well-made Shakkarpara is known for being crisp and not overly sweet.
Air Fryer Gulab Jamun
Ingredients
Makes 14 balls (serves 4-6)
Syrup
- pinch of saffron
- 150g caster sugar
- 8 cardamon pods, crushed
- 10ml rose water
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Gulab Jamun
- 15g whole milk
- 35g double cream
- 50g semi-skimmed milk powder, sieved
- 30g plain flour, sifted
- 20g unsalted butter
- 25g natural Greek yogurt
- 1 tsp baking powder
- oil spray
How To Make Air Fryer Gulab Jamun
Dough balls
Combine the dry ingredients in a mixing bowl, sifting the milk powder to remove large granules.
Add the yoghurt and mix until slightly crumbly.
Warm the cream, milk, and butter in a small pan until the butter melts.
Remove from heat and add to the dry ingredients and yoghurt.
Mix with a wooden spoon until a sticky dough forms. (Add a teaspoon of flour if it is too sticky.)
Transfer the dough to a clean surface and knead for 10 minutes until smooth.
Let rest for at least 15 minutes covered with clingfilm.
While the dough is resting make the syrup.
Divide the dough into 14 portions and shape them into smooth balls.
Preheat the air fryer to 180C/360F for 5 minutes.
Spray the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking.
Place the Gulab Jamun balls into the basket, leaving enough space between them.
Air fry for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown, turn them halfway through the cooking time for even browning.
Once cooked, remove the Gulab Jamun from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes.
Syrup
In a medium saucepan, mix the syrup ingredients and 150ml water.
Bring to a boil over high heat and cook for 5 minutes.
Take the saucepan off the heat and allow the syrup to cool until warm.
The syrup must be kept warm while the dough balls are cooling.
Transfer the balls to a bowl and pour warm sugar syrup over them, allowing them to soak for at least 30 minutes.
Serve the Gulab Jamun warm or at room temperature, garnished with chopped nuts.
Air Fryer Jalebi
Ingredients
- 120g yoghurt
- 125g plain flour
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads
- 200g sugar
- 120ml water
- 1 teaspoon cardamom powder
- 1 tablespoon ghee or unsalted butter
- oil spray
How To Make Air Fryer Jalebi
Add the plain flour, yoghurt, baking powder, turmeric powder, and saffron threads to a mixing bowl. Mix well to form a smooth batter.
Transfer the batter into a piping bag with a nozzle tip.
Preheat the air fryer to 180C/360F and lightly grease the basket with oil.
Pipe the batter in a spiral shape into the basket, leaving space between each jalebi.
Air fry the jalebi for 10-12 minutes, or until they are crispy and golden brown.
While the Jalebi are cooking, prepare the sugar syrup by adding the sugar, water, and cardamom powder in a saucepan.
Bring to a simmer until the sugar is dissolved and the syrup thickens slightly.
Once the jalebi are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and dip them into the sugar syrup.
Serve the air fryer jalebi hot with a sprinkle of cardamom powder.
Tips For Perfect Air Fryer Indian Desserts
Cooking Indian desserts in an air fryer requires a few adjustments compared to traditional methods.
Here are some tips to help you achieve the perfect texture and flavour:
- Preheat the air fryer: It’s important to preheat the air fryer before adding the desserts. This ensures the desserts cook evenly and achieve the desired texture.
- Grease the air fryer basket: Greasing the air fryer basket with a little oil helps prevent the desserts from sticking. This is particularly important for desserts that have a sticky or soft texture.
- Turn halfway through cooking: For even browning, turn the desserts halfway through the cooking process. This helps achieve a crispy outer layer on all sides.
- Adjust cooking time and temperature: The cooking time and temperature may vary depending on your specific air fryer model. It’s important to monitor the desserts and adjust as needed to avoid overcooking or undercooking.
- Soak in sugar syrup: Many Indian desserts require soaking in sugar syrup to achieve the perfect sweetness and moisture. After air frying, soak the desserts in warm sugar syrup for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Experiment with flavours and toppings: Don’t be afraid to get creative with flavours and toppings. Add a pinch of saffron or cardamom to enhance the taste of your desserts. Garnish with chopped nuts.
Healthy Alternatives For Indian Dessert Ingredients
Indian desserts are often made with ingredients that are high in fat and sugar.
You can make healthier ingredient substitutions without compromising on taste.
Here are some healthy alternatives for these recipes:
- Milk: Opt for low-fat or skimmed milk instead of full-fat milk. This reduces the overall fat content of the dessert.
- Sugar: Replace white sugar with healthier alternatives like stevia or coconut sugar. These natural sweeteners provide a similar level of sweetness.
- Flour: Substitute plain flour with whole wheat or almond flour. These alternatives add fibre and nutrients to the dessert.
- Nuts: Use unsalted nuts or nut butter instead of whole nuts. This reduces the amount of added salt.
- Oil: Instead of ghee or vegetable oil, use a healthier oil like olive or coconut oil. These oils contain healthier fats and can be used in smaller amounts.
Air Fryer Kheer
Ingredients
- 100g basmati rice
- 960ml milk
- 150g condensed milk
- 50g sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
- chopped nuts for garnish
How To Make Kheer With Rice
Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain well.
In a saucepan, bring the milk to a boil over medium heat.
Add the rinsed basmati rice to the boiling milk and reduce the heat to low.
Simmer the mixture, stirring occasionally, for about 30-40 minutes or until the rice is cooked and the mixture has thickened.
Add the condensed milk, sugar, and cardamom powder to the mixture and stir well to combine.
Simmer for 10-15 minutes.
Remove the kheer from heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
Preheat the air fryer to 180C/360F for 5 minutes.
Grease a dish suitable for the air fryer with a little oil.
Transfer to the dish and place it in the air fryer.
Air fry for 15-20 minutes or until the top is slightly golden and the edges crispen.
Remove the dish from the air fryer and let it cool completely.
Garnish with chopped nuts before serving.
Air Fryer Kaju Katli
Ingredients
- 140g cashews
- 100g sugar
- 60ml water
- 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
Cooking Kaju Katli In The Air Fryer
Grind the cashews into a fine powder in a blender or food processor. Set aside.
In a small saucepan, add the sugar and water.
Heat over medium heat until the sugar has dissolved completely.
Add the ground cashew powder and cardamom powder to the sugar syrup. Stir well.
Continue to cook the mixture over low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and starts to leave the sides of the pan.
Remove the mixture from heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
Preheat the air fryer to 180C/360F for 5 minutes.
Grease an air fryer dish with a little oil.
Transfer the cashew mixture to the greased dish and spread it evenly.
Place the dish in the air fryer and air fry for 10-12 minutes or until the top is slightly golden and firm to the touch.
Remove the dish from the air fryer and let it cool completely.
Cut the Kaju Katli into diamond shapes and enjoy.
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Air Fryer Shakkarpara
Ingredients
- 150g plain flour
- 50g semolina
- 3 tablespoons ghee or unsalted butter
- 50g sugar
- 60ml water
- pinch of salt
- oil spray
How to Make Air Fryer Shakkarpara
Mix flour, semolina, and salt in a bowl.
Heat the ghee or butter until melted and add to the flour mix, stirring until you get a crumbly texture.
In a small saucepan, dissolve the sugar in water over medium heat.
Let it cool slightly and then mix with the dough to form a stiff but smooth dough.
Let it rest for 15 minutes.
Preheat the air fryer to 180C / 360F for 5 minutes.
Roll the dough out to about 1/2 cm thickness on a floured surface.
Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into bite-sized diamond or square shapes.
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Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil spray.
Place the dough pieces in the basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap.
Air fry for 8-10 minutes, turn halfway through for even cooking, until they turn golden brown and crispy.
Allow the Shakkarpara to cool completely before serving.
They can be stored in an airtight container for several days.
