Can You Prepare Bhai Dooj Namak Para in an Air Fryer?

The namak para dough has been set and the sweets have been put out, and the family members are expected to arrive soon. There’s one thing I don’t know about it. The kitchen is already occupied, and no one wants to be by the side of a kadai frying snacks in various lots.

Does this mean homemade namak para is to be left to wait?

Not at all.

Using much less oil than when deep fried, Bhai Dooj namak para can be prepared in an air fryer. The right dough consistency, temperature and cooking time can make an air fryer the ideal solution for crispy, golden namak para for festive snack platters.

The Haier 5L Air Fryer series is ideal for families seeking to streamline their festive preparations while enjoying delicious homemade snacks without the need to use a large amount of cooking oil.

Why Should People Choose Air-Fried Namak Para for Bhai Dooj?

A variety of homemade favourites is usually gathered at Bhai Dooj celebrations. Whether it’s mathri and laddoos, dry fruits or savoury bites, the festive menu has something for everyone!

Namak para is an exception as it complements the sweetness of regular mithai. It is a favourite garnish with the evening chai and has a light salty taste.

Typical preparation methods, however, include deep frying bits of dough in hot oil, which can be in several batches.

The air fryer does that.

The dough is not immersed in oil, but rather the heated air circulates around dough elements to cook and brown the product. If there is a small quantity of oil or ghee in the dough, it can still give the dough the characteristic crumbly texture.

What Is the Difference Between Using an Air Fryer and Other Cooking Methods?

• Less cooking oil: No need to fill a kadai with cooking oil for deep-frying.
• Better temperature control: The temperature controls are adjustable, which makes it easier to keep the cooking process in check.
• Easy batch preparation: You can make one batch of dough while preparing the next one.
• Less oil to handle: Will not have a large amount of hot frying oil to deal with after.
• A different texture: Air-fried namak para can be quite crisp, but may be a bit drier than deep-fried namak para.

The key is to get the dough right. You can’t make a floppy or over-rolled dough work in an air fryer.

How to Make Crispy Namak Para in an Air Fryer

It doesn’t require any complicated ingredients or an elaborate recipe. Most Indian kitchens have all the ingredients that are needed.

Homemade Namak Para Ingredients

About 4–5 small servings, depending on size of pieces:

• 1 cup of refined wheat flour (maida)
• 2 tablespoons oil or melted ghee
• ½ teaspoon ajwain
• ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
• ¼ teaspoon crushed black pepper (optional)
• Water, as required
• A bit more oil to brush with

Another option is to substitute a part of maida with whole wheat atta too. The resulting ‘namak para’ will be slightly thicker though.

Step 1: Make a Firm Dough

Combine maida, salt, ajwain and black pepper in a mixing bowl.

Rub the oil/ghee in the flour with your fingers. A coarse crumb consistency should start to form in the mixture.

Slowly add water and knead to a firm dough.

Don’t make it as soft as normal chapati dough. A stiffer consistency will keep the pieces in shape when cooking.

Cover and allow the dough to rest for about 15–20 minutes.

Step 2: Roll and Cut the Namak Para

Portion the dough into smaller pieces and roll out each piece to a sheet about 2–3 mm thick.

Using a knife or pastry cutter, cut the sheet into small diamonds or narrow strips.

Avoid varying thickness. Otherwise, the thinner pieces could become brown before the thicker pieces are crisp.

Step 3: Preheat and Arrange

If instructions for operating the air fryer specify a pre-heat time, it is suggested to set the air fryer to about 160C for 3–5 minutes.

Dip the namak para pieces in oil and place into a basket, setting apart and leaving a gap in between.

Don’t stack them on top of each other.

Step 4: Air Fry Until Crisp

Air fry until crisp, 4 to 5 minutes, or until the ingredients are tender.

As a rule of thumb, cook for about 10–15 minutes at 160C.

If necessary, turn or shake pieces half way through cooking to promote more even browning.

If cooking times vary with the thickness, batch size and the performance of the cooking appliance, test them at the end.

Keep cooking in short bursts, checking the colour of the pieces as they cook, until they are soft.

Allow them to cool completely. They can become firmer when chilled.

Do Haier Air Fryers Take Homemade Holiday Treats?

It is one thing to prepare namak para. Planning for visits with siblings, cousins and other family members is another.

Here comes in basket capacity and cooking controls.

Haier India has two 5L air fryer models which can fit into your daily cooking or festive preparations.

Haier IVORY 5L Capacity Air Fryer (HAF-M503I)

With its capacity of 5 liters, the Haier IVORY Air Fryer 5L Capacity (HAF-M503I) brings a practical capacity and simple mechanical controls.

It features a 3D Hot Air Circulation technology that spreads hot air around the food, making it ideal for frying, baking, grilling, roasting and more.

The features that can be found in homemade namak para have a number of benefits:

• 5L capacity: Space to make batches of festive snacks.
• Heating power of 1500W: Heating and cooking.
• Easy knob controls: Allow users to adjust cooking time and temperature, with ease.
• Detachable grill plate: Provides an easy way to cook in various styles.
• 10 suggested recipes: Serve familiar treats and meals like samosas, pakodas, paneer tikka and spring rolls.

The ivory finish also makes the appliance neutral looking which can match with various kitchen designs.

This model may be a good option for homes that do not have the need for complex settings.

Full 5L Capacity Haier BLACK Air Fryer (HAF-D503B)

Home cooks sometimes opt for the digital option, especially when switching from snack to cooking mode and vice versa.

That is where the Haier BLACK Air Fryer 5L Capacity (HAF-D503B) comes in handy.

The model includes 12 preset recipes, digital controls, 1500W power output and a 5L cooking basket, in addition to 3D Hot Air Circulation.

The thing is, it has a visible window that’s very useful.

The window enables you to check the food when making namak para without the need to open the basket many times over. It can be useful when determining if the pieces are getting to the desired golden colour.

For convenience, the digital interface also allows for easy cooking setting selection.

Both models are covered by a 2 year warranty, as per the following warranty terms.

Small Cooking Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Namak Para

Even the best prepared dough can fail to rise properly if the cooking time is out.

A few notes to watch:

Rolling the Dough Too Thick

Thick pieces can brown on the outside and be relatively soft on the inside.

The dough should be rolled evenly and avoid making large pieces.

Avoid Using Too Much Water

If the dough is too soft, it might impact the texture.

Don’t pour in water all at once, add little by little as you knead.

Overcrowding the Basket

A 5L basket provides ample cooking space, but not necessarily that everything should be tightly packed.

Hot air requires space to move. Cook in large quantities, if needed.

Using a Higher Cooking Temperature Than Necessary

There is no direct correlation between higher heat and better namak para.

The outside could brown too quickly before enough moisture has dripped out from the middle.

Use a medium heat until they begin to cook, then turn down.

How to Store Air-Fried Namak Para for Bhai Dooj

Maybe you might want to make namak para the previous day instead of doing it on the day of the festival.

Well, that’s a fair request.

But preparation is not the only key to storage.

Let the freshly cooked namak para cool completely, then put it in a clean, dry and airtight container.

Store the container in an area that is cool and dry and out of direct sunlight.

Do not pack warm namak para at once, because it could make it soft due to moisture.

When giving as a gift, use clean, food safe packaging and be sure to pack the snacks when they are still cold.

If they start to become a bit soggy, you can reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes and they will regain some crispness. Care should be taken in monitoring them, to avoid over-browning.

Make Room for Homemade Traditions This Bhai Dooj

The best part of preparing namak para at home is being able to adjust it to your family’s preferences.

There are houses that get a more potent ajwain flavour. Others like thinner, extra-crispy pieces. A bit of black pepper can also be an interesting flavor addition.

These variations are easier to try with an air fryer than without one, as no oil is needed in the kadai.

The Haier IVORY Air Fryer HAF-M503I, Haier BLACK Air Fryer HAF-D503B offers practical options for cooking snack foods for the holidays as well as familiar dishes on a regular basis with 5L cooking capacity, 1500W heating power and 3D Hot Air Circulation.

Browse Haier India air fryer range and discover the cooking controls and design you would like to have in your kitchen.

Sometimes the best part of Bhai Dooj is homemade namak para and a cup of chai.

Frequently Asked Questions