Here are seven easy options worth trying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. Sabudana Vada: A Janmashtami Favourite With a Crisp Twist<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"Make](\"https:\/\/shop.haierindia.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Make-Sabudana-Vada-in-air-fryer-1116x628.jpg\")
Credits: Haier India<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nSabudana vada almost belongs on this list by default. It is familiar, satisfying and can work well for households observing a vrat, provided all ingredients used are suitable for the family’s fasting practices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is typically a combination of soaked sabudana, boiled potato, roasted peanuts, green chillies and allowed seasonings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To optimize the usability of the air fryer:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Soak sabudana thoroughly in the water from the drain, otherwise it will become too soggy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Prepare vadas that are smaller in size and slightly flattened rather than very thick.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Place them in a row, leaving a gap between each one.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- If you need to use oil, brush or spray lightly on your recipe.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Turn them during cooking when required for more even browning.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
A good guideline is not to overfill the basket. Hot air should be able to circulate around the food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Serve vadas hot with vrat friendly chutney or plain curd.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. Crispy Makhana for the Bowl Everyone Keeps Returning To<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nNot every Janmashtami snack needs elaborate preparation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Makhana is the perfect example.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A batch of roasted makhana can sit alongside fruits and other snacks and, somehow, the bowl keeps getting lighter every time somebody walks past it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For a simple version, lightly coat makhana with ghee or a small quantity of oil and add the seasonings appropriate for your household. Air fry until crisp, checking and tossing periodically.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can keep the flavour profile simple or experiment with combinations such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Sendha namak and black pepper<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Mild chilli and cumin<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Ghee and pepper<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- A lightly spiced vrat-friendly masala<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Because makhana is lightweight and cooks relatively quickly, keep an eye on it rather than relying blindly on a fixed cooking time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That little bit of attention makes a difference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
3. Paneer Tikka Without Setting Up the Grill<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"Make](\"https:\/\/shop.haierindia.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Make-perfect-Paneer-Tikka-in-air-fryer-1116x628.jpg\")
Credits: Haier India<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nPaneer tikka is one of those snacks that looks like considerably more work than it actually needs to be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Start with firm paneer cubes and a thick marinade. Depending on your Janmashtami food traditions, the marinade can be adjusted to include only ingredients acceptable in your home. The important cooking point is consistency: a watery marinade tends to drip away rather than cling to the paneer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sabudana vada almost belongs on this list by default. It is familiar, satisfying and can work well for households observing a vrat, provided all ingredients used are suitable for the family’s fasting practices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is typically a combination of soaked sabudana, boiled potato, roasted peanuts, green chillies and allowed seasonings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To optimize the usability of the air fryer:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Soak sabudana thoroughly in the water from the drain, otherwise it will become too soggy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Prepare vadas that are smaller in size and slightly flattened rather than very thick.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Place them in a row, leaving a gap between each one.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- If you need to use oil, brush or spray lightly on your recipe.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Turn them during cooking when required for more even browning.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
A good guideline is not to overfill the basket. Hot air should be able to circulate around the food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Serve vadas hot with vrat friendly chutney or plain curd.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. Crispy Makhana for the Bowl Everyone Keeps Returning To<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Not every Janmashtami snack needs elaborate preparation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Makhana is the perfect example.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A batch of roasted makhana can sit alongside fruits and other snacks and, somehow, the bowl keeps getting lighter every time somebody walks past it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For a simple version, lightly coat makhana with ghee or a small quantity of oil and add the seasonings appropriate for your household. Air fry until crisp, checking and tossing periodically.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can keep the flavour profile simple or experiment with combinations such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Sendha namak and black pepper<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Mild chilli and cumin<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Ghee and pepper<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- A lightly spiced vrat-friendly masala<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Because makhana is lightweight and cooks relatively quickly, keep an eye on it rather than relying blindly on a fixed cooking time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That little bit of attention makes a difference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
3. Paneer Tikka Without Setting Up the Grill<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Credits: Haier India<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Paneer tikka is one of those snacks that looks like considerably more work than it actually needs to be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Start with firm paneer cubes and a thick marinade. Depending on your Janmashtami food traditions, the marinade can be adjusted to include only ingredients acceptable in your home. The important cooking point is consistency: a watery marinade tends to drip away rather than cling to the paneer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Air-Fried](\"https:\/\/shop.haierindia.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Air-Fried-Pakodas-for-Guests-this-Janmashtami-1116x628.jpg\")