Roasted Makhana Namkeen (Makhana Chivda) is a delicious snackthat can be served at tea time or can be munched throughout the day. It is low fat, healthy, and gluten-free and can be served for vrat (Hindu fasting days) as well. Sharing the recipe to make it in a pan over the stovetop and also in an air fryer.
Air Fryer RecipeAdd makhana to the basket of the air fryer and air fry at 340 F degrees for 8-10 minutes. When done, makhana should be crisp and break easily. Remove makhana into a bowl. Note - Each air fryer is different and you might have to increase or decrease the time of the air frying depending upon your model.You might hear the noise as the makhana circulates in the air fryer while air frying, that is perfectly normal.To a 6-inch cake tin, add almonds, cashew nuts, and melon seeds. Keep the pan on the basket of the air fryer and air fry for 5 minutes.Add coconut slices and curry leaves to the basket and air fry for another 3-4 minutes.Carefully, lift the pan out of the air fryer using a pair of tongs.Transfer the roasted almonds, cashew nuts, melon seeds, coconut slices, and curry leaves to the same bowl as the roasted makhana.Now in a small pan heat 1 tablespoon ghee on medium heat. Once hot, add salt, black pepper powder, and chaat masala powder and saute for 2-3 seconds.Pour the tempering over the roasted ingredients in the bowl and toss well to coat them with the spiced ghee. Store in an airtight container.TipsYou can also add other nuts of your choice like walnuts or pistachios. If the namkeen turns soggy after a few days, then heat the oven to 300 degrees f (150 degrees C) and spread the namkeen on a baking tray. Bake for 10-15 minutes until the ingredients are crispy again. You can also air fry it.You can easily scale the recipe up or down.