These crispy amaranth cutlets (known in India as rajgira tikki) are the perfect blend of tradition and modern healthy cooking. Made with sweet potato and amaranth flour, this recipe is naturally gluten free, protein-rich, and ideal for Navratri fasts or everyday cooking fun.
Amaranth, a complete protein and ancient grain, gives these patties a wholesome texture and a nutty flavor. Traditionally deep fried in hot oil, we are air frying them here for a golden brown crust with less oil — making them a lighter snack or even a small main course with green chutney.

Ingredients
- Sweet potato (boiled and mashed)
- Amaranth flour (rajgira flour)
- Green chillies (optional)
- Grated ginger
- Dried mint leaves or herbs
- Salt
- Oil for brushing
- Water (if needed for binding)
How to make rajgira tikki in air fryer (recipe video)
Step by step instructions
- Mash the boiled sweet potato in a large mixing bowl and season with salt and dried herbs.
2. Add amaranth (rajgira) flour to the mashed sweet potato.
3. Mix everything well until a smooth dough ball forms.
4. Shape the dough into patties and arrange them on a parchment-lined tray.
5. Layer the patties with parchment paper and freeze them to firm up before cooking.
6. Place the raw cutlets in the air fryer basket, brushing both sides with oil.
7. Air fry the cutlets at 185°C (365°F) for 18–20 minutes until golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway.
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Air Fryer Amaranth Cutlet (Rajgira Tikki)
Equipment
- Air fryer
- baking sheet
- Mixing bowl
- tray
- oil spray
Ingredients
- 1 cup boiled sweet potato mashed
- 2 cup amaranth flour rajgira flour
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- ½ tablespoon dried mint leaves
- green chillies optional, as per taste
- Salt to taste
- 1-2 tbsp oil for brushing
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine mashed sweet potato, amaranth flour, ginger, green chillies, dried mint and salt. Mix into a soft dough.
- 1 cup boiled sweet potato
- Take a small portion of the dough and shape into round patties (cutlets/tikkis).
- Place patties on a tray lined with parchment paper and freeze for 2-3 hours to firm up.
- Preheat air fryer to 185°C (365°F) for 5 minutes.
- Brush patties lightly with oil and arrange them in the air fryer basket.
- 1-2 tablespoon oil
- Air fry at 185°C (365°F) for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Brush or spray with oil once more for even golden brown cooking.
- Serve hot with green chutney or yogurt dip.
Video
Variations
- Fasting Food: Keep the recipe simple with just rajgira flour, sweet potato, and mild spices for Navratri or Ekadashi.
- Everyday Snack: Add sesame seeds, fresh coriander, or even cooked amaranth seeds for extra crunch.
- Texture Change: Make thin patties for crispier cutlets or slightly thicker ones for soft centers.
Substitutions
- Replace rajgira flour with kuttu ka atta (buckwheat flour) for another vrat-friendly version.
- Instead of dried mint, use coriander powder, cumin powder, or ajwain for a flavor twist.
- If not fasting, you can add mashed boiled potato or grated carrot for extra binding and taste.
FAQ
Yes, shape the patties and deep fry on medium heat in hot oil until golden brown and crispy.
Yes, since they are made with rajgira flour and sweet potato, they’re perfect for Navratri fasts, just like sabudana vada.
Yes, freeze shaped patties between parchment layers. Air fry directly from frozen for 20–22 minutes.
Amaranth flour (rajgira atta) is naturally gluten free, high in protein, and rich in minerals — making it a smart choice for a healthier life.
Conclusion
These air fryer amaranth cutlets (rajgira tikkis) are a wholesome recipe that bridges festive traditions and modern cooking. Whether you’re making them as a fasting food, a protein-rich snack, or a gluten-free main course, they deliver crispiness without deep frying and fit perfectly into healthier cooking experiences at home.
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