This air fryer chakli, also called murukku, is a crisp Indian savoury snack made with rice flour, urad dal flour and simple spices. In my version, I boil the dough first, knead it again, press it into spirals and air fry until golden, without deep frying. It is one of my air fryer Indian snacks for festive occasions or tea-time.
Unlike air fryer seedai, which is shaped into small balls, these murukku are pressed into spirals and air fried at 150°C for about 15-17 minutes.
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Why make chakli in the air fryer?
Traditional chakli and murukku are deep-fried. This version boils the dough before shaping, then uses the air fryer with oil spray. It makes a crisp savoury snack without a pan of frying oil.
Ingredients for air fryer chakli
- Rice flour
- Urad dal flour
- Plain flour (maida)
- Baking soda
- Cumin seeds
- White pepper
- Salt
- Oil
- Water
You will also need a chakli or murukku press fitted with a star-shaped disc. Exact quantities are in the recipe card.
How to make air fryer chakli
Step 1: Mix the flours
Combine rice flour, urad dal flour, plain flour, baking soda and salt in a bowl. Mix well.
Step 2: Add oil and water
Add oil and gradually mix in water to form the dough.
Step 3: Knead the dough
Knead until the dough is firm and holds together.
Step 4: Divide the dough
Shape the dough into large balls ready for boiling.
Step 5: Boil for 10-12 minutes
Cook the dough balls in boiling water for 10-12 minutes. Remove and cool until safe to handle.
Step 6: Re-knead with spices
Break up the boiled dough, add cumin seeds and white pepper, and knead again until workable.
Step 7: Press into spirals
Fill a murukku press with the dough and pipe small spirals using a star-shaped disc.
Step 8: Arrange in the air fryer
Preheat the air fryer to 150°C (300°F), then arrange the spirals in one layer with space between them.
Step 9: Air fry until golden
Cook at 150°C for about 15-17 minutes, spraying oil three times during cooking. Gently press the centre of a chakli to check the texture. If it still feels very soft, air fry for another 4-5 minutes and check again.
Step 10: Cool before storing
Remove the golden murukku and allow to cool completely before serving or storing.
Variations and substitutions
Sesame seeds or chilli powder are possible flavour variations, but were not tested in this recipe. Changing the flour ratios, including removing the plain flour, has not been tested.
Tips for crisp murukku
Knead the boiled dough thoroughly so it can be pressed into spirals. Keep the spirals evenly sized and avoid overcrowding the basket. Do not judge doneness by colour alone: gently press the centre of a chakli. If it feels very soft, cook for another 4-5 minutes. Let the finished murukku cool completely before storing.
Air Fryer Chakli Recipe Card
This recipe makes approximately 6-8 crispy chaklis. Boil the dough balls for 10-12 minutes, then air fry the pressed spirals at 150°C for about 15-17 minutes. No soaking or freezing is needed.
Air Fryer Chakli (Murukku Recipe)
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup rice flour
- ⅓ cup urad dal flour
- ⅓ cup plain flour maida
- Small pinch of baking soda approximately ¹⁄₁₂ tsp
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon white pepper
- salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon + 2 teaspoons oil for dough
- Slightly less than ⅓ cup water add gradually
- oil spray for air frying
Instructions
- Mix rice flour, urad dal flour, plain flour, baking soda and salt.
- Add oil and water gradually, kneading into a firm dough.
- Divide the dough into large equal balls.
- Boil the dough balls in water for 10-12 minutes; cool until safe to handle.
- Break up the cooked dough, add cumin seeds and white pepper, then knead until smooth and workable.
- Fill a chakli press and pipe small spirals using a star-shaped disc.
- Preheat the air fryer to 150°C (300°F). Arrange spirals in a single layer.
- Air fry for approximately 15-17 minutes at 150°C, spraying oil three times during cooking. Gently press the centre of a chakli to check the texture. If it still feels very soft, air fry for another 4-5 minutes and check again.
- Cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
Frequently asked questions
Yes. This recipe boils and re-kneads the dough, then cooks the pressed spirals in the air fryer at 150°C with oil spray.
Both are crisp spiral-shaped Indian snacks made using a press. The flours and seasonings vary by region and family recipe.
No. In this tested method, the boiled and re-kneaded dough is pressed and cooked directly without freezing or soaking.
More air fryer Indian snacks
Try air fryer seedai, air fryer fafda, and air fryer gathiya for more savoury Indian snacks.
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