In recent years, phool makhana, which is also referred to as fox nuts or puffed lotus seeds, has gained significant popularity. Some people also call it as gorgon nuts or euryale ferox in East Asia. It is a nutritious and delicious snack, very popular particularly in the Indian subcontinent. They are a perfect evening snack when hunger strikes at 4 pm. If you like caramel popcorn, you can also make caramel makhana in the similar fashion.
Makhana has gained popularity in both traditional and modern kitchens due to its low glycemic index, high nutritional value, and ability to be used in a variety of recipes. This article will delve into the art of making roasted makhana in air fryer, providing insights into its nutritional benefits and offering tips for creating delectable variations. Whether its khoya matar makhana curry or makhana namkeen. Makhaane ki kheer or adding them to cornflakes or poha chivda. There are many phool makhana recipe you can enjoy.

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how to make caramel makhana in air fryer? (Recipe video)
Ingredients
- Phool makhana (fox nuts or puffed lotus seeds)
- Jaggery (gur - mix of Kolhapur and desi varieties or any available type)
- Cardamom powder
- Coconut oil or little ghee
- Pinch of salt
Step by step pictures for Gur makhana in air fryer
Step 1 and 2 :
Take makhana in a bowl, toss them with oil/ghee.

Step 3 and 4 :
Preheat the airfryer,. Cook at 160°C for 8-10 minutes until they turn crisp and lightly golden

Step 5 and 6 :
Add jaggery pieces with a little coconut oil,pinch salt into a heatproof tray placed inside the air fryer. Heat at low temperature(150C|300F) until the jaggery melts completely, forming a smooth syrup.

Step 7 and 8 :
Once the jaggery syrup thickens slightly, mix in roasted makhana (fox nuts) and coat evenly using a spoon while still warm
Stir to coat well, and air fry briefly(2-3 mins) again for a caramelized texture.

Spread the mixture on a baking sheet, let it cool, then break them down to seperate the pieces.

Related recipes
caramel makhana | air fryer caramel foxnuts recipe
Equipment
- Air fryer
- small bowl
Ingredients
- 3 cups phool makhana fox nuts/puffed lotus seeds
- ½ cup jaggery Kolhapur white, desi brown, or a mix
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil or little ghee
- 1 teaspoon cardamom powder
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Roast makhana: Preheat air fryer to 160°C (320°F). Toss makhana with a little coconut oil or ghee. Spread in the air fryer basket and air fry 8-10 minutes, shaking once, until lightly crisp and golden.
- Melt jaggery: In a small heatproof pan, add jaggery + coconut oil + cardamom + salt. Place pan in air fryer and cook at 150°C (300°F) for 8-10 minutes until melted and bubbling into a smooth syrup.
- Coat: Add roasted makhana to the hot jaggery syrup and stir quickly to coat evenly.
- Caramelize: Return coated makhana to the air fryer at 150°C (300°F) for 2-3 minutes.
- Cool & store: Spread on parchment to cool at room temperature. Separate pieces once set and store in an airtight container.
Video
Variations
- Sesame Gur Makhana: Stir 1-2 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds into the warm coating.
- Vegan: Use only coconut oil; skip ghee.
- Spiced Sweet: Add cinnamon or nutmeg along with cardamom.
- Trail Mix: Combine cooled caramel makhana with roasted nuts and a handful of poha chivda for a festive jar mix.
Substitutions
- Sweetener: Coconut sugar or palm jaggery works; flavor will vary.
- Fat: Neutral oil or light olive oil can sub for coconut oil; ghee gives a traditional aroma.
- Spice: Cardamom can be swapped with vanilla powder for a modern twist.
Conclusion
This Air Fryer Gur Makhana delivers classic Indian flavors with an air-fried, lighter method. Crisp roasted makhana in a thin jaggery shell makes a festive, everyday healthy snack that stores well and satisfies sweet cravings. Learn to use air fryer for an effective healthy Indian cooking.






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