Mathri, a popular Indian snack from North India, is loved for its crispy and flaky texture. Traditionally, it's deep-fried in hot oil, but this air fryer version gives you the same perfect snack with a healthier twist. Made with plain flour, a mix of basic ingredients like carom seeds, cumin seeds, and desi ghee or vegetable oil, it's an ideal accompaniment to a cup of chai.
Whether you're preparing for festive occasions or a simple tea-time break, this baked methi mathri recipe gives you the same crunch as the deep-fried version while using much less oil.
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How to make mathri in air fryer? (recipe video)
Ease of using an air fryer for mathri
Making mathri in an air fryer is a simple and mess-free way to enjoy this traditional North Indian tea-time snack without deep frying. The air fryer helps you achieve that flaky, golden-brown texture with just a fraction of the oil. It's perfect for festive occasions or when you want crunchy savory crackers ready in minutes. No need to worry about the temperature of the oil or excess oil absorption - air frying gives a consistent result every time, making it a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried mathri.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour (maida)
- Carom seeds (ajwain)
- Cumin seeds (jeera)
- Salt
- Desi ghee or vegetable oil
- Dry fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi), optional
- Little water
refer to recipe card for details.
Step by step instructions
1. Add flour, salt, carom seeds, and cumin seeds to a large mixing bowl, pour in hot oil, mix well until crumbly.
2. Add little water, knead into a stiff dough until smooth and firm, rest dough at room temperature for 10 minutes.
3. Divide dough into small portions, roll each ball with a rolling pin into thin discs about ¼-inch thickness.
4. Prick each rolled mathri using a fork to avoid puffing, brush with little oil on both sides.
5. Preheat air fryer to 170°C, place prepared mathris in a single layer on perforated plate or parchment paper.
6. Air fry for 10-15 minutes at 170°C, flipping halfway to ensure even color.
7. Remove golden-brown mathris from air fryer, cool on wire rack, store in airtight container.
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Air fryer Mathri recipe
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Stand mixer optional for kneading dough
- Rolling Pin
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour maida
- 1 teaspoon carom seeds ajwain
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds jeera
- 2 teaspoons salt or to taste
- 4 tablespoons desi ghee or vegetable oil for dough
- 1 tablespoon oil for brushing
- ¾ cup water add more if needed
Instructions
- Add flour, salt, carom seeds, and cumin seeds to a large mixing bowl. Mix in oil until the flour resembles crumbs.
- Add water gradually, knead into a stiff dough. Cover and rest for 10 minutes at room temperature.
- Divide dough into small pieces, roll each into thin discs using a rolling pin. Prick with a fork to prevent puffing.
- Preheat the air fryer to 170°C for 5 minutes.
- Place mathris in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Brush lightly with oil.
- Air fry for 14-15 minutes at 170°C, flipping halfway, until golden brown.
- Cool on a wire rack before storing in an airtight container.
Video
Notes
Variations & substitutions
Variations
- For a gluten-free twist, try using sorghum flour or almond flour.
- Add dry fenugreek leaves for a methi mathri recipe with more aroma.
- Replace ghee with mustard oil or olive oil for a vegan alternative.
- Add a pinch of red chili powder or crushed black peppercorns for a spicy version.
Substitutions
- Instead of plain flour, you can use wheat flour for a denser texture.
- Use mango powder or chaat masala in the flour mixture for a tangy flavor.
- For baking, place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and bake at 170°C for 18-20 minutes.
FAQ
Yes, bake in a preheated oven at 170°C for 18-20 minutes until golden brown.
Yes, wheat flour or a mix of wheat and chickpea flour makes a denser but healthy version.
Make sure the flour mixture has enough oil rubbed in and the dough is stiff, not soft.
Yes, store completely cooled mathri in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 10 days.
Conclusion: This Air Fryer Mathri recipe brings you the traditional taste of North Indian mathri with a modern, healthier twist. It's perfect for tea time, festive season, or as a quick crunchy snack any time of the day. With simple ingredients and no deep frying, you can enjoy savory crackers that stay crisp and delicious for days.
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