Air fryer mawa kachori is a lighter, modern take on the classic sweet kachoris traditionally made during festivals across Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal. This version uses a khoya or kalakand-based nuts filling, a smooth dough made from purpose flour or whole wheat flour, and a fragrant saffron sugar syrup. Instead of deep frying, the kachoris crisp up beautifully in the air fryer at medium heat, giving you golden khasta kachoris without the extra oil.
Whether you enjoy spicy snacks like matar ki kachori, farsan kachori, or prefer the sweet version, this air fryer recipe gives you a healthier alternative you can prepare quickly at home. The recipe uses simple steps, a large bowl for mixing, and ingredients at room temperature, making it ideal for new account cooks, busy families, or anyone looking for reliable Indian snacks that store well in a tight container.
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Ease of using an air fryer for this recipe
Making mawa kachori in the air fryer is a simple, healthier alternative to the deep-fried sweet kachoris popular in Rajasthan and West Bengal. The hot circulating air helps create khasta kachoris with minimal oil, while keeping the nuts filling and milk solids intact. It also avoids the long standing time near hot oil and keeps the kitchen clean-ideal when you're preparing multiple Indian snacks for the festival of colors or hosting guests. You can place them in a single layer, flip once, and the air fryer handles the rest. This method is reliable, consistent, and great for next-day batches too.
How to make mawa kachori in air fryer (recipe video)
Ingredients
Kachori Dough
- All Purpose flour
- Oil
- Salt
- Ajwain
- Warm water
Filling
- Kalakand or mawa
- Dry fruits
Sugar syrup
- Sugar
- Saffron
- Milk solids (if using mawa)
Step by step instruction
Step 1 and 2 - Add flour, oil, salt, ajwain in a large bowl, mix to a crumb. Add warm water gradually, knead into a smooth dough.Rest the smooth dough under a damp cloth.
Step 3 and 4 - mix kalakand with chopped dry fruits to prepare the filling.
Step 5 and 6 : Flatten dough into small discs using a rolling pin or hands, place spoonful of nuts filling in the center.
Step 7 and 8: Seal the edges and shape into thick kachoris, place in a preheated air fryer lined with parchment.
Step 9 and 10- Cook sugar and water with saffron on low heat to form syrup, soak warm kachoris for a few minutes until coated.
Step 11 and 12: Let kachoris absorb the syrup, rest briefly on a paper towel, serve warm.
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Air fryer mawa kachori recipe
Equipment
- Air fryer
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 1 cup plain flour all purpose flour
- 2 tablespoon oil
- 1 tablespoon oil for brushing
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon carom seeds
- ⅓ cup water
For the filling:
- ½ cup kalakand or cooked mawa
- 2 tablespoon chopped nuts
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ cup water
- Saffron strands
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: Mix flour, salt, carom seeds and oil. Rub to form a coarse mixture. Add water gradually and knead a firm dough. Rest covered for 20 minutes.
- Make the filling : Mix kalakand and chopped nuts to make the filling.
- Shape kachoris: Divide dough into portions. Flatten each into a small disc, add a spoonful of onion filling, seal tightly and press lightly to shape.
- Air fry: Preheat air fryer at 185C/365F. Brush kachoris with oil, arrange in a single layer and cook for 10 minutes. Flip, brush again and air fry for another 8-10 minutes until golden brown.
- Sugar syrup : Boil sugar, water and saffron until syrup forms, keep at medium heat.Soak warm kachoris in sugar syrup for a few minutes, serve warm.
Video
Variations & substitutions
Use chickpea flour mixed with purpose flour for a nuttier dough. Replace kalakand with cooked mawa and cup sugar for a richer sweet version. Skip sugar syrup to make dry kachori similar to farsan kachori. Use urad dal or green peas for a fusion of sweet and savory type of kachoris. Add more nuts filling to resemble mawa gujiyas.
Use whole wheat flour instead of purpose flour for a rustic texture. Swap kalakand with milk solids cooked on low heat and sweetened with cup sugar. Replace saffron with cardamom. Use any dry fruits available at home. Air fry at slightly lower heat if your air fryer runs hot.
FAQ
Why did my kachoris crack?
The dough may be too dry; add more warm water next time to form smooth dough.
Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, it gives a denser but flavorful result.
Can I skip sugar syrup?
Yes, you can make dry fruit kachori for next day snacking.
How to store leftover kachoris?
Store in a tight container at room temperature if unsweetened; refrigerated if soaked.
Can I make this with green peas or urad dal?
Those work well for savory kachori recipes like matar ki kachori.
Conclusion
This air fryer mawa kachori is a healthier alternative to traditional sweet kachoris, perfect for festivals or Indian snacks served with green chutneys, potato curry, or tea. With simple ingredients, smooth dough, and a fragrant sugar syrup, it delivers a khasta exterior and rich nuts filling without deep frying. It's a great addition to your kachori recipes, especially if you enjoy lighter homemade farsan and sweet versions that keep well for the next day.
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