Balushahi or badusha is a yummy sweet. This badusha recipe is fairly simple. It actually resembles glazed donuts of the west. This syrupy sweet needs no introduction. North India calls it Balushahi, balsahi while south calls it Badushah.
Originally balu shahi is made with maida/plain flour. We have replaced it with atta/wholemeal flour to make it healthier.This is my mom's recipe and much loved by all. She uses whole meal flour instead of normal plain flour.
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How to make Balushahi in Air fryer? (recipe video)
Ingredients
- wholemeal flour
- ghee
- yogurt
- baking soda (for air fried balushahi)
For frying: Use oil or ghee as per your taste
- Optional: Edible silver varq /chopped pistachios/ rose petals
For sugar syrup:
- water with saffron
- lemon juice
- sugar
refer to recipe card for details.
how to make balushahi at home? (Traditional fried)
For the dough:
- In a bowl, add the flour and ghee together and start mixing by hand until you get a crumbly texture.
- Add yogurt to knead a medium soft dough(not too hard/soft).Sprinkle little water if needed.
- Cover and rest it for 4-6 hours or overnight.
- Take some dough and make a smooth ball.
- Press with your thumb in the center,to make like a peda, as shown in the image.
- Heat oil and fry on a low heat until brown on both sides.
- Keep it aside and let it cool until it reaches room temperature.
- In a pan,heat water and mix sugar to it along with saffron.Let it cook until sugar dissolves.
- Pour the sugar water on the fried balushahi. Let it set.It looks like a glazed donuts once done.Serve on room temperature.
Serving suggestion: Optionally apply the sheets of edible silver varq on the sweet balushahi.It needs to be placed delicately as it sticks very fast.
Balushahi in Air Fryer (Wholewheat Badusha)
If you prefer a lighter, low-oil version of this traditional Indian sweet, try making Balushahi in the air fryer. The texture turns out beautifully flaky on the outside and soft inside-just like halwai-style balushahi. Instead of deep frying in hot oil, the air fryer version gives a golden-brown finish with minimal ghee.
How to make Air Fryer Balushahi? (step wise pictures)
- Prepare the dough:
In a mixing bowl, combine wholemeal flour with baking soda (or plain flour) with ghee until crumbly. Add yogurt to knead a tight dough. Rest for 4-6 hours or overnight.
2. Shape the dough:
Divide the dough into equal portions and shape small balls. Press the center lightly with your thumb to form a dent.
3. Air fry:
Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper. Place the dough balls evenly, leaving space between each.
Air fry at 160°C (320°F) for 17-18 minutes.
4. Continue to cook , brush ghee
Flip halfway through for even cooking, until they turn golden brown.Brush with ghee during the cook.
5. Make sugar syrup, Soak & serve:
In a saucepan, heat water with saffron strands and sugar. Add a few drops of lemon juice and cook until the sugar dissolves and becomes slightly sticky.
Dip the air-fried balushahi in warm sugar syrup for a few minutes. Let them absorb the syrup, then cool at room temperature before serving. Optionally, apply silver varq /or decorate with finely chopped pistachios on top.
Related links
Balushahi recipe | Badusha recipe
Equipment
- wok
- Mixing bowl
- Air fryer
Ingredients
- 2 cup wholemeal flour
- ⅓ cup ghee
- ⅓ cup yogurt
- ⅓ cup water
- ⅛ teaspoon baking powder for airfried balushahi
- ¼ teaspoon cardamom powder
For frying: Use oil or ghee as per your taste
- Optional: Edible silver varq
For sugar syrup:
- 2 cups water
- 4-6 strands saffron
- 11/2 cup sugar
- 3-4 drops lemon juice optional
Instructions
For the dough:
- In a bowl, add the flour and ghee together and start mixing by hand until you get a crumbly texture.
- Add yogurt to knead a medium soft dough(not too hard/soft).Sprinkle little water if needed.
- Cover and rest it for 4-6 hours or overnight.
- Take some dough and make a smooth ball.
- Press with your thumb in the center,to make like a peda, as shown in the image.
Deep fry balushahi
- Heat oil and fry on a low heat until brown on both sides
- fry on low flame until golden brown and cooked through
- Keep it aside and let it cool until it reaches room temperature.
Air fryer balushahi
- If air frying, mix in baking soda before kneading the dough.
- Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper and preheat to 160°C (320°F).
- Arrange the shaped balushahi evenly in the basket, leaving some space between them.
- Air fry at 160°C for 17-18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and flaky.
Sugar syrup
- Meanwhile, prepare sugar syrup by boiling water, sugar, and saffron strands until slightly sticky
- Add a few drops of lemon juice.Dip the warm air-fried balushahi into the syrup and let them soak for 10 minutes.
- Tip : I like to lightly prick the balushahi with a fork before soaking - it helps the sugar syrup seep all the way to the center for even sweetness.
- Remove and cool to room temperature before serving.
- Optionally apply the sheets of edible silver varq on the sweet balushahi.It needs to be placed delicately as it sticks very fast.
Video
Substitution
Traditionally we make it with plain flour. So you can use that if you are particular.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Balushahi
- Use whole wheat flour for a wholesome twist or purpose flour for a classic texture.
- Avoid kneading a very soft dough; it should be medium-tight to create flaky layers.
- Always air fry at low heat (160°C) to allow the balushahi to cook evenly inside without cracking.
- Soak in warm sugar syrup, not hot, to keep the outer layer crisp yet coated.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Storage
Store it in an air-tight jar. Serve on room temperature.
Conclusion: OG Indian donut, Balushahi or Badushah comes with memories and smiles. Whether fried or air fried, this sweet recipe is full of love.
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