Crispy Air-Fried Namkeen Roast

These soft, juicy, tender Air-Fried Namkeen Roast are absolutely delicious, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make!  The air fryer gives them a beautiful roasted texture with plenty of savory spice and a deliciously crispy finish.

🛒 Ingredients

• 2 cups makhana, fox nuts
• ½ cup peanuts
• ½ cup cashews
• ¼ cup roasted chana dal
• ¼ cup coconut slices
• 8–10 curry leaves
• 1 tablespoon oil or melted ghee
• 1 teaspoon chaat masala
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder
• ¼ teaspoon turmeric
• ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
• ½ teaspoon amchur powder
• 1–2 dried red chilies, optional

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Preheat the air fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F for 2–3 minutes.

2. Roast the makhana

Place the makhana in the air fryer basket and air fry at 350°F for 7–8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. They should become light, crisp, and easy to break.

3. Roast the nuts

Add the peanuts and cashews to an air-fryer-safe pan or dish. Air fry at 340°F for about 5 minutes, checking frequently so they don’t burn.

Add the coconut slices and continue roasting for another 1–2 minutes.

4. Add the curry leaves

Add the curry leaves and roast for about 1 minute, just until crisp. Air fryers vary, so keep a close eye on the nuts because they can brown quickly.

5. Season everything

Transfer the roasted makhana, nuts, coconut, curry leaves, and roasted chana dal to a large bowl.

Add the oil or melted ghee, chaat masala, black pepper, Kashmiri chili powder, turmeric, salt, and amchur powder.

Toss everything very well until evenly coated.

6. Cool and serve

Let the namkeen cool completely. It will become even crispier as it cools.

Serve with hot tea or coffee, or keep it in an airtight container for a crunchy snack anytime. Homemade namkeen can be stored in an airtight container once completely cooled.

 Pro Tip

Don’t overcrowd the air fryer, and check the nuts frequently during the last few minutes. Every air fryer cooks differently, and nuts can go from perfectly roasted to burnt very quickly.