How to Make Nankhatai in an Air Fryer: A Quick and Easy Recipe

Nankhatai, the delicious Indian shortbread cookie, is a perfect treat for any occasion. Traditionally baked in an oven, you can also make these melt-in-your-mouth biscuits in an air fryer, which is quicker and just as tasty. If you’re craving a batch of fresh, soft, and buttery nankhatai, here’s an easy guide on how to make them using your air fryer.

Ingredients:

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:

• Start by melting the ghee and adding the powdered monkfruit sweetener to it. Beat them together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
• In a separate bowl, sift together the maida (all-purpose flour), besan (gram flour), sooji (semolina), Himalayan pink salt, cardamom powder, and baking powder.
• Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the ghee-sweetener mixture. Mix well until it starts to crumble.
• Gently knead the mixture until a smooth dough is formed. If the dough feels too dry, you can add a little bit of water (1-2 teaspoons) to bring it all together.
• Fold in the chopped almonds to add a crunch to your nankhatai.

2. Rest the Dough:

• Cover the dough with cling film and let it rest for 15-20 minutes. This resting period helps the dough firm up and makes it easier to shape.

3. Shape the Nankhatai:

• After the dough has rested, divide it into equal-sized balls.
• Roll each ball into a round shape and gently press an almond into the center of each ball for a classic nankhatai look.

4. Prepare for Baking:

• Line the air fryer basket with butter paper to prevent the nankhatai from sticking.
• In a small bowl, mix together the yellow part of the egg with 1 tablespoon of milk to create a simple egg wash.
• Brush the top of each nankhatai with this egg wash for a beautiful golden color once they are done baking.

Also Read | How to Make Delicious Tutti Frutti Biscuits: A Sweet & Nutty Treat

5. Air Fry the Nankhatai:

• Preheat your air fryer to 140°C (280°F).
• Place the shaped nankhatai into the air fryer basket, leaving enough space between each biscuit.
• Air fry the nankhatai at 140°C for 14-15 minutes or until they turn a golden brown color and release a delicious aroma.

6. Cool and Serve:

• Once done, remove the nankhatai from the air fryer and allow them to cool at room temperature. They will harden slightly as they cool down.
• Enjoy them with a cup of chai or coffee!

Tips for Perfect Nankhatai:

• Resting the dough is essential for the texture of the nankhatai. Don’t skip this step.
• If you’re not using a non-stick air fryer basket, be sure to line it with butter paper or use a parchment paper liner.
• You can adjust the sweetness based on your preference. Monkfruit sweetener is a great sugar substitute, but feel free to use regular sugar if you prefer.
• Experiment with adding a few crushed pistachios or saffron strands to give the nankhatai a unique twist!

Storing Nankhatai:

These air fryer nankhatai can be stored in an airtight container for up to 1 month, making them perfect for meal prep or gifting to friends and family. You can also freeze the dough before baking if you want to bake them fresh at a later time.

Making nankhatai in the air fryer is a game-changer! With less time and less mess, you can enjoy these traditional treats without much effort. Whether you’re new to baking or just looking for a quicker way to enjoy this classic Indian cookie, this recipe is simple, easy, and absolutely delicious. Give it a try today, and you’ll soon be hooked on this air fryer version of nankhatai!