Air Fryer Indian Sweets That Are Surprisingly Good

Air Fryer Indian Sweets That Are Surprisingly Good

Indian sweets (mithai) are a rich part of our culinary heritage, especially during festivals like Diwali, Raksha Bandhan, Holi, and Eid. But as lifestyles become busier and health-consciousness grows, the idea of frying in ghee or oil for hours is becoming less appealing. That’s where the air fryer comes in – a game-changer for those who crave traditional flavors with a modern twist.

In this post, we dive into a wide variety of Indian sweets you can make in an air fryer – including healthier versions of classics like Gulab Jamun, Gujiya, Ladoo, and more. These recipes are not only quicker and cleaner to prepare, but many are diabetic-friendly and lower in calories without compromising on taste.

Why Use an Air Fryer for Indian Sweets?

Before we get to the recipes, let’s explore the why.

1. Healthier Cooking

Air fryers use hot air circulation to “fry” food, cutting down oil usage by up to 80–90%. This significantly reduces the calorie count of your favorite sweets.

2. Time-Saving

No more standing over a hot stove. Most air fryer sweets are done in under 20 minutes.

3. Cleaner Kitchen

Forget the splatter and mess that deep-frying causes. Air frying is clean, simple, and requires minimal cleanup.

4. Great for Festive Prep

When you’re cooking multiple items for Diwali or Eid, using the air fryer for sweets frees up stovetop space.

Top Air Fryer Indian Sweet Recipes

Let’s explore sweet treats you can actually make in an air fryer — some are traditional with a twist, others are modern innovations using classic Indian ingredients.

1. Air Fryer Gulab Jamun

Why it works: This version cuts out deep frying but retains the soft inside and slightly crispy outer layer.

How it’s done:

• Use khoya or milk powder to make soft dough balls.

• Brush with ghee or oil lightly.

• Air fry at 160°C (320°F) for 10-12 minutes until golden brown.

• Soak in warm cardamom-infused sugar syrup.

Diabetic Tip: Replace sugar syrup with a sugar-free version using stevia or erythritol.

2. Air Fryer Gujiya

A popular sweet during Holi, this crispy pastry filled with khoya and dry fruits can be baked to perfection in an air fryer.

Instructions:

• Prepare dough with whole wheat flour for a healthier base.

• Fill with sweet khoya, cardamom, and chopped nuts.

• Seal, brush with ghee, and air fry at 180°C (350°F) for 8-10 minutes.

Result: Flaky, golden, and much lighter than the deep-fried version.

3. Coconut Ladoo (Crispy Air-Fried Version)

Turn this no-cook classic into something with a crisp outer layer.

How to:

• Mix desiccated coconut with condensed milk and cardamom.

• Form ladoos and air fry at 170°C for 5 minutes until just golden.

• Optional: roll in crushed pistachios after air frying.

4. Air Fryer Sooji Halwa Balls

Sooji halwa rolled into balls and air fried — think of it as sweet, crispy bites of nostalgia.

Steps:

• Cook sooji with ghee and sweetener until thick.

• Let it cool, form into balls.

• Air fry at 160°C for 5-7 minutes for a light crust.

Great for: Gifting during festive occasions.

5. Air-Fried Dry Fruit Barfi Squares

These hold their shape well and develop a caramelised top layer when air fried.

Prep:

• Blend dates, figs, cashews, almonds, and ghee into a paste.

• Press into a tray, cut into squares.

• Air fry at 160°C for 5 minutes to get a slightly crispy top.

Bonus: No added sugar required!

6. Air Fryer Malpua

Normally deep-fried in ghee, malpuas become lighter but still rich in flavour when air fried.

Method:

• Make batter with flour, milk, fennel seeds, and sugar.

• Spoon batter into silicone moulds or parchment-lined tray.

• Air fry at 180°C for 8 minutes.

• Dunk in sugar syrup or drizzle with rabri.

7. Air Fryer Chocolate Modak

Great for Ganesh Chaturthi, and a hit with kids!

Filling: Desiccated coconut + jaggery + cocoa powder
Outer shell: Rice flour dough or whole wheat flour
Air fry: At 170°C for 6-7 minutes

8. Air-Fried Besan Ladoo Cookies

A crunchy variation of traditional besan ladoo.

How it’s made:

• Mix roasted besan, ghee, jaggery, and cardamom.

• Shape into cookies.

• Air fry at 160°C for 5–6 minutes.

Tip: Add chopped nuts for extra texture.

9. Air Fryer Til Chikki Bites

Tilgul gets a modern makeover.

Process:

• Mix roasted sesame seeds with melted jaggery.

• Spread and cut into bite-sized pieces.

• Air fry at 150°C for 4 minutes for caramelised crunch.

Perfect for: Makar Sankranti and winter snacking.

Air Fryer Tips for Indian Sweets

• Always preheat the air fryer for better texture.

• Use parchment paper to avoid sticking.

• Brush lightly with ghee or oil for authentic taste and golden finish.

• Don’t overcrowd – air circulation is key for even cooking.

• Avoid overcooking, especially with sugar-based sweets which can burn quickly.

Diabetic-Friendly Indian Air Fryer Sweets

These options are ideal for those looking to enjoy mithai without sugar spikes:

1. Dry Fruit Squares (no sugar)

2. Coconut Ladoo with Stevia

3. Air Fryer Besan Cookies with Jaggery

4. Low-GI Til Chikki

5. Sooji Bites with Erythritol

Pro Tip: Always check glycemic impact of ingredients if managing blood sugar levels.

Festival-Wise Air Fryer Sweet Ideas

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

• Most of these sweets stay fresh for 3–4 days in an airtight container.

• You can freeze doughs for gujiya, modak, and ladoo up to 2 weeks.

• Reheat in air fryer for 1–2 minutes before serving.

Final Thoughts

Traditional Indian sweets meet modern kitchen tools in a delicious, guilt-free marriage. Whether you're prepping for a festival, making prasad, or simply indulging your sweet tooth, these air fryer Indian desserts offer convenience, health benefits, and authentic flavor.

Experiment with your favorite recipes and adjust the sweetness or spice to your liking. The air fryer isn’t just for samosas and cutlets—it’s time to give it a sweet spin!