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A festive thali represents celebration through food, where each dish carries its own story. During these occasions, kitchens often fill with familiar sounds and aromas that bring people together. Yet preparing a complete thali can be time-consuming, especially when several items require deep frying. The Usha Air Fryer makes it possible to achieve the same golden finish and crisp texture with minimal oil. This small change transforms how festive meals are prepared, making the process lighter without losing depth. The idea of a perfect thali lies in variety and harmony; each dish with its own texture and spice balance. With the air fryer, even the most traditional items can take on a fresh ease while keeping their roots intact.
1. Sweet Potato And Amaranth Tikki
This version of aloo tikki uses sweet potato instead of regular potato, lending a gentle sweetness and richer colour. The cooked and mashed sweet potatoes are combined with amaranth flour, finely chopped coriander, and a pinch of roasted cumin. The texture of amaranth keeps the tikki firm without absorbing excess oil. The mixture is shaped into rounds, brushed with a few drops of ghee, and air-fried until a crisp crust forms. The Usha Air Fryer ensures an even browning without sticking or burning. These tikkis go well with tamarind chutney or a light curd dip and bring a festive twist that feels both new and rooted in Indian taste.
2. Tandoori Malai Broccoli Bites
Tandoori broccoli adds a refined touch to any thali and pairs well with both puris and rice dishes. Broccoli florets are marinated in a mixture of hung curd, ginger paste, cashew powder, and crushed pepper. A hint of cardamom softens the spice, giving it a mellow aroma once air-fried. The Usha Air Fryer creates a delicate char on the florets while keeping their bite intact. When served warm with a squeeze of lime and a sprinkle of pink salt, these bites bring freshness to a table often filled with heavier foods.
3. Matar And Fennel Kachori
Traditional kachoris often use moong dal or urad dal, but using green peas brings colour and mild sweetness that balances festive spice blends. The filling is made by sautéing crushed green peas with fennel seeds, coriander powder, and asafoetida. The dough uses whole wheat mixed with a spoon of ghee to hold its structure. Once stuffed, the kachoris are lightly brushed with oil and air-fried in the Usha Air Fryer until golden. The surface develops the familiar flaky texture, and the filling remains fragrant. These kachoris pair beautifully with sweet-sour dates chutney and fit easily into a North Indian-style festive thali.
4. Spiced Lotus Stem Chips With Curry Leaf Salt
Lotus stem or kamal kakdi makes an elegant and crisp snack that feels different from regular papad or pakora. The slices are marinated in lemon juice, turmeric, and a small amount of chickpea flour. Once drained, they are spread in the air fryer basket and cooked until light brown. The final touch comes from crushed curry leaves mixed with sea salt. This combination gives a herbal aroma and a crunchy bite that breaks through richer dishes in the thali. The Usha Air Fryer allows thin slicing and controlled heat, keeping the edges delicate and evenly crisp.
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5. Bajra And Ajwain Puri
Instead of the usual wheat puri, this version uses bajra flour blended with a small portion of wheat for elasticity. Bajra adds a nutty aroma that complements festive curries. The dough is rolled and brushed with ghee before being placed in the air fryer. They puff slightly, creating a layered texture with a dry, crisp base. The earthy flavour of bajra pairs well with paneer gravies or halwa. These puris remain crisp for hours, making them ideal for serving later in the day when guests arrive in intervals.
6. Coconut And Dry Fruit Gujiya
The gujiya remains central to many festive spreads, and this air-fried version gives the same flaky shell with far less oil. The filling uses grated coconut, chopped dates, and almonds, cooked briefly in ghee before stuffing. A small amount of jaggery binds the mixture. The dough is sealed carefully along the edges, brushed with milk, and air-fried in the Usha Air Fryer until the surface turns golden. The sweetness feels natural, and the filling gives a soft texture that contrasts beautifully with the crisp outer layer. When cooled, the gujiyas keep well for a few days, making them convenient for festivals extending over several meals.
