Air Fried Jaggery Thekua
Looking for a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried snacks? Try Air-Fried Jaggery Thekua, a delicious and nutritious Indian treat for festivals or as a snack. With jaggery powder replacing refined sugar and an air fryer for the cooking method, this version is lower in fat and retains all the authentic flavours you love. Let’s dive into this easy, guilt-free recipe!
What is Thekua?
Thekua is a traditional Indian sweet, especially popular in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Made primarily with wheat flour, jaggery, and ghee, it’s a crispy treat often enjoyed during festivals like Chhath Puja. We are using jaggery powder to infuse the treat with a rich, natural sweetness because Jaggery is packed with iron and essential minerals.
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Essential Ingredients for Air Fried Jaggery Thekua
Whole Wheat Flour and Semolina: Help form the base of the dough, providing a hearty texture.
Jaggery Powder: A natural sweetener that adds depth and traditional flavour.
Ghee (Clarified Butter): Adds richness and enhances the authentic taste.
Water: For binding the dough to the right consistency.
Cardamom Powder and Fennel Seeds: For a warm, aromatic flavour.
Sesame Seeds and Grated Coconut (optional): Adds crunch and traditional flair.
Step-by-Step Recipe for Air Fried Jaggery Thekua
Prepare the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, Semolina, jaggery powder, sesame seeds, cardamom powder, grated coconut, and fennel seeds.
*The jaggery adds a naturally rich sweetness to the Thekua.
Add Ghee:
Add the ghee to the dry ingredients. Rub it in with your fingers until the mixture has a crumbly texture, similar to coarse breadcrumbs.
*This step gives the Thekua its crispy, rich flavour.
Knead the Dough:
Gradually add a little water, a few tablespoons at a time, and knead the mixture into a firm, smooth dough. The dough should be wet enough to hold its shape but not sticky.
Shape the Thekua:
Divide the dough into equal portions and roll each one into a ball. Flatten each ball slightly and create decorative patterns on top with a fork or knife to give them a traditional look.
Preheat the Air Fryer:
Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F) for 5 minutes. This helps the Thekua cook evenly.
Brush with Ghee: Use a pastry brush or your fingers to apply a thin layer of ghee on both sides of each Thekua.
*This will give them a beautiful golden colour and slight crispiness while keeping the oil use minimal. Enjoy your perfectly crispy and flavorful Thekua!
Air-Fry the Thekua:
Place the Thekua in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overlap. Air-fry them at 180°C (350°F) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Check for a golden-brown colour; the Thekua should be crispy on the outside.
Cool and Serve:
- Remove the Thekua from the air fryer and let them cool on a rack. They will firm up a bit more as they cool. Once completely cool, store them in an airtight container.
Benefits of Air Fried Jaggery Thekua
- Natural Sweetener: Jaggery powder offers a healthier sugar alternative, providing essential nutrients like iron and magnesium.
- Low in Fat: Air frying uses significantly less oil than deep frying, making it a much healthier option.
- Gluten-Free Option: You can substitute wheat flour with a gluten-free flour blend to cater to dietary needs.
Why Air Fry Jaggery Thekua?
- Healthier Option: Air frying uses significantly less oil, cutting down on calories and unhealthy fats while preserving the traditional taste.
- Time-Saving: Air fryers cook faster than traditional frying methods, making this recipe perfect for quick snacks or last-minute cravings.
- Crispy Delight: The air fryer gives the Thekua a perfect, crispy texture without the greasiness of deep frying.
Tips for Perfect Air Fried Thekua:
- Jaggery Quality Matters: Use fresh, fine-quality jaggery powder for a better taste and smoother texture. If your jaggery is clumpy, sieve it before mixing.
- Alternative Oils: If you prefer a vegan version, replace ghee with coconut or any neutral oil. However, ghee offers a more traditional taste.
- Customize Sweetness: Reduce the amount of jaggery powder slightly for a mild sweetness, as it tends to be sweeter than regular sugar.
- Experiment with Flour: While whole wheat flour is traditional, you can use oats or millet flour for added fibre and nutrition, though the texture might vary slightly.
- Watch for Browning: Jaggery can darken quickly, so keep an eye on the air fryer to avoid over-browning or burning.
- Texture Tip: Thekua should be crisp outside and a bit soft inside, so don’t over-air fry in pursuit of crunchiness—it will crisp up more as it cools.
Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fried Jaggery Thekua
While jaggery powder gives a distinct flavour, brown sugar can be used as an alternative. However, it will lack the earthy, rich taste that jaggery provides.
Yes, traditional Thekua is deep-fried, but using an air fryer reduces oil usage, making it a healthier alternative.
Ensure the dough is firm and not too soft. Also, air fry them for the correct time, and allow them to cool completely, as they will crisp up further once they’re cooled.
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Serving Suggestions for Air Fried Jaggery Thekua
Tea Time Snack: We can serve it with a warm cup of Masala Chai, Adrak Elachi Tea or Coffee.
Festive Offering: Serve as a prasad or festive snack during celebrations.
Kids’ Lunchbox: Add a couple to kids’ lunchboxes for a sweet, wholesome surprise.
After-Meal Dessert: Serve with a dollop of yoghurt or kheer for a light dessert.
How to Store Thekua
Keep it fresh and crispy, and let it cool completely after air frying. Cooling is crucial as it prevents moisture buildup, which can soften the Thekua. Once cooled, transfer them to an airtight container, which helps maintain their crisp texture for longer. Store the container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or humidity, as moisture can affect their freshness.
The Thekua can last up to two weeks and retain its taste and texture.
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How to Make Air Fried Jaggery Thekua – A Healthier Twist on a Classic Treat
Materials
- 1 cup whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour blend
- 2 tbsp ghee clarified butter
- 1/4 cup water adjust for dough consistency
- 1 tspcardamom powder optional for flavor
- 1/4 cup grated coconut optional
- 2 tablespoon sesame seeds optional for crunch
- 1/2 cup Jaggery powder
- 1/4 cup semolina
- 1/4 cup dry grated coconut powder
- 1 tsp fennal seeds
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine wheat flour, jaggery powder,semolina, fennal seeds, cardamom powder, sesame seeds, and a pinch of salt.
- Add melted ghee and a little water at a time, kneading the dough to a firm consistency. You want the dough to be slightly stiff, not too soft.
- Roll the dough into small balls and flatten them to form thick discs. You can use spoons or knife to create decorative designs on top, if desired.
- Set your air fryer to 180°C (350°F) and preheat it for 3 minutes.
- Use a pastry brush to apply a thin layer of ghee on both sides of each Thekua.
- Place the greased Thekua in the air fryer basket in a single layer and air-fry as directed at 180°C (350°F) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Let the air-fried thekua cool on a rack before serving. They will become crispier as they cool.
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