Makhana, also known as fox nuts or lotus seeds, has been a popular snack in India for centuries.

This humble yet delicious superfood is packed with nutrients and is often used in traditional Indian recipes.

A kid's hand is picking up a roasted makhana from the bowl.

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I have a new recipe for a crunchy snack to share with you that presents a great option for a movie-time snack.

There are some claims that this snack can help with weight loss goals, but that's not why I like this. I like it for how quickly you can have a salty snack ready.

I make this often at home, and it's always a hit with my kids. Typically, it is done like a dry roast over medium heat, but to make this snack even more nutritious, I recently started experimenting with an air fryer, and the results have been fantastic!

If you are a big fan of popped lotus seeds, try my makhana phool curry and this roasted makhana.

Jump to:

Why I love this snack
Ingredients
Instructions
Flavor variations
Health benefits of makhana
Top tips
Serving suggestion
Storage and shelf life
Stovetop method
Related recipes
📖 Recipe
Comments

Why I love this snack

Easy to make and serve on your festival menu. Air frying lets you enjoy the snack in 5-6 minutes.
It's a perfect snack for kids.
It can be customized with different flavors to suit everyone's taste, especially the herbed versions.
Great source of protein, calcium, and carbohydrates.
It can be stored for months without losing its freshness and taste.
Does not require any oil, which makes it a guilt-free snack option.
This recipe is very similar to my recipe for masala peanuts, which turned out equally delicious.

Ingredients

Bowl of lotus seeds and spices for the roasted makhana.

Fox nuts/lotus seeds - you can find these in Indian grocery stores.
Salt
Chaat masala - Easily available in Amazon and Indian stores.
Red chilli powder
Black salt or pink salt
Vegan ghee or olive oil
Black pepper (Optional)

See the recipe card for a list of ingredients and quantities, plus recipe instructions. You can find the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Instructions

In a large bowl, add popped lotus seed with 2 teaspoon oil and mix well.

Air fryer basket is filled with lotus seeds.

Spread the makhana on the air fryer basket, making sure they are in a single layer.

Set the temperature to 3750 F and cook for 4 minutes, shaking them after 2-3 minutes to prevent burning.

A bowl is with spice coated roasted makhana.

Place them into the same big bowl and add salt, chaat masala, red chili powder, turmeric powder, pepper powder, and black salt to suit your taste preference.

Let it cool completely and store in an airtight container. Your delicious air fryer roasted makhana snack is ready to be served!

Flavor variations

For a tangy twist, add lemon juice or amchoor powder along with chaat masala.
Add some curry powder for a savory masala makhana version.
Sprinkle some nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste.
For a sweeter version, add some cinnamon and maple syrup before roasting.

Health benefits of makhana

I got this information from this article about Benefits of makhana.

They are high in protein and carbohydrates, providing the necessary energy for active children.
They are also rich in essential nutrients like calcium, promoting strong, healthy bones and teeth.
Makhana is low in fat, cholesterol, and sodium, making it an excellent heart-healthy snack.
It is also rich in fiber, aiding digestion and helping maintain a healthy weight.
Additionally, makhana is full of antioxidants, which boost overall immunity and help fight against free radicals, promoting general well-being and longevity.

With all these health benefits, it's easy to see why air fryer roasted makhana is a go-to snack in many households.

Top tips

Make sure to cook it in a single layer, shaking the tray every few minutes for even cooking.
You can store the leftover makhana in an airtight container and reheat them in the air fryer for a quick snack.
For extra crispy makhana, leave them in the air fryer for an additional minute after turning off the heat.
Be creative with favourite seasonings to find your favorite version of this delicious snack.

Serving suggestion

Air fryer roasted makhana is perfect to serve as a mid-morning or evening snack for kids.
You can also add it to your festival menu or take it along for picnics and road trips.
You can make makhana chivda by adding some roasted peanuts, cashews, coconut slices, and raisins to the mixture.

Storage and shelf life

Air fryer roasted makhana can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1-2 months. However, it's best to consume them within a week or two for the freshest and most flavorful experience.

Stovetop method

If you don't have an air fryer, you can still enjoy this delicious snack by roasting it on a stovetop. Heat some oil in a pan and add the popped lotus seeds.

Keep stirring constantly on low flame to prevent burning until they are crispy and golden brown.

Then, add your favorite spices and let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container.