This is an Air Fryer Namak Pare (Nimki) recipe. Namak Pare is one of the popular traditional snacks in India. It is also known as Namak para, Namkeen, Nimki, and Namkin katli in different parts of India.
This snack is usually made during festivals like Chhath and Diwali, but I make it whenever I feel like eating something crunchy because it is really addictive.
This nimki is made with simple ingredients like flour, ajwain, and mangraila. Some people also add a little semolina for extra crunch.
If you are trying it for the first time, I’m sure you will like it because of its savory and crispy taste.
About Air Fryer Namak Pare (Nimki)
In this recipe, I’m sharing my go-to method for making namak pare in the air fryer, a healthier and much more convenient alternative to deep frying. Along with the step-by-step process, I’ll also guide you through the exact air fryer temperature and timing so you get perfectly crispy results every time.
This is one of those snacks I keep coming back to, especially when I’m preparing for travel or planning a holiday trip. I often make a batch ahead of time and pack it along, my whole family prefers these homemade nimki over any store-bought snacks.
One more thing, don’t stress about the shape.
Nimki can be made in various forms like diamond cuts, strips, squares, or rectangles. The classic diamond shape is the most popular, but you can choose whatever is easiest or most fun for you.
Just cut them evenly before placing them in the air fryer for uniform cooking.
Air Fryer Namak Pare (Nimki) Ingredients
- Plain flour: I use plain flour for a good texture. But you can swap it with whole wheat flour if desired.
- Vegetable oil: I add a little oil to make the dough soft and help get a crispy texture after air frying.
- Spices: I added Ajwain, Mangraila (kalonji) and salt for a traditional feel and flavour. You can also add semolina.
- Water: Use a little water at a time to knead a stiff dough. Don’t make it too soft.
How To Make Air Fryer Namak Pare (Nimki)
1. Take a large bowl, add plain flour, salt, ajwain, mangraila, and oil. Mix well and rub with your fingers until it starts to come together like a dough.
2. Next, add water little by little and knead into a stiff dough.
3. Once the dough is ready, cover it with a kitchen towel and leave it aside for 20 to 30 minutes.
4. After 30 minutes, divide the dough into 2–3 portions. Shape each into a round ball and roll it out with a rolling pin like a roti—not too thin and not too thick. Keep it medium in thickness.
5. Use a knife or pizza cutter to cut it into the desired shape, I personally like the traditional diamond shape.
6. Preheat the air fryer for 3 minutes at 180°(360°f).
7. Place the nimki in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Spray with oil before starting.
8. Air fry at 180°C (360°F) for about 12 minutes. After 8 minutes, keep an eye on it and check, as the cooking time may vary slightly depending on your air fryer brand and size.
9. Toss the namaken 1 to 2 times, and the nimki is ready to enjoy.
Expert Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Nimki
- Always make a stiff dough: Soft dough will not give crispy nimki. Keep the dough slightly tight.
- Don’t skip resting time: Resting the dough for 20–30 minutes helps it set and makes rolling easier.
- Keep medium thickness: If too thin, it may burn. If too thick, it will stay soft inside.
- Do not overcrowd the basket: Leave some space in the air fryer so the nimki cooks evenly.
- Toss in between cooking: Shake or flip 1–2 times so it gets crisp from all sides.
- Light oil spray helps: A little oil spray makes the nimki more crispy and tasty.
- Cool before storing: If you store it hot, it will turn soggy. Let it cool first.
How to Store Air Fryer Nimki (Namak Pare)
Store the nimki only after it has cooled down completely, as storing it while still warm can make it soft. Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature, and it will stay fresh for about 2–3 weeks.
If the weather is humid, you can place a paper towel inside the container to absorb extra moisture.
In case the nimki turns slightly soft over time, you can air fry it again for 2–3 minutes to bring back its crispiness.
More Air Fryer Recipes
FAQ Frequently Asked Quentions
This usually happens if the dough is too soft or the pieces are too thick. Make a stiff dough and keep medium thickness.
Yes, you can deep fry it on medium heat. But the air fryer version uses less oil.
It may not have cooled properly before storing, or the container was not airtight. Moisture makes it soft.
Yes, you can use it. The texture will be slightly less crispy and the taste will change a bit.
It should turn light golden and feel firm. It will become more crispy after cooling.
Air Fryer Namak Pare (Nimki)
Ingredients
- 1 cup plain flour maida
- ⅛ cup Vegetable oil
- ¼ ajwaien
- ¼ mangraila
- salt to taste
- little water to knead
Instructions
- Take a large bowl, add plain flour, salt, ajwain, mangraila, and oil. Mix well and rub with your fingers until it starts to come together like a dough.
- Next, add water little by little and knead into a stiff dough.
- Once the dough is ready, cover it with a kitchen towel and leave it aside for 20 to 30 minutes
- After 30 minutes, divide the dough into 2–3 portions. Shape each into a round ball and roll it out with a rolling pin like a roti—not too thin and not too thick. Keep it medium in thickness
- Use a knife or pizza cutter to cut it into the desired shape, I personally like the traditional diamond shape.
- Preheat the air fryer for 3 minutes at 180°(360°f)
- Place the nimki in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Spray with oil before starting
- Air fry at 180°C (360°F) for about 12 minutes. After 8 minutes, keep an eye on it and check, as the cooking time may vary slightly depending on your air fryer brand and size.
- Toss the namaken 1 to 2 times, and the nimki is ready to enjoy
Notes
- Always use a stiff dough for best crispiness.
- Cut pieces evenly so they cook at the same time.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket.
- Shake in between for even cooking.
- Cool completely before storing.
