Air Fryer Gujiya

Name: Air Fryer Gujiya (Mawa Gujiya) – Flaky & Guilt-Free
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1¾ cups + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons suji ((fine semolina)); ¼ cup ghee (melted, or olive oil); ½ cup water (adjust as needed); 12 ounces Khoya (I use Nanak brand); ¾ teaspoon cardamom powder; 2 tablespoons slivered almonds; 2 tablespoons cashews (choopped); 2 tablespoons raw unsalted pistachio (shelled); ¼ cup desiccated coconut (unsweetened); ½ cup granulated sugar; ¾ cup sugar; ¾ cup water; 1 pinch saffron strands; 2 tablespoons slivered pistachio (slivered)

Air Fryer Gujiya is perfect for when you're craving this Indian milk fudge pastry, but want to skip the deep-frying. This easier, healthier version offers the same rich filling and crispy texture, with significantly less oil and effort. Ready in 45 minutes, it's ideal for festivals like Holi, Diwali, or any special occasion.

Indian sweet turnovers on black plate garnished with pistachio and rose

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This air fryer gujiya recipe is the perfect blend of tradition and convenience. Cooking these crispy gujiyas in the air fryer, compared to deep-frying, is my way of making them a bit healthier. It's my guilt-free way to enjoy this cherished Indian sweet.

And you don't need to be an air fryer pro to make this recipe- it's a simplified, fill-it-and-set-it approach that's guaranteed to impress!

Try this recipe and enjoy these air-fried gujiyas at your next celebration or as a tasty treat. Let's get started!

Jump to:

What is Gujiya
Why This Recipe Works
Ingredients- Notes & Substitutions
How To Make Gujiya in Air Fryer
Serving Suggestions
How To Store, Reheat, & Freeze
Recipe Tips & Notes
Troubleshooting & FAQs
Reader's Favorite Indian Desserts
📖 Recipe

What is Gujiya

Gujiya, also known as Karanji, is a traditional Indian pastry filled with a rich blend of sweetened khoya, nuts, coconut, and cardamom, then deep-fried to golden perfection. It is then dipped in a sugar syrup to form a light glaze.

This recipe is a modernized variation in which I fill and shape the pastry as per my mother-in-law's traditional recipe, but air fry it instead of deep frying.

Why This Recipe Works

I tested this recipe 3 times to find the ideal air fryer temperature that mimics deep-frying.
Authentic and traditional texture without deep frying.
Uses a fraction of the oil compared to the deep-fried version.
Much easier to make. No expertise needed, and no oil mess to clean.
Easy to make ahead for a party or celebration.

Ingredients- Notes & Substitutions

Here's what you need to make this fudgy gujiya in the air fryer. Trust me, it's the ultimate indulgence for Holi or Diwali!

Gujiya Ingredients for making the dough, filling and sugar glaze on grey board

All-Purpose Flour (maida): This forms the dough. I've tried this recipe with whole-wheat flour instead, but the results weren't as crisp as with all-purpose flour.
Sooji (fine semolina): This is my secret to making a flaky, crispy pastry dough. Don't skip it!
Ghee: For the most authentic taste, I use homemade ghee. Substitute it with melted unsalted butter if ghee is unavailable.
Water: We'll use it to make the dough and to make the sugar syrup.
Sweetened Khoya (Mawa): Khoya, or Mawa (mava), is a key ingredient for the stuffing made from dried milk solids. Find it in the freezer aisle of your local Indian grocery store, right next to the Paneer. Alternatively, make khoya using ricotta cheese.
Granulated Sugar: The amount specified in this recipe yields moderate sweetness. You can add another tablespoon for a sweeter taste. We also need sugar for the sweet glaze.
Nuts & coconut: Enhance the richness and flavor of the mawa filling with chopped almonds, cashews, pistachios, and desiccated coconut powder. You can also add dried fruits, such as chopped raisins or dates. Skip the nuts to make it nut-free.
Cardamom: I highly recommend using homemade cardamom powder in this recipe, made from seeds from 2-3 green cardamoms.
Saffron: Just a pinch goes a long way.

Dough substitution: Short on time? Skip making the dough and use store-bought empanada sheets. Look for them in the freezer section next to puff pastry.

How To Make Gujiya in Air Fryer

Here are the step-by-step instructions and photos for making gujiya in the air fryer. I've tested this recipe multiple times to ensure consistent results!

Prepare Dough

In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sooji (suji), and melted ghee (or oil). Mix well until the ghee is incorporated into the flour.

Flaky dough test: To ensure the ghee is well mixed into the flour, do a fist test. Take 2 tablespoons of this flour and press it in your fist. If it forms and stays in a lump, the pastry will turn out flaky.

Gradually add water until a smooth, stiff dough forms. Knead for about 2-3 minutes, then shape it into a smooth round ball, cover it with a damp kitchen towel, and let it rest while you prepare the filling.

Why rest the dough? Resting the dough allows it to get stretchy and pliable, which is key for a smooth, crack-free pastry.

4 steps showing how to make gujiya dough and filling

Prepare Filling

Heat a non-stick pan on medium heat. Add a teaspoon of ghee and the chopped nuts. Stir-fry them for 2 minutes.
Now add the desiccated coconut and keep stir-frying for another minute. Turn off the heat, add cardamom powder, and transfer the mixture to a small bowl.
Grate the khoya or pulse it in a food processor. Add the khoya. Stir fry for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring regularly. As soon as the khoya softens and reaches a dough-like texture, transfer it to a bowl and set it aside to cool.
Cool it for 10 minutes, then combine it with the nuts and coconut mixture. Mix thoroughly until well combined. Your mawa filling is ready.

4 step images showing how to make gujiya filling and dough.

Shape and Assemble The Gujiya

Knead the dough ball for 30 seconds, then divide it evenly into 18-20 portions, about the size of a golf ball. Roll each dough portion between your palms circularly to form a smooth round disc. Repeat this process for all the dough balls.
Use a rolling pin to roll it into a flat circular disc, about 3 inches in diameter. If your dough is a bit sticky, lightly dust it with plain flour. Repeat this step to roll out all the discs.
Place a dough disc in your palm and add about a tablespoon of the gujiya filling in the center. Wet your finger with water and run it along the edges of the dough.
Now fold one edge over the other, forming a crescent shape joining the two edges. Press the edges to seal them.
Using a fork, crimp the edges to seal them completely. Alternatively, pinch the dough between two fingers for a traditional crimped edge. Repeat that process and make the other Gujias.

4 step images showing how to stuff and shape gujiya

Note: If you have a gujiya mold, place the rolled-out disc on that, stuff it, and press the mold to shape the gujiya.

Air Fry & Glaze

Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (180°C). Lightly brush each gujiya with ghee or oil for a golden, crispy finish. Note: Start at 350°F if your air fryer runs hot to avoid a hard shell.
Arrange the gujiyas in the air fryer basket, making sure they don't touch each other.
Air fry for 14-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
While the gujiyas are air-frying, make a quick hot syrup by combining water, sugar, and saffron in a saucepan. Cook on medium heat, bring the liquid to a boil, and simmer for 3-4 minutes. Turn off the heat. Using kitchen tongs, dip the gujiya in the sugar syrup to coat well, one at a time. Drain any excess syrup and transfer them to a plate.
Garnish with chopped pistachios and dried rose petals for a festive touch and enjoy!

4 steps showing how to bake indian sweet pastry (gujiya) in the air fryer

Serving Suggestions

With Tea: Serve with masala chai or Indian ginger tea for a classic pairing.

For Festivities: Perfect for Diwali, Holi, or any celebration.

With Ice Cream: For a special treat, pair with vanilla or pistachio ice cream.

Indian sweet pastry cut into half showing the filling inside

How To Store, Reheat, & Freeze

Storing:

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigeration: Can be refrigerated for up to a week if tightly sealed.

Freezing:

Uncooked: Freeze shaped gujiya on a baking sheet, then transfer to a container for up to 2 months.
Cooked: Cool completely, then freeze for up to a month.

How to reheat air fryer gujiya to keep them crispy:

Air Fryer: Reheat frozen or refrigerated gujiya at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes.
Microwave: For a quicker option, microwave for 20-30 seconds, though it won't be as crispy.

Recipe Tips & Notes

Dough firmness: Ensure the dough is neither too soft nor too firm. It should be slightly firm, but pliable enough to roll without cracking. Also, do the above-mentioned 'fist test' to ensure a flaky pastry.
Store-bought dough shortcut: Instead of making and rolling out the dough from scratch, use store-bought empanada dough sheets.
Seal tight: Seal the edges of the Gujiya tightly to prevent the filling from oozing out during frying. Use a fork to crimp the edges, or pinch them with your fingers.
Air Fryer Tips: For even cooking, place the gujiyas in a single layer, leaving space between each. If necessary, air fry them in multiple batches.
Sugar syrup: Even though dunking the gujiya in sugar syrup is optional, I highly recommend it for a traditional flavor. It adds a wonderfully sweet flavor and texture.
Storing: Gujiya can be stored at room temperature for 3 days or frozen for up to a month. Always cool them completely to room temperature before storing.

Troubleshooting & FAQs

Can I make gujiya without an air fryer?

Yes! Deep-frying is another option, but the air fryer yields a healthier, less-oily result.

Can I freeze air fryer gujiya?

Yes! Freeze uncooked gujiya, then air-fry from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.

How can I make the gujiya dough softer?

Knead the dough well and let it rest. Extra ghee also makes the dough softer.

How do I make gujiya filling without khoya?

Substitute with ricotta cheese or a mix of condensed milk and milk powder.

Reader's Favorite Indian Desserts

You can find more desserts here: 25+ Easy & Indulgent Indian Dessert Recipes

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