Air Fryer Handvo

A delicious Gujarati savory cake made with rice, lentils and vegetables; Air Fryer Handvo is perfect as a snack or a complete meal.

Make it using the Air Fryer to cook the lentil cake in under 30 minutes. Delicious, nutritious and always yum any time of the day!

Gujarati cuisine is super rich in the dishes. There are multiple snacks, appetizers, main course, breads and rice dishes. Plus, so many delicious desserts and condiments.

The rich culture from the state of Gujarat has come to light recently where dishes that were only popular within families are now portrayed on the world stage.

Handvo, dhokla, idada, thepla and dhebra are now famous in so many places. It is amazing to see how khichu and sambharo are loved by so many people from different walks of life. And when dal dhokli and khichdi makes it to the menu of popular restaurants, it feels good!

With these becoming common, it now makes so much more sense for me to share traditional recipes here. I know people have atleast heard about them and are willing to try them!

Today I am sharing a recipe that is 100 percent Gujarati. Handvo; a lentil and rice cake that is easy to make in the Air Fryer.

Not only is this version easy, it also helps to make the handvo perfect for lunch box or as a single serve snack. Looking for a meal? Just double up the handvo and it would be a perfect meal!

Jump to:

• What is Handvo
• Why this Recipe works
• Ingredients and Substitutions
• How to make this recipe
• Expert Tips and Notes
• Air Fryer Handvo

What is Handvo

A spiced lentil batter cake, Handvo is a popular Gujarati snack. It comes together easily and is always a delight for everyone!

Though it is a staple in so many Gujarati households, every family has their own version of making it. However, the basics to make it remain the same and the ingredients are similar.

A batter made with urad dal and rice is the basis for the recipe. It is mixed with several vegetables (bottle gourd being the most common), some aromatics and spices. Finally, the batter is activated using fruit salt and cooked.

We can cook handvo in several ways; in a pan on the stovetop, in the oven or in the air fryer. While these methods differ, the end result is always yummy. This savory cake full of delicious ingredients, handvo is a must-have if you like Gujarati food.

Why this Recipe works

• This recipe comes together quickly once we have the fermented batter as we only need to mix and cook the handvo for 15 minutes.
• A super versatile recipe; we can use any vegetables to make this recipe. Bottle gourd, zucchini, carrots, onions, corn and peas are the most commonly used ingredients.
• This recipe makes mini handvo cakes. I use a 6 inch round pan and it is the perfect size for a snack or to double up as a meal.
• Air Fryer handvo makes a great lunch box recipe too. It can be enjoyed at room temperature and so makes a great packable recipe.
• When serving it as a meal, it is great with cilantro chutney, tomato ketchup and masala ginger chai. Handvo is a great breakfast or snack option too.

While this recipe is made using the air fryer, the exact same handvo is easy to make in a pan on stovetop or bake in an oven. If you would like to try these versions, head here: Baked Handvo, Cupcake Handvo.

Ingredients and Substitutions

• Handvo Batter: We use a mix of rice, lentil and yogurt to make this batter. After mixing, we ferment the batter. Either soak and grind the lentil and rice or grind followed by soaking. It has salt and so we do not add additional salt in the recipe. Learn more about handvo batter in this handvo post.
• Vegetables: We can use a variety of vegetables in this recipe. I use bottle gourd (lauki), peas, onion and cilantro for the recipe. Using corn, carrots, green beans, cabbage and baby corn is an option too.
• Spices: The spices in the recipe are pretty basic. I add turmeric powder, red chili powder, jaggery and salt. Sugar in place of jaggery is an option too.
• Aromatics: The aromatics in the recipe include garlic, ginger and green chili.
• Tempering: Tempering includes mustard seeds, cumin seeds and asafetida. Plus, we add curry leaves and sesame seeds.
• Fruit Salt: We use a fruit salt like ENO for the recipe. Fruit salt helps make the handvo fluffy and airy.

How to make this recipe

1- In a bowl add fermented handvo batter.

2- Add in peas, grated bottle gourd, cilantro and grated onions.

3- Next goes the grated ginger, garlic, jaggery, red chili powder and turmeric powder.

4- Mix everything well till the vegetables are coated.

5- Heat oil in a small pan.

6- Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.

7- Then add cumin seeds, curry leaves and green chili.

8- Once they splutter, set aside.

9- In the handva batter add fruit salt and mix vigorously.

10- Transfer the batter to a greased pan. Top with tadka, cilantro and sesame seeds.

11- Place the pan in a preheated oven at 350 F (180 C).

12- Cook the handva for 15 minutes. If it does not look crisp, air fry for another 2-3 minutes. Remove and let it cool for 5 minutes.

Demold and serve with tomato ketchup and cilantro chutney.

Expert Tips and Notes

• Ensure the batter is not very runny or super thick. It should be thick yet pourable in consistency. Thin batter will leak out of the pan and thick batter will remain chewy after baking.
• Using a springform mold works best for the recipe. It is easy to release the handvo and remove rather than overturning the entire handvo.
• Add more veggies or swap the ones here for what you like. Cabbage, zucchini, carrots, corn and fenugreek leaves work well.
• Fruit salt is an essential ingredient to activate the batter. I use this method for all my handvo recipes. However, using some baking soda and whisking vigorously to activate the batter is an option too.
• It is easy to refrigerate the air fryer handvo in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes before serving or enjoy it at room temperature.