Air Fryer Sweet Chili Lotus Stem Chips: crispy, healthy, and ready in minutes, made with kamal kakdi/nadru/lotus stem, oil, sweet-chili seasoning. Vegan, gluten-free, and absolutely addictive.
Air Fryer Sweet Chili Lotus Stem Chips
Are you craving something crispy, sweet, spicy, and totally guilt-free? Meet your new obsession: Sweet Spicy Lotus Stem Chips
– a crunchy Indian-style snack that’s totally addictive and made without deep frying!
Whether you call them kamal kakdi chips, nadru chips, or lotus root chips, this air fryer version is healthier, just as delicious, and packs a punch of flavor.
And if you are like me and looooove your snacks any time of the day or night, these are a great addition to your home.
Perfect for chai-time snacking, party platters, or just munching during your Netflix binge—these lotus stem chips are about to become your new kitchen favorite.
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Lotus Stem Chips
✅ Oil-free & healthy – thanks to the air fryer magic.
✅ Sweet + Spicy flavor – a lip-smacking combo you won’t forget.
✅ No preservatives or additives – just clean, real ingredients.
✅ Crispy like deep-fried – but with way less guilt.
✅ Gluten-free & vegan-friendly – everyone can enjoy them!
What is Lotus Stem (Kamal Kakdi / Nadru)?
Before we dive deeper into our addictive snack recipe, let’s first talk about Lotus stem – also known as kamal kakdi (Hindi) or nadru (Kashmiri), which is the edible stem of the lotus flower.
It’s crunchy, mildly sweet, and loaded with fiber, iron, and vitamin C.
When sliced thin and cooked right, lotus stems turn into beautifully lacy, crispy chips that resemble tiny edible snowflakes!
Also, did you know ‘lotus stems’ are very similar to potatoes as they too belong to the ‘root family’ but are waaaaay healthier, less starchy, and have many nutrients
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a quick and simple ingredient list for the crispiest sweet spicy lotus stem chips:
Lotus stem (Kamal Kakdi or Nadru) – Fresh, peeled, and sliced thinly.
Olive oil– can use any light oil or even mustard oil
Kashmiri red chili powder – for vibrant color & mild heat
(can use chili powder or cayenne too)
Salt – to taste
Chili Garlic Oil/Seasoning – can use store-bought or homemade
Optional drizzle: honey or maple syrup after air frying for a sticky-sweet glaze
How to Make Sweet Spicy Lotus Stem Chips in Air Fryer
Step-by-Step Method:
1. Prep the Lotus Stem (as shown above)
- Wash the lotus stems thoroughly.
- Slice them super thin—around 2mm thickness works best.
- Soak slices in lemon water for 10 minutes to prevent discoloration.
2. Season It Right
- In a bowl, toss lotus stem slices with olive oil, red chili powder, and sweet chili seasoning/oil.
- Mix everything using a spoon so that all the cut lotus slices are covered with the oil and seasoning.
3. Air Fry to Perfection
- Preheat the air fryer at 180°C / 350°F for 5 minutes.
- Place the coated lotus slices in the air fryer basket (don’t worry if they overlap, as we will stir them in between)
- Air fry for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway, until golden and crispy.
- If needed, air fry in batches for best results.
4. Final Touch (Optional)
- Drizzle with a bit of honey or maple syrup and sprinkle any more seasoning if needed. Serve immediately!
Why These Lotus Stem Chips Are Better Than Store-Bought
Most store-bought chips are loaded with refined oils, preservatives, and added sugar. These homemade air fryer lotus stem chips are:
- Made fresh at home
- Customizable to your taste
- Healthier & cleaner
- Cheaper than fancy gourmet chips!
Pro Tips for Crispy Lotus Root Chips
- Thin slices = crispy chips. Use a mandoline slicer if available.
- If you have a larger air fryer or time, then air fry in batches to avoid over-crowding.
- A light coating of oil helps with even browning.
- For a smoky flavor, use mustard oil instead of olive oil.
How do I store leftover lotus stem chips?
Store them in an airtight container lined with paper towels for 2–3 days.
Re-crisp in the air fryer for 2 minutes before eating.
How to Serve Sweet Spicy Lotus Stem Chips
These chips are incredibly versatile. Here are some tasty ways to enjoy them:
- Tea-time snack with masala chai
- Healthy party snack with dips like mint yogurt chutney or tahini dip
- Garnish for soups or salads
- Crunchy topping on buddha bowls or grain bowls
- Side dish for Indian meals – pairs beautifully with dal-chawal or rajma rice!
- Perfect side with wraps and sandwiches
Spice It Your Way – Flavor Variations
Want to play around with flavors? Here are a few fun twists:
- Masala Chatka – Add amchur + red chili + coriander powder
- Desi BBQ – Use smoked paprika + cumin + garlic powder
- Asian Style – Toss with soy sauce + sesame seeds + chili flakes
- Cheesy Delight – Add nutritional yeast or cheese powder for cheesy chips!
Here’s Some Questions That You May Have for this Recipe:
Can I use frozen lotus stem for this recipe?
Yes! Just thaw and pat dry completely before slicing and seasoning.
Is lotus stem healthy?
Absolutely! Lotus stem is rich in fiber, iron, and antioxidants. It’s great for digestion and immunity.
Can I skip the sweetener?
Yes, you can make it just spicy or add a tangy touch with amchur (dry mango powder) instead.
My chips are not crispy. What went wrong?
Make sure:
They’re sliced very thin
You don’t skip pat drying
They’re not overlapping in the air fryer
You air fry at the right temp and time
These Air Fryer Sweet Spicy Lotus Stem Chips are everything you crave in a snack: crunchy, flavorful, spicy-sweet, and light on the tummy!
Once you make them, you’ll wonder why you ever bought chips from a store.
They’re easy to make, absolutely gorgeous on a platter, and full of fun, desi-inspired flavors. So go ahead, slice that lotus stem and turn your snack cravings into crispy joy!
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Air Fryer Sweet Chili Lotus Stem Chips (Kamal Kakdi - Nadru Chips)
Air Fryer Sweet Chili Lotus Stem Chips: crispy, healthy, and ready in minutes, made with kamal kakdi/nadru/lotus stem, oil, sweet-chili seasoning. Vegan, gluten-free, and absolutely addictive.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp Olive oil– can use any light oil or even mustard oil
- 1.5 Tsp Kashmiri red chili powder – for vibrant color & mild heat (can use chili powder or cayenne too) Salt – to taste
- 1 Tbsp Chili Garlic Oil/Seasoning - can use store-bought or homemade (my recipe added in notes)
Optional drizzle:
- honey or maple syrup after air frying for a sticky-sweet glaze
Instructions
How to Make Sweet Spicy Lotus Stem Chips in Air Fryer
Step-by-Step Method:
1. Prep the Lotus Stem (as shown above)
- Wash the lotus stems thoroughly.
- Slice them super thin—around 2mm thickness works best.
- Soak slices in lemon water for 10 minutes to prevent discoloration.
2. Season It Right
- In a bowl, toss lotus stem slices with olive oil, red chili powder, and sweet chili seasoning/oil.
- Mix everything using a spoon so that all the cut lotus slices are covered with the oil and seasoning.
3. Air Fry to Perfection
- Preheat the air fryer at 180°C / 350°F for 5 minutes.
- Place the coated lotus slices in the air fryer basket (don't worry if they overlap, as we will stir them in between)
- Air fry for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway, until golden and crispy.
- If needed, air fry in batches for best results.
4. Final Touch (Optional)
- Drizzle with a bit of honey or maple syrup and sprinkle any more seasoning if needed. Serve immediately!
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
2Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 377Total Fat: 29gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 24gCholesterol: 2mgSodium: 311mgCarbohydrates: 31gFiber: 1gSugar: 28gProtein: 1g
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