Confused On What To Serve Your Guests? 5 Last-Minute Diwali Snacks That’s Made In An Air-Fryer

Last Updated:November 07, 2026, 14:47 IST

These 5 easy-to-make savoury snacks are made in the air fryer and perfect for serving your guests this Diwali season.

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Hosting a Diwali party or expecting guests at home? You do not always need to spend hours in the kitchen preparing an elaborate snack spread. Your air fryer can help you put together delicious savoury bites with minimal oil and fuss.

From spicy masaledar cashews and cheesy paneer roll-ups to crunchy tortilla wheels and Maharashtrian thecha-inspired cheese bombs, these recipes are perfect for festive get-togethers. Most use readily available ingredients and can be assembled quickly, making them handy options when guests arrive at short notice.

Here are 5 air fryer snacks to add to your Diwali party menu.

Masaledar Cashews

Give ordinary cashews a spicy festive makeover with this easy air fryer snack. Toss raw cashews with a little ghee or oil, red chilli powder, turmeric, black pepper, chaat masala and salt until evenly coated. Spread them in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook until lightly golden and crunchy, shaking the basket halfway through. Allow them to cool before serving, as they become crispier as they rest. Store any leftovers in an airtight container once completely cool. These masaledar cashews are ideal to serve alongside drinks or as a quick nibble while guests arrive.

Paneer Roll-Ups

These cheesy paneer roll-ups are a fun twist on the usual bread snack and make for an easy party appetiser. Flatten bread slices with a rolling pin and spread a layer of spicy green chutney over each one. Add thin slices of paneer and grated cheese, then roll the bread tightly into logs. Brush the outside with melted butter mixed with chilli powder, coriander powder and a little chaat masala. Place the rolls in the air fryer and cook until golden and crisp. Cut them into bite-sized pieces and serve hot with mint chutney or tomato ketchup.

Chickpea Cheese Tortilla Wheels

If you have boiled chickpeas in the refrigerator, turn them into these crunchy, cheesy tortilla wheels. Mash the chickpeas and mix them with finely chopped onions, capsicum, sweet corn, grated cheese, salt, pepper and your preferred spices. Spread the mixture over a tortilla, sprinkle some extra cheese on top and roll it tightly into a log. Slice the log into small wheels and arrange them in the air fryer basket. Cook until the tortilla turns crisp and the cheese melts. These colourful bites are easy to pick up and serve, making them a convenient addition to a Diwali snack platter.

Cheesy Pizza Bites

These pizza-inspired bites are perfect when you want to serve something familiar without preparing pizza dough. Finely chop vegetables such as onions, capsicum, tomatoes and sweet corn, and mix them with ready-made pizza sauce, seasoning and a little black pepper. Spoon the mixture onto cracker biscuits and top each one with grated cheese. Arrange the crackers in the air fryer basket and cook until the cheese melts and the vegetables are warmed through. Garnish with chopped coriander before serving. Prepare these close to serving time so the crackers retain some crunch and do not turn soggy.

Thecha Cheese Bombs

Bring a Maharashtrian touch to your Diwali party menu with these spicy, cheesy potato bites. Mash boiled potatoes and mix them with Maharashtra’s fiery thecha chutney, adjusting the quantity to suit your spice preference. Take small portions of the mixture, flatten them in your palm and place a cube of cheese in the centre. Seal and shape into balls. Dip each ball in a thin flour-and-water slurry, then coat it with breadcrumbs. Arrange them in the air fryer basket, brush or spray lightly with oil and cook until crisp and golden. Serve hot, when the cheese centre is still deliciously gooey.

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What are 5 quick air-fryer snacks for Diwali parties?

Five easy air-fryer snacks for your Diwali gathering include masaledar cashews, cheesy paneer roll-ups, chickpea cheese tortilla wheels, cheesy pizza bites, and thecha cheese bombs.

How do you make air-fryer masaledar cashews?

Toss raw cashews with a little ghee or oil, red chilli powder, turmeric, black pepper, chaat masala, and salt. Spread them in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook until lightly golden and crunchy, shaking halfway through.

How are thecha cheese bombs prepared?

Mash boiled potatoes with Maharashtrian thecha chutney, shape small portions into balls with a cheese cube in the centre, dip them in a flour-and-water slurry, coat with breadcrumbs, and air fry until crisp and golden.

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About the Author

Abigail BanerjiSenior Sub Editor

Abigail Banerji is a Senior Sub Editor with News18’s English desk. She brings 6 years of experience across both print and digital newsrooms, spanning editorial planning, reportage, copy editing, conte…Read More