Crispy bread slices soaked in creamy, cardamom-infused milk and topped with nuts, Perfect for festive occasions like Eid, this easy recipe brings all the rich flavors without any hassle.
Shahi Tukray, literally meaning “Royal Bites,” is a traditional Indian dessert from the Subcontinent. Think of it as the region’s version of bread pudding, but unlike Egyptian Umm Ali, it doesn’t require baking. Slices of bread are traditionally fried until golden and crispy, then soaked in creamy, cardamom-infused milk.
In this easy Shahi Tukray recipe, I’ve made a healthier twist by air frying the bread slices — giving the same crispiness without soaking up oil. If you prefer the traditional method, pan-frying instructions are included too.
This crowd-pleasing dessert is perfect for entertaining and festive occasions. Shahi Tukray is often prepared during celebrations and is an ideal Eid dessert, served alongside Sheer Khurma and Firni (rice pudding).
Ingredients Of Shahi Tukray
Shahi Tukray is a very minimalist recipe requiring only 5 ingredients. All of them are basic ingredients which are easily available.
Bread – Use white bread slices with the crust trimmed. Wholemeal bread can also be used.
Milk – Full-cream milk works best for a rich flavor.
Cream – Full-fat cream is ideal, but low-fat or reduced-fat cream can also be used.
Sugar – white or raw sugar. Condensed milk can be an alternative for extra richness.
Cardamom – Whole cardamoms or you can use ground cardamom as well.
Garnish – Pistachios and almonds are classic toppings. Optional extras include rose petals, edible silver leaf, or saffron for a festive touch.
How To Make Shahi Tukray
- Toast The bread – Cut the crust of bread slices. Place the bread in air fryer and spray oil. Air fry until light golden and crispy. For conventional method heat oil in a pan and shallow fry bread until golden on both sides.
- Prepare Milk – In a saucepan, combine milk, sugar, and cardamom. Bring to a boil, then simmer on low for 10 minutes. Stir in cream and simmer for another 10 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Assemble – Arrange bread in a serving dish and then pour the milk over.
- Garnish – chopped almonds and pistachios.
- Chill and serve – Allow to cool, then refrigerate until chilled.
WATCH HOW TO MAKE FRYER SHAHI TUKRAY
Using Traditional Method Of Frying The bread
If you want to make Shahi Tukray traditional way by frying the bread, you can do that too.
Add some oil in a pan and shallow fry it over medium heat until golden and crispy on low heat.
Make Shahi Tukray Ahead
Shahi Tukray are perfect to make ahead. They can be prepared a day in advance and chilled in refrigerator.
For best results reserve some prepared milk mixture. Pour it over just before serving and garnish with nuts.
Other Dessert Recipes To Try:
Umm Ali – Egyptian Bread Pudding
Do try this Shani Tukray recipe and let me know how it turned out in the comments below! I’d love to hear your feedback.
Easy Shahi Tukray
Ingredients
- 8 Slices White Bread See Notes
- 3 Cups Milk
- ½ Cup Cream
- ¾ Cup Sugar See Notes
- 3-4 Cardamoms See Notes
- Almonds, Pistachio and Saffron strands for Garnish
- Oil Spray
Instructions
- In a heavy base pot add milk along with cardamom and sugar. Bring it boil while stirring. Reduce the heat and allow it to simmer on low heat for 10-15 mins.
- While milk is simmering, prepare bread. Cut the crust of bread slices and cut them into half diagonally.
- Put them in air fryer basket and spray oil on the side facing up. Set the timer to 2 minutes at 200 ℃. After that turn the bread slices over and spray oil on the other side. Turn the airfryer on again for 2 minutes.
- If you want to fry the bread. heat 1/2 cup oil in a pan. Fry the bread slices while turning until they are golden on both sides.
- Layer the toasted bread slices in a serving dish.
- By this time milk will be reduced and slightly thickened. Add cream while stirring it. Continue to simmer it on medium heat for another 5-7 minutes. You can taste test at this stage and add more sugar if you like.
- Using a laddle pour milk mixture over the bread slices. Ensure that all the slices are covered evenly. Allow it to cool down at room temperature. As it cools down bread will absorb the milk.
- Once Shahi tukray are at room temperature, put them in the refrigerator. Garnish with chopped pistachios, almonds and saffron strands. Serve chilled.
Notes
- You can also use whole meal bread or brioche bread.
- Ground Cardamom can also be used.
- I used 3/4 cup of sugar for moderately sweet taste. If you prefer it to be more sweet you can add 1 cup. Condensed milk can also be used as an alternative to sugar.
Thank you so much for creating this recipe with air fryer. You can’t even tell that it’s not fried. Same authentic taste with out frying the bread.
Thats true its so much better in air fryer and doesnt compromise the taste.