Top 10 Best Healthy Indian Snacks Recipes For Kids

Finding healthy snack options for kids can be challenging, especially if they are picky eaters. Indian cuisine is known for its rich flavours and healthy ingredients, making it a great option for parents looking for nutritious snack choices. With the rise of childhood obesity and lifestyle diseases, it’s more important than ever to provide kids with healthy, homemade snacks that are both delicious and nutritious. In this article, we’ll explore the Top 10 Best Healthy Indian Snack Recipes For Kids, featuring a variety of options that are easy to make, kid-friendly, and packed with nutrients to support their growing bodies and minds.

Top Ten Ideas For Easy Homemade Indian Snacks Recipes For Kids

After a long day at school, kids often come home hungry and craving a snack. As a parent/guardian, it’s important to provide them with nutritious and delicious options that will keep them satisfied until dinner time. It’s a known fact that Indian cuisine offers a wide range of easy-to-make snacks that are perfect as after school or evening snacks for kids. From wholesome, fluffy-soft muffins to savoury cutlets, these homemade Indian snacks are not only healthy but also bursting with flavour. In this article, we’ll explore the top ten ideas for easy homemade Indian snack recipes for kids, featuring simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions that even novice cooks can follow.

List Of Best Indian Recipes Of Children’s Snacks 

1. Cheese And Paneer Toast

The kids are back from school, and you are frantically wondering what to give them as a snack? Fret not! When it comes to finding the best simple children’s snack recipes, cheese and paneer toast is a must-try option. One of the easy Indian snacks to make in 5 minutes, it is not only delicious but also packed with protein and calcium, making it a nutritious choice for kids. The melted cheese and spices in this recipe go fantastically with paneer, a fresh cheese popular in Indian cooking. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, this snack is a great option for busy parents who want to provide their kids with a healthy and satisfying snack. Check out this article for the recipe for our Chilli Cheese Toast and Masala French Toast recipes!

Preparation Time – 5 minutes

Cooking Time – 20 minutes

Servings – 5

Ingredients For Cheese And Paneer Toast

Paneer (crumbled) – 1 ½ cup

Oil – 1 Tb spoon

Onion (finely chopped) – 1 medium 

Green chillies (chopped) – 1

Tomato (deseeded and finely chopped) – 1

Mozzarella cheese (grated) – 200 gms

Cumin seeds – ½ tsp

Ginger garlic paste – 1 tsp

Turmeric powder – ¼ tsp

Red chilli powder – ½ tsp

Garam masala – ½ tsp

Kasuri methi – ½ tsp

Butter – 1 Tbsp

Coriander leaves (chopped) – a handful 

Red chilli flakes – as needed

Salt – as needed

Method Of Preparation For Cheese And Paneer Toast

• Heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds. Let it crackle. Next, add chopped onions and green chilies. Sauté until the onions are a golden colour. 

• To this add ginger garlic paste and cook till the raw smell goes off. Add tomatoes, turmeric, salt and sauté. Cover and cook till the tomatoes are mushy. Then add chilli powder and garam masala and combine well.

• Add paneer and combine well with the masala. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves, Kasuri methi, and chilli flakes.

• Spread butter on one side of the bread slices and heat them on the pan. 

• Add hot paneer masala mix and grated cheese on the bread slice.

• Toast them on medium flame till the cheese melts without burning.

2. Instant Wheat Appam

Instant Wheat Appam is a delicious and healthy Indian snack that is easy to make and perfect for kids. Made from whole wheat flour, coconut, and jaggery, this snack is packed with nutrients and is a great alternative to processed snacks. With its crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior, Instant Wheat Appam is a crowd-pleaser among both kids and adults. As one of the top ten ideas for easy homemade Indian snacks recipes for kids, this snack is not only tasty but also easy to prepare. With just a few ingredients and minimal cooking time, parents can whip up a batch of these appams in no time, providing their kids with a healthy and satisfying snack. 

Preparation time – 5 minutes

Cooking time – 25 minutes

Servings – 6

Ingredients For Instant Wheat Appam

Whole wheat flour – 1 cup

Rice flour – 2 Tbsp

Banana (medium) – 1

Coconut (grated) – 2 Tbsp

Jaggery (grated) – ½ cup

Water – ½ cup (for melting the jaggery)

Cardamom powder – 2 pinches

Soda – a pinch

Water – as needed

Method Of Preparation For Instant Wheat Appam

• Heat ½ cup water and dissolve jaggery in it.

• In a bowl, mash the banana and add strained jaggery.

• Add wheat flour, rice flour, and soda. Use water and mix well to make it into a batter of pouring consistency free of lumps.

• Grease the appam pan with ghee and pour ghee in the moulds. When hot, pour the batter to fill ¾ of each mould.

• When the base turns slightly brown, flip them with a wooden spoon.

• Cook until the edges are golden brown. Serve hot.

3. Corn Cutlets

The next recipe on our list is sure to be the new fav in the house! Corn cutlets are a popular vegetarian snack in Indian cuisine that are both easy to make and delicious. They are perfect for parents looking for the best vegetable snacks for kids that are healthy, nutritious, and packed with flavour. Corn cutlets are made from a mixture of mashed potatoes, corn, and spices and then shallow-fried until crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. They are a great source of fibre, vitamins, and minerals, making them a nutritious option for growing kids. In this article, we’ll explore how to make corn cutlets and include them as one of the top ten ideas for easy homemade Indian snack recipes for kids.

Preparation time – 5 minutes

Cooking time – 25 minutes

Servings – 8

Ingredients For Corn Cutlets

Potatoes (medium) – 2

Fresh corn – ¾ cup

Bread crumbs or rice flakes (powdered) – ¼ cup

Green chilli – 1

Coriander leaves (chopped) – 2 Tbsp

Ginger paste – ½ tsp

Red chilli powder – ½ tsp

Chaat masala – ¼ tsp

Salt – as needed

Oil – 2 Tbsp

Method Of Preparation For Corn Cutlets

• Boil the potatoes and corn.

• Mash the potatoes and add all the ingredients excluding oil and combine well. Knead the mixture very well to make the dough by hand or using a blender.

• Make small balls and flatten them.

• Heat the pan and add oil. Toast them on the hot pan on both sides until golden brown.

• Serve hot with tomato sauce or green chutney.

4. Pasta Muffins

Pasta muffins are a unique twist on traditional Italian pasta dishes that have become a popular snack for kids in Indian households. They are perfect for parents looking for the best quick Indian snacks for kids that are both easy to make and delicious. They are a great choice for lunchboxes or after-school snacks because they are simple to make and can be prepared in advance.  

Preparation time – 10 minutes

Cooking time – 20 minutes

Servings – 6

Ingredients For Pasta Muffins

Macaroni pasta – ½ cup

Mozzarella cheese – ½ cup and 2 Tbsp grated

Corn flakes – ½ cup

Mint leaves (chopped) – 1 ½  Tbsp

Olive oil – 2 Tbsp

Chilli flakes or pepper powder – as needed

Salt – as needed

Chopped veggies – ¾ cup

Capsicum (red & green) – 1 

Carrot – 3

Spring onions

Green chilli – 2

Method Of Preparation For Pasta Muffins

• Cook pasta following the instructions. Rinse and drain.

• Preheat the oven to 170^o C.

• Mix the pasta with grated cheese, and in another bowl, add chopped vegetables, salt, and pepper and combine well. 

• Add pasta cheese mix to greased muffin mould. Add the chopped veggies, followed by cheese and then crumbled corn flakes evenly.

• Drizzle olive oil on top and bake for 15 minutes.

• Keep it aside for 5 minutes and take them out.

• Serve hot with sauce.

5. Milk Poha

Looking for a traditional Indian snack that is easy to make? Then, look no further than the tasty dish called Milk Poha! Milk Poha is a healthy and nutritious snack that is perfect for kids of all ages. It is a popular dish in Indian cuisine and is made with flattened rice, milk, and nuts. Poha is rich in iron, carbohydrates, and fibre, making it an ideal snack to include in the list of the top ten best nutritious Indian snacks for children. Milk Poha is also simple to make and can be tailored to your child’s tastes.

Preparation time – 5 minutes

Cooking time – 3 minutes

Servings – 1

Ingredients For Milk Poha

Rice flakes – 1 cup

Almonds (sliced) – 8

Pistachios (sliced) – 8

Dates – 4

Milk – 1 cup

Jaggery – as needed

Method Of Preparation For Milk Poha

• Clean the rice flakes by rinsing or dry roast.

• Add all the ingredients along with hot milk.

• Serve as hot or cold.

6. Masala Peanuts

When it comes to finding the best healthy evening snacks for kids in India, there are many options to choose from. One popular snack that kids love is masala peanuts, which are easy to make and bursting out with flavour! These roasted peanuts are flavoured with a blend of spices and can be customised to suit your child’s taste buds. Try this recipe out right away, and watch your little ones finish it off in no time!

Preparation time – 5 minutes

Cooking time – 10 minutes

Servings – 6

Ingredients For Masala Peanuts

Peanut – 1 cup

Red chilli powder – ½ tsp

Garam masala – ½ tsp

Chat masala – ½ tsp

Chickpea flour – 3 Tbsp

Rice flour – 1 ½ Tbsp

Ginger garlic paste – 1 tsp

Ajwain – ½ tsp

Turmeric – 1 pinch

Curry leaves/ mint leaves (chopped) – a handful 

Oil – 1 Tbsp

Salt – as needed 

Method Of Preparation For Masala Peanuts

• In a bowl, add all the ingredients except oil, ginger-garlic paste, and peanuts. Combine well. 

• Rinse the peanuts and drain the water. Smear the peanuts with ginger garlic paste. Toss them well in the flour.

• Heat oil in a pan for deep frying.
• When the oil is hot, drop them gently. Don’t add everything together, as it will form lumps.

• Wait for a minute and stir and fry them till golden brown. Remove them to a colander.

• Cool them and store them in an airtight container.

7. Mango Salsa

If you’re a parent struggling to get your picky eaters to eat fruits and vegetables, then Mango Salsa is the snack for you! Mango Salsa is one of the top Indian snacks with fruits and vegetables especially for picky eaters. This sweet and tangy dish, made from ripe mangoes, is a refreshing twist on traditional salsa and is perfect for introducing kids to new flavours. Mango salsa is a versatile snack that’s a great source of vitamins and antioxidants, making it a healthy option for kids. 

Preparation time – 10 minutes

Cooking time – 1 minute

Servings – 2 cups

Ingredients For Mango Salsa

Firm and ripe mango (chopped) – 1 cup

Tomato (ripe, deseeded and chopped) – 1

Cucumbers (chopped) – 3 Tbsp

Onion (small, chopped) – 1

Green chillies (chopped) – 1

Peanuts -2 Tbsp

Honey – 1 tsp

Mint – as needed

Salt – as needed

Pepper powder – as needed

Method Of Preparation For Mango Salsa

• In a large bowl, add all the ingredients and toss well.

• Refrigerate for 30 minutes and serve with chips.

8. Chicken Noodles

We dare you to show us a child, or adult, who doesn’t love Chicken Noodles! This easy-to-make snack is a favourite among kids and adults alike, and for good reason. It’s tasty and filling, and it can be customised to suit any taste preference. Made with a mix of vegetables, spices, and boneless chicken, this snack is a great source of protein and nutrients, making it one of the top ten best tasty and healthy Indian snacks for kids. Whether it’s an after-school snack or a quick and easy dinner option, chicken noodles are sure to be a hit with your family. Make sure to check out the Top 10 Best And Healthy 1 Hour Recipes For The Weekend article that lists delicious recipes that can be made as easily as these Chicken Noodles!

Preparation time – 10 minutes

Cooking time – 25 minutes

Servings – 2

Ingredients For Chicken Noodles

Garlic – 2 cloves

Spring onion (chopped) – 2 Tbsp

Capsicum (Julienned) – ¼ cup

Carrot (julienned) – ¼ cup

Cabbage (julienned) – ¼ cup

Spring onion (green) – ¼ cup

Soya sauce – 1 Tbsp

Chilli sauce – 1 ½ Tbsp

Salt – as needed

Water (to mix with sauces) – as needed

For Noodles:

Noodles – 150gm

Oil- 2 tsp

Salt –as needed

To Marinate:

Chicken (boneless) – 200gm

Pepper powder – ¼ tsp

Soya Sauce – 1 tsp

Garam masala – ½ tsp

Salt – as needed

Method Of Preparation For Chicken Noodles

• First, marinate the boneless chicken pieces with soya sauce, salt, pepper and garam masala. Keep them aside and let it sit till the noodles are cooked. 

• In a large vessel, boil 2 litres of water; add noodles, salt, and oil following the instructions on the packet. 

• Once noodles are cooked, drain them to a colander to strain the water. Don’t overcook as noodles become sticky.

• Meantime clean and cut all the veggies and keep it aside.

• Heat a pan with 1Tb spoon oil and add garlic. Fry for 30 seconds till the raw smell goes off.

• Add marinated chicken, sauté and cook on medium flame. Add 2 tablespoons of hot water if the pan is too dry. Remove from the flame if done.

• In another pan, add 1 Tb spoon oil and keep it on high flame. Add spring onions, carrots, cabbage, capsicum, and sauté for 2 minutes.

• To this, add chopped spring onion greens, soya sauce, chilli sauce, and noodles. Check for salt. Add more if needed.

• Add the cooked marinated chicken into this and fry for 2 minutes.

• Serve hot.

9. Egg Paratha

As a parent, packing a healthy and nutritious lunch box for your child can be challenging. You want to make sure that they are getting the right balance of nutrients while also satisfying their taste buds. One great option for the lunch box is Egg Paratha, a popular Indian snack that is both easy to make and delicious. It is a great source of protein, fibre, and other essential nutrients, making it one of the top ten best healthy snacks for Indian children’s lunch boxes. 

Preparation time – 5 minutes

Cooking time – 25 minutes

Servings – 2

Ingredients For Egg Paratha

Wheat flour – ½ cup

Eggs -2

Onion (small) – 1

Green chilli (chopped) – 1

Capsicum (finely chopped) – 1 Tbsp

Carrot (grated) – 2 Tbsp

Oil – 1 tsp

Pepper powder – 1 pinch

Turmeric powder – 1 pinch

Coriander leaves – 1 Tbsp

Salt –as needed

Water – as needed

Method Of Preparation For Egg Paratha

• Into a bowl, crack 2 eggs. Add finely chopped vegetables, salt, turmeric powder, and pepper powder. Beat until frothy and keep it aside.

• Knead the flour with just enough water and oil to make a soft and supple dough. Cover and keep it aside for a minimum of 20 minutes. 

• Roll paratha sprinkling flour on the rolling board.

• Heat a Tawa and place the paratha and cook till it gets firm on one side. Flip over and cook the other side till layers get puffed and separated. Paratha should not be completely cooked.

• Remove the paratha to a plate and open the top layer on one side and pour half the egg mixture and spread gently. Cover with the layer.

• Place the paratha gently on the Tawa. Drizzle some ghee and cook on medium flame.

• When the egg is cooked completely, flip the paratha and gently press.

• Cook on the other side till the paratha has golden brown spots.

• You can serve egg paratha with chutney and vegetable salad. Alternatively, this can be packed in a tiffin as a school lunch for kids.

10. Sweet Corn Soup

If you’re looking for healthy and delicious homemade Indian snacks for children, look no further than Sweet Corn Soup. This warm and comforting soup is not only easy to make, but it’s also packed with nutrients that growing kids need. Sweet Corn Soup is made from sweet corn kernels, vegetables, and spices and is perfect for an after-school snack or as a light dinner. Whether your kids are picky eaters or adventurous foodies, this snack is sure to be a hit!

Preparation time – 5 minutes

Cooking time – 15 minutes

Servings – 3

Ingredients For Sweet Corn Soup

Corn kernels(fresh) – 1 ½ cup

Beans (finely chopped) – 6

Carrots (finely chopped) – ¼ cup

Spring onions (chopped) – 3 sprigs

Green peas – ¼ cup

Potato (finely chopped) – 1

Corn flour – 1 tsp

Water or veg stock – 3 cups

Garlic (minced) – ¼ tsp

Ginger (minced) – ¼ cup

Sugar – ¼ tsp

Pepper powder – ¼ tsp

Butter – 1 tsp

Method Of Preparation For Sweet Corn Soup

• Wash all the vegetables and chop them finely. Separate the whites and greens of spring onions. Mince ginger and garlic. 

• Heat a pot and add oil. Add ginger and garlic and sauté until the raw smell goes away.

• Add vegetables and sweet corn kernels along with spring onion white. Sauté this for around 3 minutes.

• Add water or stock and boil on low flame until all the vegetables are cooked.

• Mix cornstarch with 3 Tbsp water. While soup boils, pour this slowly into the pot and keep stirring till it thickens.

• Add salt and sugar. Add spring onion greens and pepper powder.

• Transfer into a bowl and serve hot.

A great way to improve a child’s general health and well-being is to include healthy snacks in their diet. The aforementioned top 10 homemade Indian snacks strike the ideal balance between flavour and nutrition. These snack recipes are not only delicious, but they are also a great way to ensure that your kids eat nutritious food. These snacks are easy to make, use healthy ingredients, and are perfect for picky eaters. Moreover, making these snacks at home also ensures that they are free from any harmful preservatives and additives, making them a perfect choice for both kids and adults alike.

Looking for more healthy recipes that are kid-friendly? Check out the top ten recipes we have listed in our Top 10 Dairy Foods Kids Love article!