Cooking trends in India have always evolved every few years, influenced by global methods and innovations. Post-pandemic, with health and immunity becoming priorities, air fryers emerged as a healthier alternative to deep frying.

What Is an Air Fryer?
An air fryer is a countertop appliance that uses a heating element and fan to circulate hot air, similar to a convection oven. Foods turn crispy outside and tender inside without actual frying. Philips introduced the first air fryer in 2010, and since then millions have been sold worldwide.

How Does an Air Fryer Work?
Air fryers use convection heat to brown and crisp food while keeping it moist inside. The Maillard reaction creates flavor and browning, giving results similar to deep frying but with minimal oil.

Success in India
Air fryers reduce oil usage, making fried snacks like samosa, aloo tikki, kulcha, and kachori healthier. Compact size suits small kitchens, though taste differences compared to deep frying remain.

Comfort in Cooking
Air fryers feature baskets and racks that allow hot air circulation at around 400°F. Some models include presets and digital controls for convenience.

Popular Foods Made in Air Fryer

French Fries
Chicken Fry / Koliwada Prawns
Paneer Kurkure
Baked Samosa
Aloo Tikki
Cookies / Nankhatai
Pizza
Air Fryer Chicken
Frozen Food
Bhajji / Pakora

Minus Points in India
Average size is 4L, too compact compared to OTG ovens. Batter-based items don’t taste the same as deep fried. Microwaves with slim fry options are preferred by many. Flavor-conscious consumers often remain unconvinced.

Recipes

1. Chatpati Aloo Tikkiya
Ingredients: Potatoes, peas, rice flour, turmeric, ginger-chilli paste, garam masala, coriander, oil.
Method: Steam potatoes, cook peas, mash with spices and flour. Shape patties, preheat air fryer at 200°C, air fry 7–8 mins, flip and cook 6 mins more. Serve with chutney.

2. Paneer Ka Kurkuredaar Snack
Ingredients: Paneer cubes, flour, chilli powder, garam masala, turmeric, ginger-garlic paste, breadcrumbs, salt.
Method: Make batter, coat paneer, roll in breadcrumbs, refrigerate 10 mins. Air fry at 180°C for 8 mins, shake midway. Serve hot with chutney.

3. Murgh Alishan Fryer Snack
Ingredients: Chicken thighs, salt, pepper, buttermilk, eggs, flour, cajun spice, garlic, onion, paprika.
Method: Season chicken, dip in flour, buttermilk, flour again. Air fry at 180°C for 15–20 mins, spray oil, turn and cook 5–10 mins more.

4. Baked Khushnuma Samosa
Ingredients: Dough (flour, salt, oil), filling (paneer, cabbage, rajma, cheese, tomatoes, chilli flakes, peri peri, mayo).
Method: Prepare dough, mix filling, shape samosas, brush with oil. Air fry at 180°C for 15–17 mins. Serve hot.

5. Dilkhush Double Roti Stuffed Pockets
Ingredients: Sandwich bread, onion, corn, garlic, herbs, chilli flakes, mozzarella, pizza sauce, oil.
Method: Mix filling, soften bread slices with water, fill and fold, seal edges. Preheat air fryer at 180°C, cook 15 mins, brushing with oil midway. Serve hot.

Conclusion
Cooking is an art blending skill and creativity. While air fryers offer healthier options, traditional deep frying still holds its charm for authentic taste. Balance indulgence with exercise to manage health.

Happy Cooking!
Dr. Chef Kaviraj Khialani
Celebrity Master Chef, Mumbai