Air Fryer Brilliance: See Why Everyone's Adopting These Hacks, And Why You Should Too

From crispy samosas to guilt-free French fries, the air fryer craze is catching on faster than you can say 'healthy snacking'. Discover why this humble kitchen gadget is redefining home cooking and the simple hacks that are making food lovers swoon.

By NDTV Shopping Desk Published On: Jul 04, 2025 07:15 PM IST Last Updated On: Jul 04, 2025 07:04 PM IST
Cook Crispy Favourites With Less Oil Using An Air Fryer That Fits Right Into Your Busy Kitchen Life

Cook Crispy Favourites With Less Oil Using An Air Fryer That Fits Right Into Your Busy Kitchen Life

There's a quiet revolution happening in kitchens everywhere. A once underrated appliance is now the star of mealtimes, and no, it's not the microwave. Enter the air fryer: a compact, countertop marvel that's turning traditional cooking on its head. Suddenly, everyone's frying without oil, roasting in half the time, and dishing out crispy delights with smug satisfaction.

Whether it's a college student surviving in a PG with barely a stove or a working parent juggling tiffin duties and evening snacks, the air fryer has become the go-to solution. Affordable (most models start around ₹3,000), efficient, and surprisingly versatile, it's the kind of kitchen buddy you didn't know you needed until it was there, making everything easier and crunchier.

But this isn't just about cooking faster or healthier. It's about the smart, simple hacks that transform the air fryer from useful to indispensable. Here's a list of ten must-try tips and tricks that have taken social media by storm, and could seriously up your food game.

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Boost Your Cooking: Everyone Is Trying These Air Fryer Hacks For Delicious Results; Why Not You? Photo Credit: Pexels

1. Reheat Like A Pro:  Goodbye Soggy Leftovers

Ever tried reheating pizza in a microwave? The crust turns rubbery, and the cheese loses its charm. Reheating in an air fryer, on the other hand, is a small miracle. That cold ₹250 slice from last night? In just three minutes at 180°C, it's reborn, crispy base, bubbling cheese, and all.

Leftover samosas, pakoras, or even parathas regain their golden crunch without becoming dry. No oil, no mess, just a blast of hot air. This one hack alone has made office lunchboxes feel less like sad throwbacks and more like restaurant-fresh treats.

Tip: Wrap food loosely in foil if it's drying out too much. Just don't crowd the basket; air circulation is the secret sauce.

2. Toast, Roast and Boast:  No Oven? No Problem

Roasting veggies in an air fryer is like giving them a glow-up. Those dull carrots and boring gobhi florets? Ten minutes with some olive oil, salt, and masala, and you've got a roasted platter worthy of a Sunday brunch spread.

Sweet potatoes roasted till caramelised, broccoli with that perfect crunch, and even stuffed mushrooms, all possible in under fifteen minutes. The air fryer replaces the oven for small-batch meals, especially when you can't be bothered to heat up the whole kitchen in the middle of April.

And the best part? You get those toasty, charred edges without standing over a gas flame.

3. Make Perfect Boiled Eggs, No Water Needed

Yes, you read that right. The air fryer can 'boil' eggs, without boiling anything. Pop them in the basket, set to 130°C for about 15 minutes, and voila, hard-boiled eggs, no kadhai, no watching over a flame.

The shells peel off effortlessly too, a dream come true during breakfast rush. Soft-boiled? Reduce the time to 9–10 minutes. This hack is especially handy for meal prepping when you need eggs for salads, sandwiches, or just a protein-packed snack.

It may sound odd at first, but try it once and you'll never go back to your gas stove egg routine.

4. The Midnight Craving Fix:  Instant Masala Fries

Everyone's had that moment: midnight strikes, and suddenly there's an unbearable craving for something spicy, crunchy, and naughty. The freezer has potato wedges, but you don't want to deep-fry at 1 am.

Enter the air fryer. Toss those frozen fries with chaat masala, red chilli powder, and a drizzle of mustard oil, and throw them in for ten minutes at 200°C. What comes out is hot, spiced perfection, crispy outside, soft inside.

Best part? Zero guilt. No oily fumes clinging to your kitchen. Pair it with mint chutney or ketchup, and your midnight snack game is officially upgraded.

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Cook Crispy Favourites With Less Oil Using An Air Fryer That Fits Right Into Your Busy Kitchen Life; Photo Credit: Freepik

5. DIY Namkeen:  Snack Smart, Snack Proud

Tired of overpriced, oily snacks? Make your own. Chickpeas, lotus seeds (makhana), or peanuts tossed with a touch of ghee and masala turn into crunchy, wholesome munchies in no time.

Roast for 10–12 minutes at 180°C, shaking halfway. You control the spice, the salt, and the oil, what's not to love? They store beautifully in airtight containers and cost a fraction of the store-bought versions.

This hack is a favourite for those evening chai breaks when you need something tasty, but don't want to reach for that ₹80 packet of sev again.

Also Read: Master Your Induction Stove: Effective Use With Power Settings, Cookware, Safety Tips

6. Revive Stale Snacks:  Like New Again

That half-eaten bag of namkeen or bhujia sitting in the cupboard? It's gone soft, and tossing it feels like wasting ₹50. Don't. Air fry it for 2–3 minutes at 150°C and it'll come back to life, crispy, fresh, and almost better than when you first opened it.

This trick works wonders for biscuits, khakra, and even store-bought chips. It's like giving your old snacks a second chance, and saving money in the process.

Bonus tip: Don't overdo it. A minute too long and you could end up with burnt bits.

7. Bake Without the Bake: Desserts Made Easy

Yes, the air fryer can handle desserts. Think molten chocolate lava cake, baked apples with cinnamon, or even gooey brownies in tiny ramekins. Small batches, quick cook time, and barely any prep, ideal for sudden sweet cravings.

You don't need fancy ingredients either. That ₹20 cake mix from the supermarket? Stir, pour, air fry at 160°C, and you've got a warm, spongy cake in 12 minutes flat.

It's a total game-changer for anyone who doesn't own an oven or just can't deal with the mess of traditional baking.

8. Curry Leaves & Spice Blends:  DIY Tadka Staples

Fresh curry leaves are divine, but they spoil quickly. With an air fryer, you can crisp them up in minutes and store them in jars for quick tadkas. Same goes for roasted jeera, dry garlic, and even red chillies.

Dry roast these in small batches, then grind or store for instant masala mixes. Homemade garam masala has never been easier, or more fragrant.

For anyone who enjoys the satisfaction of creating spice blends from scratch, this hack turns the air fryer into a flavour powerhouse.

9. Tandoori Without the Tandoor:  Street Food At Home

There's a special joy in eating smoky tandoori paneer or grilled soya chaap. But unless you've got a clay oven at home (and let's be honest, who does?), it's a bit of a pipe dream.

Not anymore. Marinate your paneer or chaap in hung curd, mustard oil, lemon juice, and spices, and pop it into the air fryer. Cook at 200°C for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway. The results? Slightly charred edges, juicy centres, and all the street-style vibes without stepping out.

Pair with sliced onions, green chutney, and maybe a drizzle of lemon, and you've recreated the magic right in your kitchen.

10. Clean-Up Hack:  No Scrubbing, No Stress

After all the cooking, here's a hack to save your sanity. Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper or aluminium foil (poked with holes for airflow) before cooking. It catches drips, crumbs, and grease, making cleanup as simple as lifting the sheet and tossing it out.

For really sticky messes, soak the basket in warm soapy water for ten minutes, then use a soft brush. No harsh scrubbing needed.

This little trick has saved hours and arguments in households where one person cooks and the other… conveniently disappears during cleaning time.

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Trending Now: Everyone Is Trying These Genius Air Fryer Hacks – Here's Why You Should Start; Photo Credit: Freepik

Products Related To This Article

1. KENT 16096 Classic Hot Air Fryer 4L 1300 W

2. Cookwell Air Fryer - 5L With See Through Window

3. PHILIPS Air Fryer NA120/00, uses up to 90% less fat

4. Faber 6L 1500W Digital Air Fryer | Fry, Bake, Roast

5. AGARO Galaxy Digital Air Fryer For Home, 4.5L, Electric Air Fryer

6. INALSA Air Fryer for Home|5.5 liter Capacity

7. PHILIPS Air Fryer NA231/00 with touch panel, uses up to 90% less fat

The air fryer isn't just a gadget; it's a quiet culinary revolution. From busy professionals whipping up quick lunches to grandparents experimenting with healthier laddoos, it's bridging gaps between taste, health, and convenience.

With power bills rising and time always short, this is a tool that delivers on all fronts. Plus, with these smart hacks, it goes from a one-trick appliance to an all-in-one kitchen hero.

So, whether it's to cut down on oil, level up your snack game, or simply spend less time cleaning, there's every reason to join the air fryer tribe. After all, in a world where crispy food can also be good for you, why wouldn't you? Shop now on Amazon.

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