Air fryers can be a useful addition to Indian kitchens, especially for preparing everyday snacks with minimal oil. From roasted makhana, spiced chana, puffed rice, and peanuts to sprout chaat, they make quick, convenient snacks with minimal fuss. They are also handy for occasional favorites such as pakoras, samosas, and hara bhara kebabs, offering a crisp finish without deep-frying.
While the taste will not be an exact match to traditional deep-fried versions, it comes surprisingly close. Serve these snacks with an assortment of chutneys, sauces, and dips to make the spread more interesting. With health and lifestyle benefits increasingly outweighing taste-related compromises, air frying is certainly worth exploring for everyday Indian snacking.
Our Top 5 Air Fryer Picks
1. KENT Digital Air Fryer 6.5L, 1600W
-
Price: ₹5,899 (46% off)
-
Overview: This 6.5-litre air fryer is designed for everyday cooking, including roasting, baking, grilling, and air frying. Its rapid hot-air circulation helps cook food with less oil, while the digital touch controls make settings easy to adjust. Eight preset menus offer convenient cooking options, and the viewing window with a built-in light lets you monitor food without opening the fryer.
-
Reasons to buy: Large cooking capacity, 8 preset menus.
-
Reason to avoid: Takes up counter space; touch controls need regular cleaning.
2. AGARO Elegant Air Fryer 6.5L, 1800W
-
Price: ₹6,499 (54% off)
-
Overview: Combining a generous 6.5-litre capacity with 1800W power, this model features 360-degree air circulation supporting frying, grilling, toasting, and roasting. Adjustable temperature settings offer greater control over different recipes, while 12 preset cooking modes simplify preparation for snacks, appetizers, and regular meals.
-
Reasons to buy: 12 preset modes, generous cooking capacity.
-
Reason to avoid: Large countertop footprint, higher power consumption.
3. PHILIPS HD9270/70 2000 Watt Digital Air Fryer (6.2L)
-
Price: ₹15,395 (9% off)
-
Overview: This 6.2-litre digital air fryer uses Rapid Air Technology to circulate hot air for cooking with little to no added oil. Its 2000W power supports versatile cooking, while digital controls offer precise temperature and time adjustments. The removable, dishwasher-safe basket simplifies cleanup after heavy cooking sessions.
-
Reasons to buy: Rapid Air Technology, dishwasher-safe removable basket.
-
Reason to avoid: Bulky footprint, higher price point and power consumption.
4. Pigeon by Stovekraft Healthifry 5.4L Digital Air Fryer (1500W)
-
Price: ₹5,980 (54% off)
-
Overview: Designed for everyday cooking with reduced oil, this 5.4-litre fryer features a see-through window to monitor food during preparation. Touch controls, temperature adjustment, and automatic shut-off add practical convenience for roasting, frying, and reheating snacks.
-
Reasons to buy: See-through cooking window, automatic shut-off.
-
Reason to avoid: Moderate cooking capacity, limited countertop space flexibility.
5. Crompton Ameo DLX 4.2L Digital Air Fryer (1450W)
-
Price: ₹4,899 (51% off)
-
Overview: This compact 4.2-litre digital air fryer supports frying, baking, roasting, grilling, toasting, reheating, and defrosting via 7-in-1 functions. Quick Fry Technology and Super Helix heating ensure efficient cooking, while the live cooking window lets you monitor food without opening the basket.
-
Reasons to buy: Live cooking window, compact kitchen footprint.
-
Reason to avoid: Smaller cooking capacity, limited batch size.
Key Factors to Keep in Mind When Buying
-
Capacity: Choose 4 to 6 litres for everyday snacks, or larger formats for family-sized batches.
-
Temperature Control: Adjustable temperatures help achieve the ideal crispness for roasting makhana, peanuts, chana, and pakoras.
-
Cooking Functions: Built-in presets for frying, roasting, and baking add everyday versatility.
-
Viewing Window: Highly useful for checking items like samosas and kebabs without losing heat.
-
Ease of Cleaning: Non-stick, detachable, or dishwasher-safe parts simplify regular maintenance.
