Why does your aloo tikki sometimes turn dry instead of crispy?

And is it true that an air fryer is only good for snacks?

The air fryer has gone from a novelty appliance to kitchen staple in record time — promising crisp food, less oil and almost no mess. But somewhere between viral reels and kitchen hype, it has gathered its fair share of myths.

At its core, air fryers function much like compact convection ovens, cooking food faster while using less energy than traditional ovens. Food is placed in a pull-out basket, where users simply set the temperature and timer. The appliance circulates hot air evenly around the food in a sealed chamber, allowing it to heat up quickly and develop a crisp exterior.

"It is important to show consumers that air fryers are not just limited to snacks. Today’s digital air fryers can grill, roast, bake, reheat and even defrost ingredients. Features like preset menus and defrost functions help users experiment confidently beyond frozen foods, making air fryers a practical everyday appliance rather than an occasional one,” says Amitabh Bhatia, Head of Marketing at Stovekraft Ltd., the company that manufactures Pigeon Kitchen Appliances.

Air fryers are not a replacement for pressure cookers or traditional kadhais when it comes to gravies, curries or dishes that require boiling or stirring. “They work best as a complementary appliance - ideal for roasting, crisping, reheating, and light cooking. Understanding this helps users get the best results without unrealistic expectations,” he adds.

Lightly brushing or spraying food with oil, avoiding overcrowding with the ingredients and using the right temperature settings are important. “With Pigeon’s AirWhirl technology, hot air circulates evenly around the food, ensuring faster browning while also locking in the moisture. Typically for Indian dishes, marinating the ingredients will also help in retaining the flavour and texture,” he says.

So where does the air fryer actually fit into Indian cooking? Let’s bust the myths and decode its real role in the Indian kitchen.

Myth 1: The air fryer replaces frying completely

Reality: It doesn’t replace frying.

An air fryer uses rapid hot air circulation to mimic crispness, not deep immersion in oil. That means it works beautifully for foods that already have some fat or structure — think paneer pops, cutlets, tikkis, samosas, frozen snacks and marinated vegetables.

But classic deep-fried dishes like pooris, jalebis or boondi still need oil for their signature puff, texture and taste. The air fryer is best seen as an alternative for everyday frying, not a full replacement for festive favourites. Using an air fryer doesn’t make your food automatically healthy - it’s the ingredients and cooking methods that truly matter.

Myth 2: Air fryers dry everything out

Reality: Only if you let them.

Dry food is usually the result of overcooking or skipping oil altogether. A light brush or spray of oil goes a long way in retaining moisture, especially for Indian foods that rely on marinades and spices. Paneer stays soft and vegetables roast evenly provided you preheat the air fryer, don’t overcrowd the basket and flip or shake midway.

Myth 3: Air fryers are only for snacks

Reality: Snacks are just the beginning.

Yes, it excels at fries and nuggets, but it’s equally capable of handling tandoori-style vegetables, stuffed mushrooms and kebabs, toasted sandwiches and wraps, reheated leftovers that actually stay crisp. In Indian homes, the air fryer shines as a secondary cooking tool —perfect for quick meals, small batches and lighter versions of familiar dishes.

Myth 4: Air-fried food has no taste

Reality: Flavour depends on seasoning, not oil.

Indian cooking is built on spices, marinades and layering flavours. The air fryer doesn’t erase that but simply reduces excess oil. In fact, spices often taste more pronounced because they aren’t diluted by grease. The trick? Marinate well, rest your ingredients and finish with a squeeze of lemon, a brush of ghee or a sprinkle of chaat masala post-cooking.

Myth 5: It’s complicated to use

Reality: It’s one of the most beginner-friendly appliances.

No oil temperature guessing. No splatter. No constant monitoring. Set the temperature, the timer and you’re good to go. For busy Indian households juggling multiple dishes, the air fryer quietly earns its place on the counter.

Try these tips the next time you cook and share with us your experience in the comment section below.