Did you know your air fryer can do so much more than just fry without oil? It can be your ultimate tool for a healthy life without sacrificing flavour. Usually, fried foods are tastier compared to those made with less or no oil. But with an air fryer, you can achieve maximum flavour using just a fraction of the oil. Whether it's fries or kebabs, everything can be prepared with little to no oil — sometimes less than half a teaspoon! To help you unleash the full potential of air fryers, My Kolkata has curated some interesting, healthy and easy-to-make recipes by master chefs and food content creators.
Guilt-free French Fries
Can you make French Fries without deep frying? If you think ‘no’ then MasterChef Oindrila Bala is here to prove you wrong with her non-fried French fries recipe. For parents, whose kids keep craving fries, this is the perfect way to serve up yummy fries without worrying about excess oil. These potato fries are made using only a tablespoon of oil and air-fried instead of deep frying. The result? Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside — everything you love, minus the guilt. Check out the recipe and give it a try at home.
Zero-oil puris
Puris are a favourite in most Indian households but are often avoided because they’re deep-fried in oil. For Bengalis, it’s luchi. While we love our luchi with alur dum or shada alur torkari, eating more than two can feel like a guilty pleasure. But MasterChef Neha Deepak Shah has a guilt-free recipe that feels like magic. How? The puris are first made in water and then air-fried, coming out perfectly puffed just like their oil-fried counterparts. Surprised? Check the reel for the full recipe and enjoy your luchis or puris with less guilt.
Air-fried onion rings vs oil-fried onion rings
Does air-frying affect taste? Some say yes, while others hardly notice a difference. But it's always a battle between health and taste. In a fun cook-off, chef Chinu Vaze and actress Sameera Reddy’s Sassy Saasu take on the oil vs air fryer challenge with onion rings. Health-conscious Chinu uses the air fryer, while Sassy Saasu stands by deep frying. And who’s the judge? Sameera Reddy! Will she pick the air-fried rings or the oil-fried ones? Watch the fun reel and get both recipes right here.
Healthy chicken skewers
Have you ever tasted something so good that it made you say, “I could eat this every day”? This air-fried chicken skewer recipe might just be that dish for you — delicious, quick and hassle-free. MasterChef Natasha Gandhi has shared a simple yet delish recipe for garlicky, buttery chicken skewers. These skewers can be great for your diet, especially if you are unable to meet your daily protein intake. Once you try this recipe, you'll realise how magical the air fryer can be in creating tasty and healthy meals at home.
Can an air fryer make Malai Paneer Tikka too?
It’s not just about chicken! This magical kitchen appliance can also whip up some fantastic vegetarian dishes. Chef Nehal Karkera has been posting a series of tandoori air fryer recipes, including some mouth-watering vegetarian options. While Chef Nehal admits the paneer tikka might not be exactly like a traditional tandoor version, it’s still a healthier, time-saving alternative with a restaurant-style profile. Instead of constantly turning skewers in a tandoor and worrying about burning them, just pop them into an air fryer and relax.
Pav in an air fryer?
After frying and grilling, it’s time to show off the baking skills of an air fryer. Food content creator Pooja Roy has baked a whole loaf of pav buns entirely in an air fryer. We were ready for surprises when the air fryer hit the market, and this one doesn't disappoint at all. The process looks easy and time-saving, with the pavs turning out soft and fluffy. So, the next time you’re craving fresh pav bhaji, why not make it all at home?
Finally, ending with some sweetness!
Not only savoury dishes, but you can also whip up yummy brownies in an air fryer. Pragya Saini shares her experience creating a dense and chocolatey brownie using this versatile appliance. Even if you don’t have an oven, your air fryer has you covered for snacks, lunch, dinner and even dessert. Try out the brownie recipe today.