5 air fryer tricks that actually make life easier

The air fryer isn’t just another fancy appliance taking up space on your kitchen counter. When used right, it can turn even basic meals into crispy, golden delights with far less oil. But most people barely scratch the surface of what it can really do. Beyond reheating pizza or making fries, your air fryer can be a quiet kitchen workhorse that saves time, cuts calories, and brings surprising flavour to everyday cooking. These clever tricks go beyond the obvious, and once you try them, you might wonder how you ever cooked without them.

Leftover rotis often end up dry and unappetising. But instead of settling for rubbery results from a tawa or microwave, try warming them in the air fryer. Just a few minutes wrapped in foil or lightly sprinkled with water will bring them back to life. They stay soft with a slight crisp on the edge, almost like they’re freshly made. Perfect for lunchbox mornings or late-night roll cravings.

Got leftover dry aloo gobhi, bhindi, or even baingan bharta? Mix it with a bit of besan or atta and shape it into small patties. Air fry until golden and crisp. These little tikkis are a great way to revive fridge leftovers and make them feel like something new. Pair with chutney or stuff them into sandwiches. It’s also a sneaky way to get kids to eat vegetables without a fuss.

No open flame? No problem. Just pop your papads into the air fryer for a minute or two. They puff up beautifully without needing any oil or direct heat. The texture is perfect and there’s zero mess. You can even add a pinch of masala or chaat spice after they’re done for that extra punch. Ideal for last-minute guests or quick snacks without turning on the stove.

If you’re someone who batch-cooks dal or sabzi, the air fryer can actually help finish things off with minimal oil. Toss your chopped garlic, mustard seeds, and dried chilli with a bit of oil and air fry for a short burst. It crisps up evenly and gives that same punchy flavour you get from a stovetop tadka. Pour over your dish and enjoy the aroma without the splatter.

Roasting almonds, peanuts, or makhana the traditional way needs constant attention, or they can burn in just seconds. In the air fryer, you can roast them evenly in a fraction of the total time. Add your favourite seasoning, think chatpata masala, haldi, or just salt and pepper, and let the air fryer do its magic thing. No stirring is required, and the result is a crunchy, tasty snack that stores well and easily beats store-bought any day.