Healthy Diwali Snacking: Top 5 Air Fryers to Cut the Oil

Diwali and fried foods have been inseparable for as long as anyone can remember – the crunch of samosas, the puff of pakoras, the crackle of mathri. Yet the post‑feast heaviness is real, especially when you’re trying to stick to a healthier routine. The good news? You don’t have to abandon those beloved treats. A good air fryer can give you that golden crisp with barely a drop of oil, making your festive spread both tasty and lighter.

In a nutshell, an air fryer is a compact, high‑speed oven. A powerful fan whirls scorching air around the food, creating a Maillard reaction that mimics deep‑frying. Most manufacturers claim you can slash the fat content by 80‑90 % compared to traditional oil‑deep frying. For many Indian snacks, a quick spray or a teaspoon of oil is enough – sometimes none at all.

We scanned Amazon’s catalogue, filtered for ratings of four stars and above, and pulled together five models that have earned a solid reputation among Indian users. All are in stock, and each comes with a discount that makes them festive‑budget friendly.

1. Philips Digital Airfryer HD9252/90 (4.1 L) – The Philips name carries weight, and the HD9252/90 lives up to it. Over 7,700 buyers have given it an average of 4.3 stars. Its patented Rapid Air technology and a star‑fish‑shaped basket promise even cooking without the need to flip. Seven touch‑screen presets cover everything from aloo tikki to cake, and a “Keep Warm” mode keeps dishes ready for the gathering. The basket is dishwasher‑safe, and the unit automatically shuts off when you pull the basket out. Currently priced about 43 % off its ₹11,995 MRP.

2. NUUK BRĪSK 6.5 L Ceramic Air Fryer – If you’re wary of non‑stick chemicals, NUUK’s ceramic basket might be your sweet spot. Its ILAG CeramicTech coating is PTFE, PFAS and PFOA‑free. With a generous 6.5 L capacity, it can handle a family‑size meal in one go. One‑touch presets include a dedicated “Samosa” mode, and a shake‑reminder nudges you to toss the food halfway through for uniform crispness. It enjoys the highest rating on our list – 4.5 stars – and is available at roughly a 42 % discount.

3. Havells Prolife Brio Air Fryer (4.2 L) – Havells offers solid value, especially now that it’s listed at a 61 % markdown from ₹9,995. A 1,350 W heating element heats up quickly, while the Aero Crisp 360° airflow ensures even browning. A clear window lets you peek without losing heat, and the silicone‑coated basket prevents sticking even with minimal oil. Perfect for a household of three to four.

4. SOLARA 4.5 L Air Fryer with See‑Through Window – This model packs the most presets – ten one‑touch cooking modes – making it beginner‑friendly. Its 1,500 W element, combined with 360° rapid air circulation, claims up to 90 % less fat usage. The see‑through window and cool‑touch handle add safety and convenience. Priced around ₹3,300 (a 67 % cut), it’s a budget champion with a solid 4.3‑star rating.

5. KENT New Ultra Air Fryer (4 L) – The most wallet‑friendly pick, under ₹2,800 after a whopping 75 % discount. Over 4,500 reviews give it a 4‑star average. Its 1,300 W motor and rapid heating let you fry, grill, roast, steam or bake. An auto cut‑off feature adds a layer of safety, and a one‑year warranty backs the purchase. Ideal for first‑time air‑fryer users.

Here’s a quick price snapshot for easy comparison:

Philips HD9252/90 – 4.1 L – ₹11,995 → ₹6,799 (‑43 %)
NUUK BRĪSK – 6.5 L – ₹11,999 → ₹6,999 (‑42 %)
Havells Prolife Brio – 4.2 L – ₹9,995 → ₹3,898 (‑61 %)
SOLARA – 4.5 L – ₹9,999 → ₹3,299 (‑67 %)
KENT New Ultra – 4 L – ₹10,999 → ₹2,799 (‑75 %)

Tips for getting the best crunch this Diwali

• Use a light spray or just a teaspoon of oil – most frozen samosas and fries need none.
• Don’t overload the basket. Give each piece room for the hot air to circulate; cook in batches if necessary.
• Shake or flip halfway through the cycle for an even golden colour.
• Choose a size that matches your typical crowd – 4‑4.5 L for a small family, 6 L+ if you regularly host guests.

Lastly, keep an eye on bank offers, coupons and flash sales; they can shave off another few hundred rupees. Prices on Amazon shift quickly, so double‑check the live listing before you click “Buy”. Happy, healthy Diwali!