Frozen foods and air fryers are changing modern cooking

Team L&M

India’s kitchens run on a set of myths that have been repeated for years. Frozen food is ‘Opposite of fresh’,  ‘only for emergencies.’ And, air fryers are called “not the best choice,” or ‘useful only for snacks.’ Most people repeat these lines without knowing where they came from. These narrations have shaped kitchen choices for decades, even though they rarely match the reality of how people cook and eat today.

In this reality, the old myths around frozen foods and air fryers fall apart. Freezing has always been a simple way to protect food and lock in taste without additives. Modern IQF Technology preserves nutrients effectively, keeps the natural flavours intact, and reduces food waste by letting families store it for longer.

Over 47% of European households have started choosing frozen foods specifically to cut down on household waste. Beyond this, frozen foods are also highly convenient, save prep time, making it easier for busy homes to put together meals without stress.

Snacking Report gives a heads up for frozen foods

The STTEM 2.0 Snacking Report by Godrej Yummiez shows that over half of Indians now consider frozen snacks safe, signalling a clear shift in trust. Similarly, Air fryers are often doubted but they actually make cooking healthier by cutting down oil usage, which reduces fat and calorie intake without compromising taste or texture. They also help retain nutrients better than deep frying and minimize kitchen mess. Quick, easy, and health-friendly, air fryers make warm, familiar meals possible even on the busiest days, perfectly complementing frozen foods.

People are cooking less not by choice, but because their days are packed. Longer work hours and late evenings have become routine, and many homes now look for quicker ways to manage meals.

Late-night eating growing

Swiggy’s latest food report shows that late-night eating has grown almost three times faster than regular dinner hours, which reflects how often people turn to fast options when time is short. Many frozen snacks today even offer up to 16g of protein per serving, giving families a quick meal that feels lighter and guilt-free without compromising on fullness.

Food Expert Krish Ashok says that frozen peas can often be fresher than the peas sold in open markets. “In busy schedules, frozen foods and air fryers offer a convenient, nutritious, time-saving solution, letting families enjoy warm, tasty meals with minimal effort,” he says.

But, one has to handle these smartly. One has to plan portions in advance, and store items properly in the freezer to maintain freshness. You can experiment with different marinades, sauces, or seasoning to elevate simple frozen snacks into tasty meals. And, don’t overcook, or leave them exposed for too long, as this can affect texture and taste.

Preheating, a most

For air fryers, you must preheat before cooking, use light oil sprays for extra crispiness, and place food in a single layer for even cooking. You can also use foil or parchment paper for easy clean-up, but don’t cover the entire basket or use plastic containers, as this can block air circulation and affect cooking. Following these simple tips ensures frozen foods and air fryer meals are convenient, tasty, and healthy every time.

“We focus on making every day cooking easier and more reliable for modern homes. Convenience, nutrition, and taste should go hand in hand, and that is what guides our approach to innovation,” says Anushree Dewen, Head of Marketing and Innovation, Godrej Foods.

Adds Amitabh Bhatia, Head of Marketing, Stovekraft Ltd, the company that manufactures Pigeon Kitchen Appliances, “Air fryers are moving beyond being seen as occasional gadgets to becoming meaningful cooking tools in Indian homes.”