This Eid, something unexpectedly wonderful is happening in almost every household in India. This isn’t about the regulars such as biryani or sheer khurma.
Instead, all the attention is on the tired air fryer, or more precisely, air fryers with something called ‘Kebab Mode’, yes, you heard it right.
Check out your Instagram feed or open YouTube Shorts and you will understand what I am talking about. Focusing on the food reels, they are showcasing an abundance of kebabs, tikkas that are so charred they could be considered ‘perfect’ as well as cutlets that are crunchy beyond belief, all taken out of wonderfully sleek black and silver boxes.
And, the most astonishing part is that these captivating meals are prepared by ordinary cooks with no excess oil, in the shortest amount of time and effortless ease.
Let’s get right into it.
A Delicious Revolution in Your Kitchen
First things first.
Let’s acknowledge a simple truth. Eid is incomplete without kebabs. Whether you’re team mutton seekh, team chicken malai, or team veg hara bhara, the grill is always fired up during the festival.
Traditionally, making kebabs has been a time-consuming affair. It involves preparing a tandoor or deep frying, not to mention the post-cooking clean-up.
But now, the game has changed completely.
With air fryers that come with kebab mode, cooking these favourites has become not only easy but also fun. You don’t need to be a master chef or have a massive kitchen to serve up delicious, evenly cooked, smoky-style kebabs. All you need is a decent marinade, some skewers, and the right air fryer.
What Exactly Is “Kebab Mode” and Why Should You Care?
If you’re wondering what this magical-sounding feature is, let me break it down.
Kebab mode is a specific setting in some modern air fryers that lets you cook skewered food evenly from all sides, using hot air circulation that mimics the effect of grilling. Think of it like a mini rotating tandoor, minus the coal and the hassle.
When you use kebab mode, here’s what happens:
- The food gets cooked uniformly from all sides
- The exterior becomes crisp, without drying out the inside
- Natural fats render and add flavour, but you don’t need extra oil
- The process is hands-free, quick, and clean
For someone hosting a big Eid get-together or even preparing an intimate family meal, this is a total lifesaver. You get restaurant-style kebabs at home, without the mess or the madness.
Why Everyone’s Talking About Air Fryers
Now, let’s talk specifics. The 5L air fryer models are dominating kitchens and reels this festive season.
And here’s why.
1. Big Enough for Indian Families
With a 5-litre capacity, these air fryers can cook for the whole family in one go. That means no waiting around for batch after batch.
2. 3D Hot Air Circulation
This is the real hero. Air fryers use 3D hot air tech, which ensures that heat reaches every nook and corner of your kebabs. No raw centres, no burnt edges. Just juicy, golden perfection.
3. Powerful and Fast
With 1500W of power, these machines heat up super quickly and cut your cooking time by half compared to conventional ovens or grills.
4. Two Smart Control Options
If you’re into tech, the HAF-D502B gives you digital controls for precise temperature and time settings. Prefer old-school? The HAF-M501I has an easy-to-use knob that even your grandparents can handle.
5. Affordable and Stylish
Starting at just ₹5,490, these models are not only budget-friendly but also look sleek and premium on your countertop.
Kebab Reels Are the New Food Obsession
Let’s be real. Cooking isn’t just about feeding people anymore. It’s about showing off your skills on Instagram. This year’s Eid food reels are a testament to that. Everyone from professional food bloggers to first-time cooks is proudly sharing their kebab creations made in air fryers.
And why not?
The sizzling sounds. The slow pull-apart shots. The dramatic “before and after” transitions. All of it looks cinematic when done right. Plus, kebab mode lets you experiment with a wide variety of recipes, so your content stays fresh.
You’ll find videos titled:
- “Eid Kebab Platter in Under 30 Minutes”
- “Healthy Mutton Kebabs Using Air Fryer”
- “5 Veg Kebab Ideas That Taste Like Heaven”
Healthier Eid, Happier Family
While taste and aesthetics are important, let’s not forget the health factor. One of the biggest reasons air fryers are winning hearts is their ability to cook with minimal oil. You still get that crispy outer layer and tender inside, but you’re saving yourself from the extra calories and cholesterol.
This matters more than ever during Eid when food indulgence is at its peak. If you can keep things tasty without compromising on health, you’re basically the kitchen superhero everyone loves.
Especially for families with kids, elderly members, or anyone watching their diet, air-fried kebabs are a guilt-free blessing.
Real-Life Use Cases You’ll Relate To
Let’s say it’s Chand Raat and you suddenly have surprise guests. You don’t have time to marinate, grill, and babysit kebabs on the stove. With an air fryer, you can pop in some pre-marinated chicken tikka and hit kebab mode. 15 minutes later, you’re serving piping hot kebabs with mint chutney and lemon wedges.
Or maybe you’re a student living away from home. You want a taste of Eid without spending half your day in the kitchen. The air fryer becomes your one-stop solution for everything from kebabs to samosas.
Or picture this. You’ve got biryani and sheer khurma ready, but you forgot to make starters. No problem. A quick batch of soya seekh or paneer tikka in the air fryer, and you’re sorted.
What Can You Cook in Kebab Mode?
More than you think. Don’t let the name limit you. Yes, kebabs are the showstopper, but you can also whip up:
- Chicken malai tikka
- Mutton shami kebab
- Paneer tikka
- Soya chaap
- Fish fingers
- Hara bhara kebabs
- Stuffed mushrooms
- Tandoori broccoli
- Veg cutlets
- Cheese corn balls
Basically, if it can go on a skewer or needs to be crispy outside, kebab mode has got you.
Some Expert Tips to Make It Even Better
Here’s where I give you my insider secrets. If you want to elevate your kebab game, keep these in mind:
- Always preheat the air fryer for 3 to 5 minutes. This gives you that perfect sear on the outside.
- Use metal skewers if possible. They conduct heat better and give you that authentic grilled effect.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket. Leave some space between each skewer so air can circulate properly.
- Brush a little ghee or butter mid-way. This adds a glossy finish and enhances the flavour.
Marinate well. Let your kebabs sit in the marinade for at least 2 hours, or overnight if possible.
Why This Trend Is Not Just a Trend
Here’s the thing. This whole “air fryer with kebab mode” trend isn’t going away anytime soon. It’s becoming a kitchen essential, just like a microwave or a pressure cooker. The reason is simple. It saves time, it saves oil, it saves effort, and it makes you look like a pro.
Also, it adapts to every kind of cuisine. After Eid, you’ll still find yourself using it for:
- Evening snacks like french fries or samosas
- Grilled sandwiches and cheese balls
- Breakfast items like uttapam or stuffed parathas
- Even desserts like air-fried gulab jamuns or banana fritters
- So, think of it as an investment that keeps giving.
Ready to Join the Kebab Party?
Look, if you’ve spent even ten minutes today drooling over Eid food reels, you already know how tempting those kebabs look. So why not try making your own? Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned foodie, air fryers make the whole process ridiculously easy and incredibly fun.
If you want to treat your family to something delicious this Eid, or just want to make your everyday meals more exciting, this is your sign. Trust me, once you try kebab mode, there’s no going back.
Visit Haier India to explore their full range of air fryers and bring home the ultimate Eid companion today. Your kitchen (and your Instagram feed) will thank you.