French fry day special crafted for the Inquisitive Indian Home chef actionable Lifestyle tips that Matter
You’re reading a book while looking out the window. It’s pouring rain outside, and you’re at home in absolute bliss. If only you had a small snack. Something golden, piping hot, crispy fries. The type of food that tastes like pure comfort while being indulgent as well.
The cost of keeping a kadai warm filled with hot oil is impractical, so is this really worth it to deal with heaps of messy oil afterwards?
That type of heavy snacking isn’t worth the effort. But what if I told you it was possible to make fries in the microwave. Yes, fries that are actually crispy! And all of this with no oil, no mess, and no compromise.
Lets shift the focus back to Indian kitchens, where cooking is done hand to mouth. The switch from frying pans to microwave air fry modes isn’t only a convenience, it’s quite literally game changing.
First, Let’s Bust the Myth: Microwaves Are Not Just for Reheating

If you still think a microwave is just a reheating device, you’re thinking like it’s 2005.
Today’s modern convection microwaves do so much more. They bake. They grill. They air-fry. They steam. Some even have a rotisserie for paneer tikka or chicken wings.
One mode that’s quietly winning hearts in Indian homes is the oil-free or air-fry mode. It mimics the crispiness of deep frying, but without using more than a teaspoon of oil – sometimes none at all.
And it’s not a gimmick. It actually works.
Why Indians Are Secretly Moving Away From Frying Pans
The kadai has a strong emotional hold in Indian kitchens. But it also brings
- A smoky kitchen
- A sticky backsplash
- That persistent smell that lingers in curtains
- Guilt from using too much oil
- Time wasted standing over hot oil, batch after batch
It’s no longer practical for modern lifestyles. Especially for families who want tasty snacks but are also mindful of cholesterol, sugar, or calories.
So when a single appliance says: “Hey, I can give you fries, samosas, and pakoras without oil,” it gets attention.
Not for the hype. But for practicality.
The Technology That Makes It Possible (Explained Simply)
Here’s how it works, in simple words:
- Convection heating: Your microwave isn’t just shooting microwaves at your food. It has a fan inside that blows hot air around the dish. That hot air crisps up the outside, like in an oven.
- Grill elements: The grill mode browns the top and gives that roasted finish.
- Air fry tray: Some microwaves come with a special tray that lifts the food off the base. This lets hot air hit all sides evenly.
- Pre-set programs: You select “French Fries” or “Tandoori Paneer” and the microwave auto-adjusts power, time, and temperature.
You don’t need to be a cooking expert. The machine handles the complexity. You just need to choose what you feel like eating.
Real Talk: Can Microwave Fries Actually Be Crispy?
Yes. And here’s the nuance that matters.
The microwave gives you a different kind of crispy. It’s not greasy. It’s not heavy. The fries feel light, evenly cooked, and perfectly browned. You won’t get that thick oil crust you’re used to with deep frying – and honestly, that’s a good thing.
Once you try it, you start noticing something odd.
You don’t miss the oil.
You don’t miss the mess.
You just enjoy the fries.
And suddenly, you’re making them on a Tuesday evening, not just on weekends.
Let’s Talk About Models That Actually Work
Not all microwaves can do this. But has been quietly building a strong microwave line that’s tailored for Indian cooking, snacks included.
Here are three models that do a fantastic job with oil-free cooking:

HIL3001ARSB – The One With an In-Built Air Fryer
If you want fries, nuggets, cutlets, and even grilled pineapple skewers, this one’s your dream appliance.
Why it stands out:
- Built-in air fryer mode with 36 air fry
- Motorised rotisserie for barbeque-style grilling
- 305 auto-cook options including desi favourites
- 5 power levels for full control
- Comes with air fry tray, rotisserie rods, high rack, and crispy plate
This is for households that snack often, host guests regularly, and want full freedom to experiment.
Capacity: 30L
Warranty: 5 Years
HIL2501CBSH – The Family-Friendly All-Rounder
Perfect if you want microwave fries and homemade tandoori rotis in one machine.
Why it’s loved:
- Comes with a bread basket mode for kulcha, naan, garlic bread
- Offers 305 auto-cook options
- Has an intelligent combination cooking mode (microwave + grill + convection)
- Removes smells with its built-in deodoriser
- Stainless steel cavity keeps it clean and hygienic
It’s for those who want variety but don’t want to deal with multiple devices.
Capacity: 25L
Warranty: 5 Years (Magnetron)
HIL2001CSSH – Compact and Fuss-Free
Great for individuals, couples, or those upgrading from a basic microwave.
Features to note:
- Oil-free cooking mode
- 66 auto-cook menus including fries, kebabs, muffins
- Stainless steel interior for even heating
- Comes with crispy plate, rack, and turntable
It’s simple, clean, efficient – and surprisingly powerful for its size.
Capacity: 20L
Warranty: 3 Years
Here’s How You Actually Make Fries in the Microwave

You don’t need to be a chef. Just follow these 6 steps:
- Peel and slice potatoes evenly
- Soak in cold water for 30 mins to remove starch
- Pat dry and toss in a spoon of oil (optional)
- Place on air fry tray or crisp plate
- Use auto-cook setting or manual mode at 200°C for 15–20 minutes
- Flip once halfway for even browning
And that’s it. No smoke. No oil splatter. Just clean, consistent crispiness.
But What About Other Indian Snacks?
Let’s move beyond fries. Here’s what else you can air-fry or oil-free cook in your microwave:
- Samosas with frozen or homemade filling
- Cutlets made from leftover vegetables
- Paneer tikka with smoky edges
- Chicken nuggets (store bought or fresh)
- Onion rings
- Moong dal vada
- Sweet potato chips
In short, it’s not just a “French Fry” mode. It’s a snack mode. A desi street food mode. A midnight craving mode.
The Lifestyle Angle: Why It Fits the Indian Home Today

We’re busier than ever. But we still care about what we eat. And let’s be honest – health is now part of how we define taste.
Today’s Indian family wants:
- Speed (nobody wants to stand in the kitchen for 45 minutes)
- Safety (especially around kids – no hot oil accidents)
- Smartness (multi-use appliances, clean counters, fewer gadgets)
- Wellness (low oil, high taste, zero compromise)
This is exactly what these microwave modes offer. You save time, clean-up effort, and calories without giving up on cravings.
A Few Real-World Tips From Someone Who Uses It
- Don’t overcrowd the tray. It blocks air flow.
- Brush a bit of oil on the food if you want that glossy finish
- Use foil or parchment only when the recipe demands it
- Try frozen fries first, just to see how crisp they turn
- Preheat in convection mode for better results
- Clean the tray immediately to avoid stickiness later
These things take 1–2 tries to get right. But once you understand how your model behaves, it’s as easy as using a toaster.
The Frying Pan Isn’t Dead. But It’s on Vacation
Frying pans will always have a place in our kitchens. For puris. For dosas. For that Sunday bhindi fry.
But for fries? For pakoras? For the things that used to feel like “junk”?
We now have a smarter way. A cleaner way. A healthier way.
This French Fry Day, don’t just eat fries.
Reimagine how you make them.
Looking to Upgrade?
Explore Haier’s full microwave range – from 20L to 30L, from basic oil-free cooking to advanced in-built air fryers.
Whether you’re cooking for one or five, there’s a model for every Indian kitchen.
Visit shop.haierindia.com