As the air fryer continues its rise as a staple appliance in modern kitchens around the world, Nestlé is responding to evolving consumer preferences by expanding its product offerings tailored to this convenient cooking method. The company is actively developing a diverse portfolio of air fryer-compatible meals, recipe mixes, marinades, and seasonings, aiming to make home-cooked meals simpler, faster, and more flavorful.
Recognizing the widespread adoption of air fryers across North and South America, Nestlé is strategically investing in this trend. The company has introduced an array of innovative products specifically designed for air fryer preparation, enabling consumers to create delicious meals with ease and consistency. According to Nikhil Chand, Head of the Food Strategic Business Unit at Nestlé S.A., the shift in consumer behavior is being met with an equally robust shift in product development.
“Consumers across the Americas are now increasingly using the air fryer to create wholesome meal moments,” said Chand. “We want to support them with air fryer-specific recipes, featured on digital platforms like Recetas Nestlé, as well as a wide variety of products. Our air fryer range includes ready-made meals, marinades, recipe mixes, and seasoning wrappers. These modern cooking solutions are one of our six ‘big bets’ for 2025. Collectively, they have the potential to generate over 100 million Swiss francs in annual sales.”
Innovating to Meet Modern Cooking Needs
In countries like Chile, where younger consumers are particularly drawn to modern cooking techniques, Nestlé has launched Maggi air fryer seasonings. These products cater to the growing number of households looking for quick, convenient, and tasty meal options that minimize preparation time and cleanup. The air fryer’s ability to cook food evenly and with less oil has made it a favorite for health-conscious individuals and busy families alike.
By offering targeted seasonings, Nestlé helps consumers create meals that are not only healthier but also rich in flavor and texture. These products are part of a broader strategy to inspire creativity in the kitchen while supporting efficient cooking habits.
New Product Launches in the U.S. Market
In the United States—one of the fastest-growing air fryer markets—Nestlé has expanded its Stouffer’s product line to include air fryer-compatible frozen meals. Three new offerings—Teriyaki Chicken, Garlic Parmesan Chicken, and Orange Chicken—have been introduced, each developed to deliver restaurant-quality taste and texture when prepared in an air fryer. Consumer feedback so far has been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the ease of preparation, crispy results, and bold flavors.
In addition to these frozen meals, Nestlé has also repositioned its well-known Hot Pockets brand to support air fryer preparation. This change addresses consumer demand for snack and meal options that benefit from a crispier exterior and improved mouthfeel. By adapting preparation instructions and optimizing packaging, Nestlé ensures a better overall experience for customers who choose to use their air fryer.
Growing Air Fryer Popularity in Mexico
Nestlé is also responding to the increasing popularity of air fryers in Mexico by introducing innovative cooking aids under the Maggi brand. One such innovation is the seasoned papyrus sleeve—a patented product designed for air fryer use. These sleeves, infused with savory herbs and spices, wrap around proteins or vegetables before cooking, delivering enhanced flavor while locking in moisture and preserving texture. This allows consumers to achieve restaurant-quality dishes with minimal effort and cleanup.
As air fryers gain traction in the Mexican market, Nestlé is helping consumers embrace this cooking method through both product innovation and educational content. By showcasing recipes and cooking tips through Recetas Nestlé and other digital platforms, the company supports home cooks in their journey toward more efficient and enjoyable meal preparation.
Scientific Rigor Behind the Flavor
Behind these innovations is a commitment to culinary science and consumer insight. Swen Rabe, Head of the Nestlé Research and Development Center for Food in Singen, Germany, emphasized the scientific expertise driving the company’s success in the modern cooking segment.
“These innovations contain the ideal combination of ingredients to cater to local flavor profiles and trends and deliver authentic taste experiences,” Rabe said. “They utilize our deep knowledge of flavors and rich sensory expertise.”
Nestlé’s culinary development teams work closely with regional research centers to ensure that air fryer products reflect the tastes and cooking habits of local consumers. This localized approach helps guarantee that each product resonates with its target audience, whether it’s a seasoned sleeve in Mexico or a ready-made meal in the U.S.
Building on a Global Platform
The latest expansion of Nestlé’s air fryer-compatible offerings in the Americas builds on the momentum of its global modern cooking portfolio. Products tailored for air fryer use have already been introduced in several international markets, including the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Singapore, and China. This global rollout reflects Nestlé’s broader ambition to lead in the fast-growing category of convenient, health-oriented home cooking.
The company’s six “big bets” for 2025—strategic product categories expected to drive significant revenue growth—include air fryer-ready meals and seasonings as a core component. With the potential to surpass 100 million Swiss francs in annual sales, Nestlé is clearly betting on the continued popularity of air fryers as a tool for transforming the way people cook and eat at home.
A Strategic Vision for the Future
Nestlé’s air fryer product strategy aligns with broader consumer trends toward convenience, health consciousness, and culinary exploration. By combining modern appliance compatibility with global flavors and culinary science, the company is positioning itself at the forefront of food innovation.
Through thoughtful product development, market-specific rollouts, and digital recipe platforms, Nestlé is not only meeting current demand but also helping to shape the future of home cooking. As more households invest in air fryers and seek out new ways to enjoy home-prepared meals, Nestlé’s expanded offerings are poised to meet the moment—with taste, texture, and convenience at the forefront.
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