Air fryers have taken social media by storm, and it’s clear this trend is here to stay. The rise of this countertop cooking appliance mirrors the broader evolution in consumer tastes and behavior, influencing how meals are prepared and what convenience looks like.
Air fryers have penetrated markets worldwide. In the United States, sales have grown steadily for nearly a decade, with an estimated two-thirds of households now owning one.
Nestlé is addressing these changing consumer needs by leveraging its science and technology expertise, along with consumer insights, to develop a range of products specifically for air fryers.
Since April this year, Stouffer’s Melt-FULLS frozen sandwiches have been available in the US, designed specifically for air fryer cooking.
Insights also show that American consumers increasingly enjoy preparing foods like Hot Pockets directly from the air fryer. As a result, Nestlé provides air fryer cooking instructions on the packaging for some of its biggest brands, including Hot Pockets and DiGiorno personal pizzas.
In Australia and the United Kingdom, Maggi seasonings for air fryers enhance the crunch and flavor of dishes. Made with natural herbs and spices, these seasoning packets make it easier to cook delicious meals at home. Nestlé has also captured this trend in China with Totole air fryer seasonings, delivering a carefully proportioned and authentic taste experience.
Commenting on the innovations, Nikhil Chand, Head of the Food Strategic Business Unit at Nestlé, said: “As we strive to meet the evolving needs of our consumers, we remain committed to exploring innovative culinary solutions across various geographies. With consumers increasingly turning to technologies like the air fryer, our ability to innovate at speed enables us to be at the forefront of this wave through our powerful brands, providing tasty and convenient options.”
Swen Rabe, Head of Nestlé’s Product Technology Center for Food in Singen, Germany, adds: “These products were developed using Nestlé’s scientific expertise and knowledge of flavors, formulations, and production. Through the smart use of ingredients and extensive testing with our R&D chefs to improve the cooking process, we are able to deliver a great food experience.”
With air fryers growing in popularity worldwide, Nestlé will continue to expand its range of solutions for this device by entering new markets and developing new solutions across its biggest brands. Nestlé is also creating new formats for frozen prepared whole meals in the US.
