I'd guess this is another self-oscillating induction heater design, and the inductor its supposed to be a commutation choke, to limit current under shoot-through conditions.
The IC is designed to suit high voltage and low gate capacitance FETs (1nF, from the data sheet).
I'm betting the FETs in use have very gate capacitance so do not switch cleanly within the dead time allowed within the IC - so the current is crazy.
The choke will be some internet designers attempt at a work-around.