Philips Airfryer Review: Unleash Healthier Cooking and Culinary Versatility in Your Kitchen

For years, the thought of homemade crispy fries, perfectly golden potato chips, or delicious egg rolls conjured images of a heavy, oil-filled deep fryer. Our deep fryer, once a centerpiece of weekend indulgence, has been relegated to the back of the pantry for nearly three years, largely untouched. The messy cleanup, the lingering smell of fried oil, and the ever-present concern about unhealthy fats eventually overshadowed the joy of those crispy treats. These days, if I do deep-fry, it’s typically for a batch of egg rolls, and even then, a simple wok feels like a more manageable option than wrestling with the cumbersome machine.

The culinary landscape, however, has evolved significantly. Over the last five years, our kitchen adopted a T-Fal ActiFry, a pioneering appliance that promised healthier frying through the magic of hot air, a rotating paddle, and remarkably minimal oil – often just a single tablespoon for two pounds of potatoes! It transformed the way we approached “fried” foods, allowing us to enjoy guilt-free fries, crispy potato chips, succulent chicken wings, and even surprising delights like roasted Brussels sprouts.

Recently, Philips generously provided an Airfryer for us to put through its paces. Similar in its core concept of using circulating hot air to cook food, the Philips Airfryer presents itself as a formidable contender in the healthy cooking arena. The burning question for us was: how does this new contender stack up against our trusted ActiFry, and can it truly revolutionize our kitchen experiences even further?

First Impressions: Design, Footprint, and Aesthetics

Upon unboxing, the Philips Airfryer immediately impressed with its sophisticated and thoughtful design. Standing upright, it boasts an elegant, almost coffee-maker-like silhouette with a charming pot-belly profile. This aesthetic appeal is more than just superficial; it translates into a smaller counter footprint compared to many other kitchen appliances. This compact size makes it significantly easier to store in the pantry when not in use, and equally importantly, it occupies less valuable counter space when kept out. Its sleek and modern design means it doesn’t look out of place if you choose to keep it permanently on your countertop, adding a touch of contemporary elegance to your kitchen decor.

Philips Airfryer vs. T-Fal ActiFry: A Deep Dive into Functionality

Cooking Mechanism and Versatility

One of the most significant distinctions between these two air-frying powerhouses lies in their internal mechanics. The T-Fal ActiFry features a continuous rotating paddle designed to stir and move food around, ensuring even cooking with minimal effort. This design is excellent for items that can withstand constant motion, such as perfectly uniform french fries, small shrimp, or chicken wings. However, this same paddle becomes a limitation when attempting to cook more delicate or larger items that require a stable environment, like a whole chicken, a delicate frittata, or a succulent rack of lamb. The continuous rotation would simply damage or dislodge them.

This is precisely where the Philips Airfryer truly shines and demonstrates its superior versatility. Lacking a rotating paddle, the Airfryer’s basket remains stationary. While this means you’ll need to manually open the drawer, pull out the basket, and give it a good shake or stir several times during cooking for items like fries to ensure even crisping, it opens up a world of culinary possibilities. Roasting a whole chicken, for example, becomes incredibly simple and convenient – just place the bird into the basket, set your desired temperature and time, and let the hot air circulation do its magic. This capability to handle larger and more delicate items dramatically expands the range of dishes you can prepare with an air fryer.

Adapting Recipes and Cooking Times

A common challenge that users face with both the ActiFry and the Philips Airfryer is adapting traditional recipes or package instructions (especially for frozen foods) to these hot-air cooking appliances. There’s undeniably a learning curve, and mastering them often involves a process of trial and error. Food cooks significantly faster in a circulating hot-air environment than it does in a conventional oven, requiring adjustments to both temperature and cooking duration. Our experience taught us that starting with lower times and checking frequently is key to preventing overcooking and achieving optimal results.

Ease of Use and Control

The control interface is another area where the Philips Airfryer truly excels. Its intuitive and straightforward controls consist of basic, easy-to-understand settings for temperature and time. This simplicity makes it highly user-friendly, allowing for quick adjustments and precise control over your cooking. In contrast, our ActiFry proved to be a source of minor frustration; it featured only one temperature setting and a single button for the timer, meaning you had to scroll through all the numbers if you missed your target time. The Airfryer’s design prioritizes a seamless user experience, making cooking less about fiddling with controls and more about enjoying the process.

Real-World Application: My Mom’s Fish Fillets Test

To truly put the Philips Airfryer through a rigorous test, we enlisted the help of my Mom, an experienced home cook. She purchased some delicate small fish fillets, which she typically prepares by pan-frying them in batches on the stovetop, a process that can be messy and time-consuming.

For the Airfryer test, she simply brushed the fish with just a tiny amount of cooking oil, a mere fraction of what would be used for pan-frying. The results were nothing short of spectacular. The Airfryer performed beautifully, delivering fish fillets with wonderfully crispy skin and perfectly cooked, flaky interiors. Beyond the exceptional taste and texture, the Airfryer significantly reduced the mess. The basket went directly into the dishwasher, eliminating greasy splatter on her stovetop and the laborious cleanup associated with traditional frying. This experience perfectly highlighted the incredible health benefits and convenience of air frying over deep or even pan frying.

Beyond Frying: The Airfryer’s Hidden Talents

While often celebrated for its “frying” capabilities, the Philips Airfryer is a surprisingly versatile appliance that can do much more. It also boasts baking capabilities, which we have yet to fully explore but are eager to try. Philips supports this versatility with a range of resources, including three dedicated recipe booklets featuring American favorites, Asian specialties, and Indian recipes, showcasing the breadth of dishes you can create. This truly positions the Airfryer as a multi-functional kitchen tool, capable of roasting, grilling, and even baking alongside its primary air-frying function.

When to Opt for the Airfryer (and When to Stick to Tradition)

It’s important to understand that while the Philips Airfryer is incredibly versatile, it’s not a universal replacement for all cooking methods. While promotional videos might showcase cooking steak and shrimp in the Airfryer, I personally find that steak achieves a superior sear and flavor on a cast iron pan or a BBQ grill. Similarly, shrimp can be more precisely controlled and prevented from overcooking on a stovetop, where visual monitoring is easier. Unlike the ActiFry, the Philips Airfryer lacks a transparent window, meaning you can’t visually monitor your food without opening the basket, which can release heat and slightly extend cooking times.

Therefore, I highly recommend leveraging the Philips Airfryer for specific food items where it truly excels. This includes whole roasted chickens (with cooking times easily adapted based on weight), classic “fried” foods like chicken nuggets, and french fries, as well as an array of baked goods like turnovers or the delectable Char Siu Roast Pork recipe detailed below. Our next culinary adventure will definitely involve testing my Mom’s Crispy Spring Rolls in the Airfryer, anticipating perfectly golden and crunchy results without the excess oil.

The Verdict: Philips Airfryer Takes the Crown

Coincidentally, during a visit to the HSN offices a couple of weeks ago, I had the opportunity to discuss kitchen appliances with one of their executives in charge of product and talent. We talked at length about both units, as HSN has featured and sold both on their platform. My enthusiasm for the Philips Airfryer was palpable, and I couldn’t help but rave about its performance and capabilities.

So, between the ActiFry and the Philips Airfryer, which one emerges as the champion? For us, the Philips Airfryer clearly wins. It consistently delivers more evenly cooked food, offers a significantly larger variety of recipes and cooking applications, boasts a more compact counter footprint, and provides an unparalleled ease of use. It represents a genuine upgrade for any kitchen looking to embrace healthier cooking without sacrificing flavor or convenience. ~Jaden

Philips Airfryer BBQ Pork Char Siu Recipe: A Healthier Take on a Classic

One of the most exciting aspects of owning a Philips Airfryer is the ability to recreate beloved dishes with a healthier twist. This BBQ Pork Char Siu recipe is a perfect example, delivering succulent, flavorful pork with a beautifully charred exterior, all achieved with the efficiency and reduced oil of an air fryer.

Ingredients:

For the Pork:

1.25 pounds pork butt, cut into 2″ strips
4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 tablespoon cooking oil

For the Char Siu Marinade/Sauce:

2 tablespoons maltose (or corn syrup for a similar glaze)
1 teaspoon baking soda (helps tenderize the pork)
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
4 tablespoons hoisin sauce (adds a rich, savory depth)
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons Chinese rice wine (Shaoxing wine is ideal)
2-4 drops red food coloring (optional, for that authentic Char Siu color)
1 teaspoon five-spice powder
4 teaspoons sesame oil

Instructions:

In a small saucepan, combine all the marinade ingredients. Whisk them together thoroughly over medium-low heat until the sugars have completely dissolved and the mixture is well combined. Once smooth, remove from heat and allow the marinade to cool completely to room temperature. Reserve half of this cooled marinade; it will be used later during the cooking process to brush onto the pork for an extra layer of flavor and glaze.
In a gallon-sized resealable bag, place the pork strips along with the finely chopped garlic and the remaining half of the cooled marinade. Ensure the pork is thoroughly coated. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to deeply penetrate the pork.
Preheat your Philips Airfryer to 390°F (200°C) for approximately 5 minutes. While the Airfryer preheats, remove the marinated char siu from the bag, draining and discarding the used marinade. Pat the pork strips dry with paper towels and then brush them lightly with the 1 tablespoon of cooking oil. Arrange the pork in a single layer within the Airfryer basket. Set the timer for 10 minutes. Roast the char siu until it develops a beautiful golden reddish-brown color. During this initial cooking phase, periodically brush the reserved, unused marinade/sauce onto the char siu to build up that characteristic sticky glaze.
After the initial 10 minutes, lower the Airfryer temperature to 320°F (160°C). Continue to roast the char siu, flipping occasionally and brushing with the reserved marinade, until it is perfectly tender on the inside with deliciously charred edges and a glossy, caramelized exterior. Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your pork strips and desired charring. Serve immediately, sliced thinly, with rice or noodles.

Ready to Experience Healthier Frying? Buy the Philips Airfryer Today!

Embrace the future of healthy and convenient cooking in your own kitchen. The Philips Airfryer offers an unparalleled combination of performance, versatility, and ease of use, making it an essential addition for anyone looking to enjoy delicious, crispy meals with significantly less oil.

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Philips Airfryer Giveaway!

Exciting news for our readers! We are thrilled to be giving away one brand new Philips Airfryer HD9220 to a lucky winner. Stay tuned for details on how to enter and bring healthier, more versatile cooking to your home!