“Fry with a tablespoon or less of oil.”  Those were the words that really caught my attention.  I wasn’t in the market for a fryer, but something about those words sucked me in.  I love fried foods (who doesn’t), but they don’t exactly fit with a healthy life-style. But, what if you really could fry with only a tablespoon of oil?  Oooooh…

Philps Airfryer XL

I had to see this thing in action and I got a chance at the International Home & Housewares Show in Chicago this year.  They were making truffle fries and bacon-wrapped dates and with just a hint of oil, they were coming out fabulous. Maybe my dream of fried foods was attainable after all.

Philips Airfryer XL

I started experimenting with the Philips Airfryer about a month ago and it wasn’t demonstration trickery.  This thing is the real deal…and it couldn’t be any simpler to use.

Our first experiment was making our own French Fries from scratch. After cutting up the fries, we soaked them in water for 30 minutes and then dried them with a paper towel. We merely brushed the cut up fries with some olive oil and placed them in the basket.  Setting the timer for 30 minutes, we came back and shook them every ten minutes or so. Result – perfect fries that couldn’t have been any better.

Philips Air Fryer XL with pull out cooking basket

Since then, we discovered that the frozen fries cook even faster and obviously save all the prep time. They are perfect for unexpected guests, as they can go from the freezer right into the fryer.  Crinkle cuts, waffle fries, whatever…they cook perfectly and don’t require any oil coating at all.

Delicious home made French Fries

Our other favorite is wings, but we’ve got a list of other dishes we plan to try like the Portabella Pepperoni Pizza (see page 25).

Your mind really begins to wander when you realize that this little, compact device can fry, roast, bake AND grill.  And it cleans up super quickly and easily. Cooking for one or two? You might never use that full-size oven ever again. Perfect for the compact kitchen or even a dorm room.

How it works

The top of the Philips Airfryer has a fan that circulates and accelerates the hot air forcing it down through the food.

In the center is the metal mesh basket that holds the food but lets the air flow right through.

The bottom is a “starfish” design which optimally redirects the airflow around and back up again for maximum cooking efficiency, making sure all the items in the basket get cooked completely.

Available in three models:

XL Digital – 2.65# capacity with digital touch screen (in a choice of black or white)

Digital – 1.8# capacity with touch screen (in a choice of black or white)

Black/White – 1.8# capacity with 30 minute dial timer

Check out more at:

Philips Website:  http://www.usa.philips.com/c-m-ho/cooking

Philips Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/philipshomeliving

Philips Pinterest:  http://www.pinterest.com/philipshome/philips-airfryer-recipes/  (Awesome collection of ideas here.  Amazing!)

Philips Instagram:   http://www.instagram.com/philipshomeliving

Disclaimer:  Philips provided a fryer for me to test for this review