I have always wanted a Philips airfryer! Although I have never used one before, I have heard of its ability to fry food using minimal oil, cooking through the circulation of hot air. Moreover, no oily mess would be created throughout the process. It just sounds like the perfect equipment to have in the kitchen for easy and healthy food!
The day has arrived as I finally purchased one for my mum as a Mother's Day gift. This particular model is under the Viva collection (HD9623) which is smaller size with a 0.8kg capacity (as compared to the XL with 1.2kg capacity). Generally, it can serve food for 3 - 4 people. Since my kitchen has limited space, its compact size is perfect for us. We chose the manual knobs control for the temperature and time instead of the touchscreen one. The salesperson has feedback that this manual design is created after several users complained about the touch screen and buttons becoming faulty after some time.
The airfryer was purchased at Best Denki at a $299 special price. In addition, it came with the complimentary grill plate, baking tin, recipe book, carrying trolley and weighing machine. The weighing machine is part of their promotion upon spending a certain amount on Philips branded items. It is probably good to weigh myself regularly since I would be having more good food cooked by the airfryer!
PRODUCT DESIGN
The reason why we hesitated on purchasing a Philips airfryer was because of my mum's complaint that some parts cannot be taken out fully to clean. The problem is solved because for the viva collection, the whole part can be detached for convenience of washing. Even the handle is detachable so you can just wash the oily parts. The base of the frying basket can also be taken off for an easier scrubbing process.
The reason why we hesitated on purchasing a Philips airfryer was because of my mum's complaint that some parts cannot be taken out fully to clean. The problem is solved because for the viva collection, the whole part can be detached for convenience of washing. Even the handle is detachable so you can just wash the oily parts. The base of the frying basket can also be taken off for an easier scrubbing process.
You may also coil the wire to the back hook of the airfryer so that it does not look messy. The only concern I have is the rather short length of the wire. The wire is so short that I have to either place a stand below my airfryer or use an extension cord. I am not sure whether there is a reason for the short wire but if there isn't, it could be made longer for better ease of use.
THE TRIALS
Homemade Fries`
With all the anticipation, the first dish I wanted to try was homemade fries. I did it according to the Philips SG recipe.
1) First try fries
I used 3 medium size potatoes and sliced them like fries (I believe the fryer can accommodate about 4 and still ensure it has sufficient space). The potatoes were soaked in water for about 40 minutes (at least 30 minutes as instructed). I wondered why this step is required, so I googled and found out that this is done to remove the starch from the potatoes and prevent them from sticking to each other. I read about how it may also affect the crispiness. The slices are then dried with paper towels (but I realized I was not thorough enough) and placed in the frying basket. The airfryer has been preheated at 160°C for 3 minutes. I placed the fries in it at 160°C for 16 minutes. After which, I adjusted the temperature to 180°C for a further 12 minutes. During the 6 minutes mark, I opened the fryer to toss the fries to ensure even cooking
Results:
The potatoes smell really good! But the taste is disappointing because it is barely crispy. After a little while, the fries turned soggy. I felt that this must be because of my half hearted attempt at drying the potatoes.
2) Second try fries
Using two medium potatoes this time, every step remains the same except that I used a drainer and ensured the fries are pat dry to the best that I can. The fries may turn out better with more space too, I thought.
Results:
The crisp is definitely better this time but I realized it looks a little too brown. It might be overcooked.
3) Third try fries
I soaked two potatoes this time but only used half of it for the third try. Dried the potatoes to the best, even airing it for a while. Preheated the airfryer for 3 minutes at 180°C and placed the fries inside for 20 minutes. At 10 minutes mark, I opened it up to toss. The directions are found in this Philips Youtube video.
Results:
Crispiness is about the same as the second time. I think the duration is better this time as it is less brown with no burnt taste.
4) Forth try fries
The other half of the potatoes were placed in the fridge for another 30 minutes or so. According to the video, she recommended the soaking process in the fridge. Hopefully, with a longer soaking duration and cool water, it may have a better effect on the crispiness. The temperature was set at 180°C and cooked for 20 minutes, just like the third try.
Result:
Almost the same as third try! Relatively crispy and cooked just right. I guess there is no way to make very crispy fries unless you use frozen fries or deep fry homemade fries? And I suppose there is no need for longer soaking time or cooled water. But for hygiene purposes, it may still be better to pop that soaking potatoes in the fridge.
Best Homemade Fries Recipe-
Soak sliced potatoes in water for 30 minutes
Dry potatoes as best as you can
Preheat airfryer 180°C for 3 minutes
Place potatoes inside for 20 minutes (open to toss at 10 minutes mark)
Frozen Onion Rings`
1) First try onion rings
I preheated the airfryer at 200°C for 3 minutes. According to the Philips instruction guide, it states that frozen snacks can be cooked at 200°C. I placed the frozen onion rings, without defrosting, into the frying basket for 10 minutes. After half the time mark, I always open it to toss the onion rings for even cooking.
Results:
Very crispy onion rings! Almost no soft parts. There is a slightly burned taste though.
2) Second try onion rings
I wanted to try cooking it for 8 minutes but have accidentally set it to 180°C instead due to the confusion with homemade fries. So the second batch of onion rings was put in for 8 minutes at 180°C. I am estimating you can put about 15 - 20 pieces each time, without overcrowding.
Results:
It turned out quite crispy, less browned, and rather soft and puffy inside. You can taste the onion more distinctly.
I wanted to try cooking it for 8 minutes but have accidentally set it to 180°C instead due to the confusion with homemade fries. So the second batch of onion rings was put in for 8 minutes at 180°C. I am estimating you can put about 15 - 20 pieces each time, without overcrowding.
Results:
It turned out quite crispy, less browned, and rather soft and puffy inside. You can taste the onion more distinctly.
3) Third try onion rings
This time, I tried 8 minutes at 200°C.
Results:
It is more crispy than the second try, but no longer puffy in the middle. This is not the best taste yet.
4) Forth try onion rings
Reduced time to 6 minutes at 200°C.
Results:
The crisp is similar to third try, but the inside is slightly puffy and soft.
Wholemeal Bread Toast`
It does not make sense to use an airfryer to toast your bread but I tried anyway!
1) First try toast
First, I broke the 2 pieces of bread into halves. They fit just right in one layer if you arrange them properly. The airfryer was preheated to 180°C for 3 minutes first. Then I placed the bread inside to toast for 5 minutes.
Results:
Over crispy - like biscuit.
2) Second try toast
This time I just place two pieces of bread overlapping each other at the sides. Placed the bread inside to toast for 3 minutes at 180°C.
Results:
The toast is just like how I like it. Well-toasted, crispy and hot enough for the butter to melt on it. However, the overlapped parts are soft. Therefore, it is really not efficient to use an airfryer for toasting because of space constraint.
BENEFITSThis time, I tried 8 minutes at 200°C.
Results:
It is more crispy than the second try, but no longer puffy in the middle. This is not the best taste yet.
4) Forth try onion rings
Reduced time to 6 minutes at 200°C.
Results:
The crisp is similar to third try, but the inside is slightly puffy and soft.
Best Frozen Onion Rings Recipe-
6 minutes at 200°C (at 3 minutes mark, open to toss)
No defrosting required
Wholemeal Bread Toast`
It does not make sense to use an airfryer to toast your bread but I tried anyway!
1) First try toast
First, I broke the 2 pieces of bread into halves. They fit just right in one layer if you arrange them properly. The airfryer was preheated to 180°C for 3 minutes first. Then I placed the bread inside to toast for 5 minutes.
Results:
Over crispy - like biscuit.
2) Second try toast
This time I just place two pieces of bread overlapping each other at the sides. Placed the bread inside to toast for 3 minutes at 180°C.
Results:
The toast is just like how I like it. Well-toasted, crispy and hot enough for the butter to melt on it. However, the overlapped parts are soft. Therefore, it is really not efficient to use an airfryer for toasting because of space constraint.
Best Toast Recipe-
3 minutes at 180°C.
What I really like about the product is definitely the convenience and ease of use it provides! You can just put your food in and there's no mess created. No more tough cleaning and mopping of oily floor after every cooking session.
Now you can get to indulge in fried food with little to no oil usage! This is healthier in a sense (although fried food/frozen food is still not the best option). They are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Of course, you have to experiment and get the best timing and temperature.
Other than this, you can have so many creative possibilities of food cooked with the airfryer. Just like Dable Kwan, her love for Philips airfryer inspired her to create dishes and eventually have her own recipe book. Her book features manageable cooking recipes for non professional cooks like me. The process of cooking is much simplified through the use of airfryer.
I will try baking with this airfryer someday. This is sufficient experimentation for now!
I love my (my mother's) Philips Airfryer 💓.
Now you can get to indulge in fried food with little to no oil usage! This is healthier in a sense (although fried food/frozen food is still not the best option). They are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Of course, you have to experiment and get the best timing and temperature.
Other than this, you can have so many creative possibilities of food cooked with the airfryer. Just like Dable Kwan, her love for Philips airfryer inspired her to create dishes and eventually have her own recipe book. Her book features manageable cooking recipes for non professional cooks like me. The process of cooking is much simplified through the use of airfryer.
I will try baking with this airfryer someday. This is sufficient experimentation for now!
I love my (my mother's) Philips Airfryer 💓.
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