Overview

The Philips Essential Airfryer XL comes from the company that invented air frying technology. Their patented Starfish design—the distinctive pattern at the basket's base—creates superior air circulation that competitors have been trying to replicate since 2010.

For cooks who want the original and arguably still the best implementation of air frying, Philips delivers proven performance.

Features Deep-Dive

Patented Starfish Design

The star-shaped pattern molded into the basket floor isn't aesthetic—it's functional engineering. This design creates turbulent airflow that ensures hot air reaches food from all angles, eliminating the cold spots that plague flat-bottomed competitors. The result: more even cooking without needing to shake or flip mid-cycle.

In our testing, the Starfish design produced consistently golden-brown results across the entire batch, whether fries, wings, or vegetables. Competing air fryers often leave items nearest the edges less crispy than those in the center.

Rapid Air Technology

Philips' Rapid Air system circulates superheated air at high velocity in a precise pattern optimized through years of engineering refinement. Unlike competitors who adopted air frying technology more recently, Philips has iterated on this system since the category's inception, resulting in highly efficient heat transfer that cooks quickly while minimizing energy waste.

90% Less Fat Cooking

The 90% fat reduction claim is substantiated and conservative. Properly used, most foods require little to no added oil. Items with natural fat content (chicken thighs, bacon, fatty fish) render their own fat during cooking, achieving crispy textures without any added oil. Even traditionally oil-dependent foods like french fries need only a light spray.

Seven Digital Presets

The touchscreen interface offers seven one-touch presets covering common foods, plus manual time and temperature controls. While the preset selection is modest compared to some competitors' 13+ options, Philips's presets are precisely calibrated from over a decade of cooking data—fewer options, but each highly optimized.

Pricing Analysis

At $150, the Essential XL commands a modest premium over similarly-sized competitors. You're paying for Philips' patent-protected technology, proven reliability, and the engineering refinement that comes from inventing the category.

The value equation favors long-term thinking. Philips air fryers consistently demonstrate longer lifespans and more reliable performance in extended use testing. The initial premium often works out to better value per year of service compared to cheaper options that need earlier replacement.

Who Is This For?

The Philips Essential Airfryer XL works best for:

• Quality-focused buyers who value engineering excellence over feature counts
• Health-conscious families prioritizing the most effective fat reduction
• Reliability seekers who want proven durability over years of use
• Large households needing 6.2-liter capacity for up to 5 servings
• Even cooking enthusiasts frustrated by inconsistent results from other air fryers

Who Should NOT Use This

The Essential XL might not be right if:

• Maximum presets matter: Other brands offer more one-touch options
• Smart connectivity is expected: No app or voice control in the base model
• Budget is paramount: Capable competitors cost $30-50 less
• Compact size is needed: The XL footprint is substantial

Bottom Line

The Philips Essential Airfryer XL delivers the most refined implementation of air frying technology available. The patented Starfish design and Rapid Air system produce consistently superior results, justifying the premium for cooks who prioritize cooking performance above all else.

FAQ

What makes the Starfish design so effective?

The star pattern creates intentional turbulence in airflow, preventing the laminar (smooth) flow that causes uneven cooking. Turbulent air reaches all food surfaces more effectively, similar to how commercial convection ovens use multiple fan systems to achieve even heat distribution.

How does Philips compare to Ninja for crispiness?

Both produce excellent results. Ninja's Max Crisp technology achieves slightly darker browning at maximum settings, while Philips produces more even results across batches. The difference is subtle—choose based on other factors like capacity, features, and price.

Can I use parchment liners in the basket?

Yes, but use perforated parchment designed for air fryers. Solid parchment blocks the airflow that makes air frying work. Perforated liners ease cleanup while maintaining proper air circulation.

What's the basket capacity in practical terms?

The 6.2-liter (approximately 2.65 pounds) capacity handles about 2 pounds of fries, 6-8 chicken wings, or 4-5 chicken breasts in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding for best results—food needs space for air to circulate.