Review of the PowerXL Air Fryer 7 QT Maxx Classic

PowerXL Air Fryer 7 QT Maxx Classic is an excellent choice for those who are looking for a high-capacity, versatile air fryer that makes healthy cooking a breeze.

With its innovative technology, sleek design, and a host of features that enhance convenience, this model stands out in the crowded market of kitchen appliances.

Also read: Review of the Instant Vortex 2 Quart air fryer

Whether you’re new to air frying or upgrading from a smaller unit, this PowerXL model provides flexibility and ease of use, allowing you to cook healthier meals quickly and efficiently. This review will cover all aspects of the PowerXL 7-quart Air Fryer Maxx Classic, including its design, features, performance, pros and cons, and areas for improvement.

For those who are looking for a 4 qt air fryer, they must read our in-depth review of the Instant Vortex Plus 4 qt air fryer.

Overview of PowerXL Air Fryer

The PowerXL 7-quart Air Fryer Maxx Classic is designed for families and individuals who want an air fryer that can handle a variety of cooking tasks.

With its large 7-quart capacity, it’s suitable for preparing meals for multiple people, making it an excellent choice for family dinners or gatherings. Let’s dive into the specific features that make this model a versatile addition to your kitchen.

For those who are looking for a 5 qt air fryer, they must read our in-depth review of the CHEFMAN Digital 5qt Air Fryer.

Design and Build of the PowerXL 7-Quart Air Fryer

The PowerXL Air Fryer features a high-gloss black finish that gives it a modern, stylish look. Its compact dimensions (14″ D x 13″ W x 14.5″ H) allow it to fit on most kitchen countertops without taking up too much space. Made primarily from durable plastic, it’s also lightweight at just 3 pounds, making it easy to move if needed.

Its nonstick coating ensures easy cleaning and maintenance, and the plastic enclosure is heat-resistant, ensuring safe operation even at the highest temperature of 400°F. The touch control panel is intuitive and responsive, giving it a user-friendly experience that’s especially convenient for quick cooking.

For those seeking a budget-friendly, large-capacity air fryer ideal for restaurant use, don’t miss our article on the best commercial air fryer options under $200.

Key Features of the PowerXL Air Fryer

1. Extra Hot Air Fry Technology

One of the standout features of the PowerXL 7-quart Air Fryer Maxx Classic is its extra-hot air fry technology. This technology enhances air circulation, allowing food to cook faster and more evenly. By using hot air instead of oil, it reduces the calorie content of fried foods by up to 70%, making it a healthier alternative for preparing favorite fried dishes.

2. 5-in-1 Versatility

The PowerXL air fryer functions as more than just an air fryer. It’s designed with 5 cooking presets, including:

1. Air Fry/French Fry
2. Broil/Fish
3. Roast
4. Bake
5. Shrimp and Chicken

This versatile design means you can cook a wide range of dishes without needing multiple appliances. Whether you’re roasting a chicken or broiling fish, this model can handle it all, making it an all-in-one cooking solution.

3. 1700-watt Rapid Air Technology

With 1700 watts of power, this air model uses rapid air technology to produce superheated air up to 400°F. This intense heat allows food to cook faster and with a crispier texture, making it perfect for foods like French fries and chicken wings. The powerful heating element ensures consistent cooking results, so you get that goldenbrown finish every time.

4. Large Nonstick Basket

The 7-quart capacity nonstick fry basket is ideal for cooking large portions. Its innovative design includes air-crisp vents that improve airflow, ensuring even cooking on all sides. This basket can accommodate up to 1.75 pounds of French fries, 23 chicken wings, a 3-pound chicken, or even a 6-inch pizza, making it ideal for family-sized meals.

5. Additional Accessories

The PowerXL Air Fryer includes a nonstick crisper tray that catches crumbs and drips, helping keep the cooking chamber clean. Other accessories include a 7-quart fry basket, an air fryer cookbook, and an easy-to-follow instruction manual.

Performance of the PowerXL 7-quart Air Fryer

The PowerXL Air Fryer 7 QT Maxx Classic delivers excellent performance across various cooking functions. Whether you’re air frying, baking, or roasting, this fryer provides consistent results with minimal monitoring.

It heats up quickly and maintains steady temperatures, and the nonstick coating ensures that food doesn’t stick to the basket, making cleanup easy. The 1700-watt rapid air technology allows the fryer to reach up to 400°F, ensuring that foods cook evenly without hot spots.

This makes it ideal for cooking items that require a high level of crispness, such as chicken wings and French fries. The LED digital display panel with its one-touch presets adds convenience by eliminating the need to manually set temperatures and times for different dishes.

This feature is especially useful for beginners who might not be familiar with air fryer cooking times and temperatures.

Pros and Cons of PowerXL Air Fryer 7 QT Maxx Classic

Pros

• Large 7-quart capacity: suitable for cooking family-sized portions, perfect for gatherings and large meals.
• Multifunctional design: With 5 cooking presets, it replaces the need for multiple kitchen appliances.
• Healthier cooking: reduces calorie intake by using up to 70% less fat compared to traditional frying.
• User-friendly interface: Operating the touch control panel and LED display makes it simple.
• Quick and even cooking: Thanks to rapid air technology, food cooks quickly and with consistent results.

Cons

• Large footprint: Although compact for its capacity, it may still occupy significant counter space in smaller kitchens.
• Plastic material: The main construction is plastic, which may not feel as sturdy as metal appliances.
• No stirring mechanism: Food may require manual shaking or flipping for best results, especially with dense or unevenly shaped items.

Suggested Improvements for the PowerXL 7-Quart Air Fryer

While the PowerXL Air Fryer 7 QT Maxx Classic is a solid appliance, there are a few areas where it could be improved:

Material Upgrades:

Using stainless steel or a more durable material for the outer shell would give the product a premium feel and possibly enhance durability.

Automatic Stirring:

Adding a stirring mechanism would help cook foods more evenly without the need for manual intervention, improving overall ease of use.

More Cooking Presets:

Although it offers five cooking presets, additional presets for popular dishes like vegetables and seafood would increase its versatility.

Health Benefits

One of the biggest advantages of using an air fryer like the PowerXL is its health benefits. Air-frying uses hot air instead of oil to cook food, resulting in a significantly lower fat content.

For those who enjoy fried foods but are conscious of their calorie intake, this is a great way to make healthier choices without sacrificing flavor. Moreover, because it can reach a high temperature of 400°F, the PowerXL Air Fryer can cook foods quickly, which helps to retain more nutrients.

Traditional cooking methods, especially deep frying, can strip foods of essential nutrients, but with air frying, you get to keep more of the natural flavors and nutrients intact.

Customer Reviews

The PowerXL 7-quart Air Fryer Maxx Classic has received an impressive 4.6 out of 5 stars from over 5,000 customer reviews. Many users praise its ease of use, large capacity, and the quality of results across different types of food.

The included cookbook is also appreciated, as it provides plenty of recipe ideas to try out with the air fryer. Common complaints include its relatively large size and the fact that some users find the plastic build less durable than metal alternatives.

However, the general sentiment remains highly positive, with customers noting that it’s an excellent appliance for those looking to prepare healthier meals at home.

Final Verdict

The PowerXL Air Fryer 7 QT Maxx Classic is a well-rounded kitchen appliance that combines convenience, versatility, and health benefits. Its large capacity and powerful rapid air technology make it suitable for families and anyone who wants to enjoy fried foods with less guilt.

Although there is room for improvement in terms of material and additional features, its current design offers excellent value for its price.

Whether you’re air-frying, roasting, or baking, this appliance delivers satisfying results consistently. If you’re looking to invest in an air fryer that meets all your daily cooking needs, the PowerXL Air Fryer 7 QT Maxx Classic is a reliable option that deserves consideration.

FAQ

1. Are PowerXL air fryers good?

Answer: Yes, PowerXL fryers are highly regarded for their quality, functionality, and ease of use. They’re designed to provide a healthier cooking experience by using hot air to cook food instead of oil, which helps reduce calorie intake.

The PowerXL 7-quart Air Fryer Maxx Classic is particularly popular due to its large capacity, rapid air technology, and multiple cooking functions, making it a versatile option for families and cooking enthusiasts alike.

2. Have you placed the basket from the PowerXL air fryer in the dishwasher?

Answer: Yes, the PowerXL 7-quart Air Fryer Maxx Classic is designed with dishwasher-safe components, including the nonstick fry basket and crisper tray. As a result, washing up after cooking is easy and quick. Just make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe cleaning.

3. Does the PowerXL Air Fryer Need to Preheat?

Answer: Preheating is not always required with this fryer, but for optimal results, preheating can be beneficial for certain dishes, especially those that need a crispy exterior. Many users find that preheating for about 3 minutes helps achieve better texture and flavor, particularly for foods like chicken wings and French fries.

4. Does the PowerXL Air Fryer Dehydrate?

Answer: No, the PowerXL 7-quart Air Fryer Maxx Classic does not include a specific dehydration function. However, it can be used to prepare crispy snacks by cooking them at a low temperature for a longer duration. If you are looking to dehydrate fruits or vegetables, a dedicated dehydrator would be more suitable for consistent results.

5. Does the PowerXL Air Fryer Have Teflon?

Answer: The PowerXL 7-quart air fryer comes with a nonstick coating on its cooking basket and crisper tray, but it’s not specified if it uses Teflon or a different nonstick material. However, the nonstick surface is designed for easy food release and convenient cleaning, reducing the need for excessive oil in cooking.

6. How Does the Power XL Air Fryer Work?

Answer: The Power XL Air Fryer uses rapid air technology that circulates hot air at high speeds around the food to cook it evenly. This method mimics traditional frying by creating a crispy outer layer while locking in moisture on the inside, but with minimal or no oil.

This fryer operates with a powerful 1700-watt heating element that reaches temperatures of up to 400°F, allowing foods to cook quickly and healthily.

7. How Long to Cook Steak in Power XL Air Fryer?

Answer: Cooking a steak in this model usually takes 10-12 minutes for a medium-rare result, but this can vary based on the thickness of the steak and your preferred doneness. For best results, preheat the fryer, season your steak as desired, and cook it at 400°F, flipping halfway through. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the desired internal temperature is met.

8. How to Bake in the Power XL Air Fryer?

Answer: Baking in this model is simple and similar to using a conventional oven. Use the bake preset or set the temperature manually to 325°F-350°F, depending on the recipe. Place your batter or dough in an oven-safe baking dish or directly in the nonstick basket if applicable. Baking time will vary, so check for doneness using a toothpick or by watching for a golden-brown color.

9. How to Cook Chicken Nuggets in the PowerXL Air Fryer?

Answer: Cooking chicken nuggets in the Power XL Air Fryer is quick and easy. Preheat the fryer to 400°F, place the chicken nuggets in a single layer in the fry basket, and cook for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. This ensures a crispy texture without the need for added oil. It could take a little longer to cook frozen nuggets.

10. How Can the Power XL Air Fryer Be Cleaned?

Answer: Cleaning the Power XL Air Fryer is simple. First, ensure the appliance is unplugged and has completely cooled down. The nonstick fry basket and crisper tray are dishwasher-safe, making cleanup easier.

To clean the outside body and control panel, use a soft, wet cloth. Avoid using abrasive sponges, as they can damage the nonstick coating. If there are any stuck-on residues, soaking the basket in warm, soapy water can help loosen them.

11. Can You Cook Frozen Foods in the Power XL Air Fryer?

Answer: Yes, the Power XL Air Fryer is ideal for cooking frozen foods. It cooks them quickly and evenly, with no need for defrosting. Foods like frozen fries, chicken wings, and vegetables can go directly into the fryer basket. Simply adjust the cooking time and temperature based on the food type, usually between 375°F and 400°F, for about 10-20 minutes.

12. How Much Oil Do You Need for the Power XL Air Fryer?

Answer: One of the benefits of this model is that it requires very little to no oil for cooking. For most foods, you can achieve crispy results without any oil. However, for foods that naturally have lower moisture, like homemade fries, adding a small spray or teaspoon of oil can enhance the crispiness. This reduces calories significantly compared to traditional frying.

13. Can the Power XL Air Fryer Be Used for Reheating Food?

Answer: Yes, the Power XL Air Fryer is excellent for reheating food. It crisps up leftovers much better than a microwave and prevents them from becoming soggy. Set the temperature to around 300°F-350°F and reheat for 3-5 minutes, depending on the food. This method works particularly well for pizza, fried foods, and pastries.

14. Is the Power XL air fryer loud during operation?

Answer: The Power XL Air Fryer does emit a low hum when in operation, primarily due to the fan circulating hot air. However, it’s not excessively loud and is generally quieter than a traditional oven. The noise level is comparable to a countertop convection oven, making it suitable for most kitchens without causing a disturbance.

15. Is it Possible to Prepare Desserts in the Power XL Air Fryer?

Answer: Absolutely! The Power XL Air Fryer is versatile enough to handle a variety of desserts. From brownies and cookies to donuts and cakes, you can bake delicious sweets using the bake setting. Just ensure you use an air fryer-safe baking dish that fits into the basket, and adjust the temperature and cooking time according to the dessert recipe.