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Bottom line: This is genuinely the best large-format air fryer for families in Korea. The 7.3L capacity makes it practical for group meals, the results are consistently good, and cleanup is easier than I expected.

I bought my first air fryer in 2022, a 3L model from a Korean brand. It was fine for cooking for myself, but when my family visited for two weeks, I found myself cooking chicken in four batches, staggering meal times like some kind of confused restaurant manager.

I upgraded to the Philips XXL, and the batch-cooking frustration disappeared overnight.

What Makes the Philips XXL Different

Korean convenience stores sell a mind-boggling variety of frozen foods specifically designed for air fryers — frozen chicken pieces, frozen gyoza, tteokbokki-coated items, all sorts of things that come with air fryer cooking instructions. The air fryer has become a staple appliance in Korean kitchens in a way that's genuinely striking if you're coming from a Western country where it's still considered a novelty.

Philips pioneered the category with their Rapid Air Technology — hot air circulated at high speed around the food, cooking uniformly without the need for oil submersion. The 7.3L XXL version does this at a scale suitable for family cooking.

In practice: frozen chicken pieces come out crispy and thoroughly cooked with minimal oil (I use one spray of cooking spray). Sweet potato fries are better than I can achieve on a conventional stovetop. Frozen dumplings (만두) crisp up perfectly in 12 minutes.

Capacity: When Do You Need 7.3L?

If you're cooking for 3-4+ people regularly, the 7.3L capacity removes the biggest annoyance with air fryers: batching. A whole small chicken fits without difficulty. A family-sized bag of frozen fries goes in without overcrowding (overcrowding prevents proper crisping — this is the mistake most beginners make).

For 1-2 people: honestly, a 4-5L model makes more practical sense. The XXL is heavier (8.5kg), takes up more counter space, and uses more electricity to heat a larger chamber for small meals.

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NutriU App — Actually Useful?

The Philips NutriU app provides 200+ recipes with preset cooking times and temperatures that can be sent directly to compatible fryers. I used it heavily during the first month, less so now.

The app is useful for learning temperature/time combinations for various foods. Less useful for Korean-specific cooking — the recipe database leans heavily Western (steaks, fish and chips, veggie dishes). For Korean chicken (양념치킨 style, dakgalbi), you're better off searching Korean cooking blogs.

That said, once you understand the fundamental principle (200°C for meats, 180°C for vegetables, shorter for frozen vs fresh), the app becomes optional.

Cleaning Reality

Better than I expected. The basket has a non-stick coating that prevents most foods from sticking. After cooking, I wipe the basket with a paper towel while still warm, then put it in the dishwasher every few days. Takes maybe 3 minutes.

The exterior housing near the air vents does collect light grease residue. A monthly wipe-down with a damp cloth is sufficient. Not a deal-breaker, but something to factor in.

Who Should Buy This

The Philips Air Fryer XXL is worth the investment for:

  • Families cooking for 3+ people regularly
  • Anyone who eats a lot of frozen foods (치킨, 만두, 감자튀김)
  • Health-conscious cooks looking to reduce oil use
  • People who appreciate consistent, reliable results over fiddling with techniques

Not ideal for: singles or couples (go smaller), people who primarily cook soups/stews, or those on a tight budget (₩600,000 is real money).

After six months, it's my most-used kitchen appliance after the rice cooker.

Buy Philips Air Fryer XXL on Coupang →

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