Ever tried baking frozen fries in the oven and ended up with pale, soggy sticks instead of golden, crispy goodness? I’ve been there — more times than I’d like to admit. My oven took forever to preheat, the fries stuck to the tray, and by the time they were ready, I wasn’t even hungry anymore. That’s when I decided to try the Philips Premium Airfryer XXL (HD9650/96). I’d heard the hype about air fryers, but this one promised something different: fat removal technology. Honestly, I rolled my eyes at first. But after a few weeks of testing it on everything from salmon to late-night snacks, I can tell you… it’s been a total game-changer.
First Impressions & Design
When I pulled the Philips Premium Airfryer XXL out of the box, the first thing I noticed was the size. It’s not exactly “tiny kitchen” friendly — at over 15 inches wide, it takes up a fair bit of counter space. But here’s the thing: the trade-off is capacity. A whole 7-quart basket means I can actually cook a meal for my family in one go instead of doing multiple batches.
The design itself feels premium. The glossy black finish blends in with my other appliances, the digital display is simple enough that I didn’t need to read the manual (though I skimmed it anyway), and the basket slides out with a smooth track. Compared to the clunky knobs on cheaper brands like the PowerXL I once borrowed, this feels much more modern.
Unboxing it felt like getting a serious piece of kitchen gear, not a gimmicky gadget. And while some air fryers look like futuristic toasters, this one has a sleek, almost understated look. It even sits flush under my cabinets, which I honestly didn’t expect.
Performance & Everyday Use
The first test? Sweet potato fries — because if an air fryer can’t do fries right, what’s the point? Ten minutes later, I had crispy edges, tender insides, and that toasty, slightly sweet aroma that makes you eat them too fast. The texture blew me away.
Since then, I’ve used it for just about everything: reheating pizza (no more cardboard crust), cooking salmon fillets with chipotle mayo (still moist inside, crispy outside), and even making hand pies with leftover blackberries. The Philips XXL claims to cook 4x faster than an oven, and I believe it. Chicken wings that used to take me 40 minutes in the oven now come out perfectly in under 20.
Noise-wise, it’s surprisingly quiet — more of a gentle hum than the jet-engine sound I got from a cheaper air fryer years ago. Cleanup is also easier than I expected. The non-stick basket actually is non-stick (a rare find), and most parts go straight into the dishwasher.
One tiny gripe? The temperature increments are set in 25°F jumps. So if a recipe calls for 365°F, you’ve got to choose 350 or 375 and adjust. It’s not the end of the world, but it did make me scratch my head a few times.
How It Fits Different Lifestyles
Here’s where the Philips XXL really shines: it adapts to different cooking styles.
- Students & Young Pros – If you’re in a dorm or first apartment, you’ll love how fast it makes TikTok recipes. Think mozzarella sticks in minutes, or reheating leftover wings without sogginess. Plus, no smoke alarms going off from oven grease.
- Busy Families – With a 3lb capacity, this thing can handle a weeknight dinner without constant babysitting. I tossed in a 5 lb chicken once just to test it, and it came out golden, juicy, and way less messy than oven roasting. My kids actually ask for air-fried fries instead of fast food now.
- Wellness Seekers – This is where the fat removal technology comes in. Philips claims it removes and captures extra fat, and while I can’t measure that in grams, I did notice the grease tray filling up with stuff I’d normally eat. It feels good knowing I can still indulge without the greasy aftermath.
Plus, it’s more energy-efficient than heating up a full oven. That’s a quiet eco-win most of us don’t think about.
Practical Tips & Pro Hacks
After using the Philips Premium Airfryer XXL daily, here are a few things I wish I’d known sooner:
- Shake or flip mid-cook – Even with Rapid Air tech, fries get crispier if you give them a quick toss halfway.
- Don’t overcrowd – Piling in too much food makes it steam instead of crisp. Better one big batch than two soggy ones.
- Soak the basket right away – If you cook something messy (hello, bacon), fill the basket with hot soapy water after use. Cleanup later is effortless.
- Experiment with the presets – Fries, chicken, fish — the one-touch programs are surprisingly accurate. But once you know your style, manual settings give you more control.
- Invest in parchment liners – They save time scrubbing, especially if you’re cooking cheese-heavy snacks.
Quick FAQ
Is the Philips Premium Airfryer XXL worth it?
If you cook often and want healthier results without sacrificing taste, absolutely. It’s pricier than Ninja or Instant Pot models, but the quality feels built to last.
Does it really remove fat?
Yes, you can see it. The fat drips below the basket into a separate tray. Chicken thighs especially show the difference.
How easy is it to clean?
Easier than expected. The basket and inserts are dishwasher-safe, and grease doesn’t cling as badly as on cheaper models.
What about durability?
Most users (myself included) find it holds up well. Philips also includes a one-year warranty, which adds peace of mind.
Conclusion
So, is the Philips Premium Airfryer XXL (HD9650/96) perfect? Nope. It’s big, it’s not the cheapest, and the temp settings can be a little clunky. But here’s the thing — nothing I’ve used has come close to the combination of flavor, speed, and sheer ease this brings to my kitchen.
If you’re a student on a shoestring budget, you might want a smaller, cheaper model. But if you’re a busy family, a health-conscious foodie, or just someone tired of soggy fries and greasy pans, this is worth the splurge.
Bottom line: this air fryer earns its “premium” title — and it’s probably the last one I’ll ever need to buy.