Power XL Air Fryer Review (2025): My Honest, Hands-On Results
Is the Power XL Air Fryer the secret to perfectly crispy, golden-brown food without the gallons of oil and guilt? I bought one with my own money, put it through weeks of rigorous testing in my own kitchen, and I’m here to share the greasy, crispy, and sometimes surprising truth. Let’s find out if it lives up to the hype.
Quick Verdict: Should You Buy It?
- Overall Performance: Excellent. Consistently delivers crispy, evenly cooked food thanks to its Vortex Rapid Air Technology.
- Best For: Busy families and health-conscious individuals who want the convenience of a multi-cooker and the performance of a dedicated air fryer.
- Key Strength: Versatility. It’s not just an air fryer; it excels at roasting, baking, and reheating, making it a true workhorse.
- Value for Money: Strong. It competes with premium brands like Ninja at a more accessible price point.
What Is the Power XL Air Fryer?
Before we dive deep, let’s clarify what we’re talking about. The Power XL Air Fryer isn’t a single device, but a popular line of kitchen appliances. For this review, I’m focusing on their most popular model: the Power XL Vortex Pro Air Fryer (7-Quart). This is their bread-and-butter, basket-style air fryer that promises to serve up to 6 people.
At its core, an air fryer is a compact countertop convection oven. It works by circulating superheated air at high speed around your food. This process, which Power XL brands as “Vortex Rapid Air Technology,” is what creates that desirable crispy, crunchy exterior that we typically associate with deep-frying, but with up to 70% fewer calories from fat. You get the crunch without the oil-soaked consequences.
Top Pick: Power XL Vortex Pro Air Fryer, 7-Quart
Our top recommendation for most families. The 7-quart capacity is perfect for cooking main courses and sides. Features 10-in-1 cooking presets, a digital touchscreen, and dishwasher-safe parts for effortless cleanup. This is the model we tested for this review.
Check Price on AmazonUnboxing and First Impressions
The Power XL arrived in a sturdy, well-branded box. Everything was securely packed with molded cardboard instead of excessive styrofoam, which is a nice environmental touch. Inside the box, you’ll find:
- The main air fryer unit
- The 7-quart non-stick fry basket
- A non-stick fry tray/crisper plate
- An instruction manual and a recipe booklet
My first impression? It feels substantial. The unit has a decent weight to it, so it doesn’t feel like a cheap plastic toy. The glossy black finish looks sleek on the countertop, though it is a fingerprint magnet. The basket slides in and out smoothly with a satisfying click, and the handle feels ergonomic and secure. The digital display is dark until you plug it in, giving it a very modern, minimalist look when not in use.
I immediately followed the instructions to wash the basket and tray with warm, soapy water and ran a “test cycle” at 400°F for 15 minutes to burn off any manufacturing residue. There was a slight “new appliance” smell, which is completely normal and dissipated after that first run.
Performance: The Real-World Cooking Gauntlet
An air fryer can look great, but it’s worthless if it can’t cook. I spent weeks using the Power XL as my primary cooking device to see how it handled kitchen staples. Here are the results from my experience.
Test 1: The Gold Standard – Frozen French Fries
This is the ultimate test. I poured a generous helping of frozen shoestring fries into the basket, selected the “French Fry” preset, and let it go. The preset automatically sets the time and temperature, but I made sure to give the basket a good shake halfway through as recommended.
The Result:
Absolutely perfect. The fries were incredibly crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and evenly golden brown. They were indistinguishable from deep-fried fries, but without the greasy residue on my fingers or the lingering oil smell in my kitchen. A complete success.
Test 2: Crispy Chicken Wings
I patted some raw chicken wings dry, tossed them in a bit of seasoning (no oil needed), and placed them in a single layer on the crisper tray. I cooked them at 380°F for 25 minutes, flipping them once halfway through.
The Result: The skin was audibly crispy and rendered beautifully, while the meat inside was juicy and tender. The Vortex technology did a fantastic job of circulating air around the wings, creating a uniform crust. Honestly, they were better than many wings I’ve had from restaurants.
Test 3: Roasting Vegetables (Broccoli & Brussels Sprouts)
I tossed some broccoli florets and halved Brussels sprouts with a tiny bit of olive oil and spices. I used the “Roast” setting. This is where many lesser air fryers fail, either drying out the veggies or burning them before they’re tender.
The Result: The Power XL nailed it. The broccoli had delightfully charred tips while the stems were perfectly tender-crisp. The Brussels sprouts developed a deep, caramelized flavor with crispy outer leaves. It was much faster than using my conventional oven, and the results were arguably better.
Test 4: Reheating Leftovers – The Pizza Test
Microwaved pizza is a soggy tragedy. I placed a slice of day-old pepperoni pizza in the air fryer and used the “Reheat” function at 350°F for 3 minutes.
The Result: This alone might be worth the price of admission. The crust became perfectly crisp again, the cheese was melted and bubbly, and the pepperoni even crisped up at the edges. It was as good as, if not better than, when it was fresh. It’s a game-changer for leftovers.
Ease of Use and Cleanup
This is where the Power XL truly shines for busy people. The digital touchscreen is bright and intuitive. The 10 presets (like Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Dehydrate, etc.) take the guesswork out of cooking common items. For more control, you can easily adjust the time and temperature manually.
Cleanup is even better. The basket and crisper tray have a high-quality non-stick coating. Even after cooking sticky, marinated chicken wings, a simple rinse and a gentle wipe with a sponge was all it took. For bigger messes, both parts are dishwasher safe. I ran them through my dishwasher over a dozen times during testing, and the non-stick coating has shown no signs of wear. This is a massive win for anyone who hates scrubbing dishes.
Must-Have Accessory: Air Fryer Parchment Paper Liners
Make cleanup a zero-effort task. These perforated liners fit perfectly in the basket, allow air to circulate, and prevent any food from sticking. Once you’re done cooking, you just throw the liner away. An absolute essential for cooking messy foods.
Check Price on AmazonWho Should Buy the Power XL Air Fryer?
Based on my extensive hands-on experience, I can confidently recommend the Power XL to a few specific groups:
- Busy Families: The 7-quart capacity is a lifesaver. You can cook enough fries for everyone at once or even air fry a 5lb chicken. It preheats in minutes and cooks faster than a conventional oven, saving you precious time on weeknights.
- Health-Conscious Cooks: If you’re trying to reduce your oil intake without sacrificing flavor and texture, this is your tool. You get satisfyingly crunchy foods with a fraction of the fat.
- People with Small Kitchens: While not tiny, its multi-functionality (air fry, roast, bake, reheat, dehydrate) means it can replace several other appliances, saving valuable counter space.
- Leftover Lovers: If you hate soggy microwaved food, the Power XL’s ability to perfectly re-crisp everything from pizza to fried chicken will change your life.
Pros and Cons After Weeks of Use
No product is perfect. Here’s my honest, balanced breakdown after living with the Power XL.
What I Loved
- Exceptional Cooking Performance: Consistently crispy and even results across a wide variety of foods. The Vortex technology isn’t just marketing hype.
- Large Capacity: The 7-quart basket is a practical size for couples and small families, fitting more than you’d expect.
- Intuitive and Versatile: Easy-to-use digital controls and genuinely useful presets make it a pleasure to operate.
- Effortless Cleanup: The high-quality non-stick surfaces and dishwasher-safe parts make it one of the easiest appliances to clean.
- Fast Preheating: It’s ready to cook in just a couple of minutes, a huge time-saver compared to a full-size oven.
What Could Be Better
- Slightly Noisy: Like all powerful air fryers, the fan is noticeable. It’s about as loud as a microwave, but it’s not whisper-quiet.
- Bulky Footprint: While it saves space by being a multi-cooker, the 7-quart model does take up a significant amount of counter real estate. Measure your space first!
- Fingerprint Magnet: The glossy black finish looks great out of the box but requires frequent wiping to keep it looking clean.
Power XL vs. The Competition (Ninja Air Fryer)
The most common question I get is, “How does it compare to a Ninja?” The Ninja AF161 Max XL is its closest competitor. I’ve used both extensively, and here’s how they stack up.
| Feature | Power XL Vortex Pro (7-Qt) | Ninja AF161 Max XL (5.5-Qt) |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 7 Quarts (Better for families) | 5.5 Quarts |
| Cooking Functions | 10-in-1 Presets | 7-in-1 Presets |
| Max Temperature | 400°F | 450°F (Slight edge for searing) |
| Basket Shape | Square (More usable space) | Round |
| Ease of Cleaning | Excellent (Dishwasher Safe) | Excellent (Dishwasher Safe) |
| Price Point | Typically more affordable | Typically more expensive |
The bottom line: Both are fantastic air fryers. The Power XL offers better value and a larger, more practical capacity for most people. Its square basket is also more efficient for fitting food than Ninja’s round one. The Ninja has a slightly higher max temperature, which might give it a tiny edge for things like searing a steak, but for 99% of air frying tasks, the performance is virtually identical.
Strong Alternative: Ninja AF161 Max XL Air Fryer
An outstanding air fryer from a top-tier brand. Known for its powerful performance and ability to reach 450°F for maximum crispiness. Its 5.5-quart capacity is great for couples or smaller families. A premium choice if brand name is important to you.
Check Price on AmazonFinal Verdict & Scorecard
After weeks of putting the Power XL Vortex Pro Air Fryer through its paces, can I recommend it? Yes, absolutely.
It’s a powerful, versatile, and user-friendly appliance that delivers on its promise of crispy, delicious food with minimal oil and effort. It strikes a fantastic balance between performance, capacity, and price, making it one of the best value-for-money air fryers on the market today. It has earned a permanent spot on my kitchen counter, and the cleanup is so easy that I find myself reaching for it daily.
Power XL 7-Qt Review Scorecard
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the Power XL Air Fryer worth the money?
Yes, for most people, the Power XL Air Fryer is absolutely worth it. It offers excellent cooking performance that rivals more expensive brands, fantastic versatility with its multiple cooking functions, and is incredibly easy to use and clean. It provides a great balance of features and price, making it a strong contender in the mid-range air fryer market, especially for families looking to cook healthier meals quickly.
Can you put aluminum foil in a Power XL Air Fryer?
Yes, you can put aluminum foil in a Power XL Air Fryer, but with caution. You must ensure the foil is weighted down by food and does not cover the entire bottom of the basket or block the air circulation vents. This allows air to flow properly for even cooking and prevents the foil from being lifted by the fan into the heating element, which can be a fire hazard. For this reason, perforated parchment paper liners are often a safer and more effective alternative.
What size Power XL Air Fryer do I need?
The size you need depends on your household:
- 1-2 people: A 4-5 quart model is usually sufficient for single servings and small side dishes.
- 3-5 people: A 7-8 quart model (like the one reviewed here) is ideal. It can handle larger batches of food, like a whole chicken or family-sized portions of fries.
- 5+ people: For larger families or those who entertain often, consider a 10-quart or larger oven-style model.
Does the Power XL Air Fryer use a lot of electricity?
No, it’s quite efficient. Air fryers like the Power XL cook much faster and require less preheating time than a conventional oven. While they have a high wattage (typically 1500-1700W), they run for a much shorter duration, generally resulting in lower overall electricity consumption per meal compared to using a full-size oven.
