Oil-free frying appliances (air fryers) have become popular in Brazilian homes due to their practicality and ability to prepare tasty meals without the need for oil, promoting health and well-being.
Olhar Digital offers a detailed review of a Philco model that integrates the functions of a fryer with those of an electric oven.
The Philco PFR2200P has a design reminiscent of a compact countertop electric oven. Its body is constructed from durable black plastic, complemented by brushed stainless steel details on the front. The door features a bottom front opening and includes a large glass panel, as well as an internal lamp controlled by the panel.
At the top of the facade, there is a touch-sensitive digital panel used to set time, temperature, and the different operating modes. Internally, the walls have three levels of grooves, designed to accommodate accessories according to the chosen recipe.
The appliance comes with two perforated baking trays, a 3.5-liter non-stick basket, and a shallow tray at the base, intended for collecting grease and crumbs. The internal chamber lighting is activated by a button on the digital panel, allowing monitoring of cooking through the glass door without compromising accumulated heat.
This appliance concentrates four main functions: frying without added oil, baking, reheating, and dehydrating food. The panel offers nine predefined programs with established times and temperatures for various items, such as potatoes, meats, chicken, fish, pasta, and pizzas.
The internal chamber totals 12 liters, offering adequate space to bake large cuts of meat or use two trays simultaneously, combining a main course and side dish. To heat this space, the appliance operates with a power of 1800 watts. The temperature can be adjusted between 80°C and 200°C, and the timer goes up to 90 minutes, with automatic shut-off and an audible alert upon completion of the cycle.
Because the heat-generating element is positioned at the top of the cavity, the upper shelf heats more intensely than the lower one. When using two trays, it is necessary to alternate their positions halfway through to ensure uniform cooking of the food.
The dehydration function uses lower temperatures and an extended period, making it useful for drying fruits, vegetables, and herbs at home without causing burning. The reheating mode returns heat to the food without negatively altering its texture.
Thanks to its high capacity and the glass viewing window that facilitates monitoring the preparation, this air fryer is capable of preparing meals for a considerable group, estimated between 3 to 5 people at once. It allows, for example, cooking meat and its side dishes concurrently. Furthermore, since it is an electric oven, it can be used to bake cakes and pies, among other applications.
Therefore, for medium-sized families or individuals who often cook for several people at the same time, the model is considered advantageous. However, if the user lives alone or has little counter space, it may not be the ideal option, given that more compact models are available on the market, although these do not always feature the front glass that improves the user experience.
