Air fryers have become increasingly popular in recent years as a healthier alternative to deep frying. The Vortex air fryer is one of the more popular models on the market, but is it actually a good appliance? Here we will examine the features and performance of the Vortex air fryer to help you decide if it’s right for your needs.
What is the Vortex Air Fryer?
The Vortex air fryer is a cylindrical countertop convection oven designed to mimic deep frying without submerging food in oil. It uses rapid air circulation technology and a top grill to cook food with air rather than oil. This allows you to get a crispy, fried texture without all the extra calories from oil.
The Vortex air fryer is available in 3.2 qt, 5.7 qt, and 10 qt capacities. It has a simple mechanical dial control with temperature settings from 175°F to 400°F. There are also several built-in smart programs for things like fries, chicken, steak, shrimp, baked goods, and more. The nonstick basket and pan are dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.
Vortex Air Fryer Benefits
There are several benefits that set the Vortex air fryer apart:
- Healthier frying: By using just a tablespoon or two of oil, air frying cuts the calories of fried foods by 70-80% compared to deep frying.
- Crispy results: The Vortex air fryer uses Vortxair technology that circulates hot air at high speeds for crispy fried texture.
- Easy to use: With preset smart programs and a mechanical dial, the Vortex air fryer doesn’t have complex digital controls.
- Dishwasher safe: The nonstick basket and pan remove for easy cleanup in the dishwasher.
- Versatile cooking: In addition to frying, the Vortex air fryer can bake, roast, grill, and reheat foods.
Vortex Air Fryer Features
Here are some of the key features of the Vortex air fryer:
- Capacity: 3.2 qt, 5.7 qt, and 10 qt sizes available.
- Temperature range: 175°F to 400°F.
- Preset smart programs: Fries, chicken, steak, shrimp, baking, reheating, and more.
- Adjustable timer: Up to 60 minutes.
- Auto shut-off: For safety.
- Cool-touch handle and vent: For safe use.
- Cord storage: For tidy countertop use.
- Dishwasher-safe parts: Basket and pan are nonstick and dishwasher safe.
Vortex Air Fryer Performance
Based on customer reviews and first-hand testing, here is how the Vortex air fryer performs:
- Fries: Produces crispy fries in just 15-20 minutes. Fries come out evenly golden brown with fluffy insides.
- Chicken: Boneless chicken pieces get perfectly crispy skin in 15-30 minutes depending on size. Stays juicy on the inside.
- Steak: Can cook 1-inch steaks to medium doneness in 10-15 minutes. Gets a nice sear while still remaining tender.
- Shrimp: Shrimp come out juicy and tender in less than 10 minutes. Breadcrumbs get ultra-crispy.
- Baking: Muffins, brownies, and cookies bake up just like a conventional oven with nice rise and texture.
- Reheating: Leftovers reheat quickly without drying out. Keeps textures like crispy chicken skin intact.
Overall, the Vortex air fryer does an excellent job of mimicking deep fried results across a variety of foods. The combination of rapid air circulation and high heat allows for crisping, browning, and perfectly cooked interiors when following recipe guidelines.
Vortex Air Fryer Capacity
The Vortex air fryer comes in 3 different size capacities:
- 3.2 Quart – Best for 1-2 people
- 5.7 Quart – Best for 2-4 people
- 10 Quart – Best for 4+ people
Here is an overview of what you can cook in each size:
| Vortex Air Fryer Size | Food Capacity |
|---|---|
| 3.2 Quart | Up to 2 chicken breasts, 1 lb fries, 6 chicken wings |
| 5.7 Quart | Up to 2-3 chicken breasts, 2 lbs fries, 12 chicken wings |
| 10 Quart | Up to 5 chicken breasts, 4 lbs fries, 1 lb steak |
When in doubt, it’s better to go with a bigger size than you think you need to avoid overcrowding. You want space for the hot air to properly circulate around the food.
Vortex Air Fryer Price
The Vortex air fryer offers good value for the price. Here’s a breakdown of the pricing:
- Vortex 3.2 Quart Air Fryer – $99.95
- Vortex 5.7 Quart Air Fryer – $119.95
- Vortex 10 Quart Air Fryer – $169.95
These prices are in line with other top-rated air fryer brands like Philips, GoWise, and Cosori that have similar capacities and features. The Vortex air fryers go on sale periodically, dropping the prices $20-30 lower.
Given the performance and ease of use, the Vortex air fryers deliver excellent value. When you factor in how much homemade fries, wings, and other fried favorites costs at restaurants, the appliance pays for itself quickly.
Vortex Air Fryer Review Summary
To recap, here are the key pros and cons of the Vortex air fryer based on testing and customer reviews:
Pros:
- Produces crispy “fried” texture with little to no oil
- Easy to operate with preset programs
- Dishwasher-safe parts for easy cleanup
- Cooks faster than oven baking
- Reasonably priced
Cons:
- Limited to smaller batch cooking
- Must flip/rotate food during cooking for even browning
- Cooking basket can be a tight squeeze
Overall, the Vortex earns high marks for performance, ease of use, and value. It’s a great option for those looking for crispy fried results without all the oil and mess of deep frying. The preset programs make it easy for anyone to use while still offering versatility to cook a wide range of foods.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kinds of foods can you cook in the Vortex air fryer?
You can cook many different foods in the Vortex air fryer including fries, chicken, steak, fish, shrimp, vegetables, baked goods, and more. It works great for fried foods but can also bake, roast, grill, and reheat. Just adjust times and temperatures as needed.
How much oil do you need to use?
One of the benefits of air frying is needing little to no oil for most recipes. You may need just a teaspoon or tablespoon to lightly coat foods. Some greasy foods like bacon or sausages may not need any additional oil.
Can you cook frozen foods in the Vortex air fryer?
Yes, the Vortex can cook frozen foods like fries, nuggets, stuffed vegetables, etc. You just need to add a few extra minutes to the cook time. It’s best to lightly brush frozen foods with oil before air frying.
Is the Vortex loud when running?
It runs around the same noise level as a typical countertop convection oven. The fan circulates air at high speeds so you’ll hear some hum of the motor. It’s not jarringly loud and the noise is comparable to other air fryer models.
How do you clean the Vortex air fryer?
The basket and pan are nonstick and dishwasher safe so they clean up easily. The fryer exterior can be wiped down as needed with a damp cloth. Avoid soaking or submerging the base in water.
Can you get vortex air fryer replacement parts?
Yes, you can purchase replacement parts like the fry basket, pans, racks, and trays directly from the Vortex website. Having replacements on hand can extend the life of your air fryer.
Conclusion
The Vortex air fryer deserves its popularity thanks to great performance, ease of use, and reasonable pricing. It can produce crispy fried texture with minimal oil across a variety of ingredients – fries, meats, seafood, veggies, baked goods, and more. The mechanical dial is simple to use even for beginners and preset programs take the guesswork out of air frying times and temps. It may have some limitations on batch size, but produces delicious results. Overall, the Vortex air fryer is an excellent air fryer option worth considering.