Throw in the power of steam and it helps meat and cakes retain moisture.
Steaming vegetables, fish and dumplings is also super easy, and it has a steam-clean mode too.
However, having the power of steam means youll need to deal with a few caveats.
The water reservoir has a cloud icon on its lid to indicate billowing steam(Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
So its not quite the magical solution I was expecting it to be.
Well, at least both drawers, and the basket and tray, are dishwasher safe.
You will, however, need to shell out a decent amount of cash for the privilege.
The water reservoir has a cloud icon on its lid to indicate billowing steam(Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
Its currently not listed for purchase in the US.
This review is based on the Australian model with SKU NA551/00.
The model available in the UK is NA555/09 with a brushed-steel finish.
Both drawers, the large basket and the small tray are non-stick and dishwasher safe(Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
And its only the bigger drawer that has steam functionality.
It is, however, slightly taller because of the water reservoir on the top.
Theres even the option to sync cooking times if you want.
The water reservoir fits into its own little niche(Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
Above this are the two vents that, when you use steam, will puff rhythmically.
All of Philips air fryers have one thing in common the raised pattern at the bottom of the drawers.
This is to help the companys proprietary RapidAir technology circulate hot air within each basket more efficiently.
That said, the large basket, the two drawers and the small tray are dishwasher safe.
One thing to keep in mind with the large basket: it might appear square, but its not.
So if the basket isnt fitting, just turn it around and slide it in.
The basket has small silicone-covered feet that are prone to pressure, which can happen if youre handwashing it.
From tender steaks to steamed dumplings, I can hardly fault it.
That said, nothing I made was using the presets.
Cheese and garlic crumpets before cooking…(Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
Time and temperature adjustments can be made while the appliance is running.
One of the first cooking modes I tried in the 5000 Series Dual Basket XXL Steam was air fry+steam.
This feature works by pumping steam and hot air alternately, so you will hear the sound change rhythmically.
..and the final, slightly overdone results(Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
The chicken drumsticks that I experimented with were tender and moist, but the skin didn’t get crispy.
I found the steam-only function rather useful though.
The only issue here is the pre-planning.
Halloumi cooked in the air fryer(Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
In which case, you will need to use the 6L basket twice, which isnt ideal.
Time synchronization works well and I appreciate that there is a shake reminder too.
I cooked halloumi in the air fryer, as well mushrooms, steak and frozen foods.
Chicken drumsticks cooked using the air fry+steam mode, then crisped for 5 minutes by air frying only(Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
As good as the cooking is, I was disappointed by the steam-cleaning function.
Moreover, only the 6L basket has the advantage of steam to loosen caked-in grease.
Thankfully both drawers and baskets are dishwasher safe.
Stuffed portobello mushrooms cooked in the Philips air fryer(Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
Importantly, it allows you to combine air frying and steaming, which is good for tender meat.
If you are comfortable experimenting, youll hit the right notes each time you cook in it.
And you’ve got the option to have them both ready at the same time.
Dumplings steamed in the large basket alongside prawn and chorizo skewers
This cooking appliance will need some experimentation.
This also means you wont need the extra space to store a two-drawer air fryer.
In my opinion, this air fryer is suited to a 2-3 person household.
I also cooked some halloumi and portobello mushrooms.
In addition to cooking, I also tested the steam-clean mode a few times.
