Cosori Air Fryer Max XL Review – Not Recommended

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Key Points

  • The Cosori Air Fryer Max XL is an inferior air fryer, even when compared to other Cosori models.
  • The Cosori Pro 1 Air Fryer is affordable, but it still costs the same as the Pro II, which has more features.
  • The US Consumer Product Safety Commission announced a recall of this model in February 2023 due to a wire connection that caused them to overheat.

Not Recommended
Cosori Pro Air Fryer Max XL
$32.48

We do not recommend this model! For a little more money, you can get an upgraded version of this model. Spring for that instead of this one.


The Pro Model and Pro Model XL are very similar to the less expensive original (Retro) model. The actual cooking tech is almost exactly the same. The only difference between this model and the original is that it has a slightly lower warming temperature: 170° vs 180°.

Just like the original version, the 5.8 qt cooks about 15 chicken wings comfortably.

For a few more dollars, you get an air fryer with easier to use touch controls, and a larger cookbook. If these are important features for you, consider this model vs the original. If not, save a few dollars and buy the original.

Pros:
  • Affordable
  • Compact design
  • One-touch LCD control panel
  • Easy cleanup
  • Baskets are made from PFOA-free and BPA-free materials
  • Shake alarm notifies you when to shake or flip your food
  • Rapid 360º Air Circulation
  • Square baskets to fit more food
  • Dishwasher safe
  • 1-year warranty
Cons:
  • You can get the more advanced Pro II model for the same price!
  • Some owners noted a plastic smell. Our research shows that this goes away after being used a few times.
  • Non-stick feature sometimes does not last
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02/18/2024 02:58 pm GMT

The Cosori Air Fryer Max XL is a popular but somewhat dated air frying machine. While it was innovative at its initial release, Cosori has now released an improved Pro II model that can be purchased for the same price as this one. This model has also been recalled, but the Pro II model is safe and efficient. Or, check out full roundup of Cosori Air Fryers.

cosori max air fryer m

The Pro Air Fryer boasts 13 one-touch cooking functions and rapid 360° air circulation, making it effortless to prepare crispy, delicious, and healthy meals. Although it appears to be an exceptional air fryer, I cannot recommend it because you can get newer, improved models for the same price.

This Pro I model is a large-capacity air fryer that wouldn’t break the bank. But if you can get an improved Pro II model for the same price, why wouldn’t you?

In addition, the Pro II model has not been recalled and does not have the same issues with overheating, burns, and fires.

Don’t get us wrong, this is still a fantastic air fryer at a little more than a hundred dollars. We wish Cosori would drop the price of this unit relative to the Pro II and make it a more affordable option since the Pro II has better cooking tech and can be had for the exact same price.

Features of the Cosori Air Fryer Max XL

Here are the most essential features of the Cosori Air Fryer Max XL. Differences and similarities between these features and those of the better Pro II model are noted, but the capabilities are mostly the same.

Family Sized Capacity

This Cosori air fryer’s 5.8 qt square-shaped basket provides space to cook more food than round baskets. The Pro II has precisely the same setup.

Imagine you can fit two steaks, 15 chicken wings single layer, 5-lb chicken, or an 8-inch pizza at a time. Isn’t that energy-efficient and time-saving?

Cooking Functions

Basically, there are 11 one-touch presets in this air fryer. You can choose the setting depending on the food you’re cooking.  Here’s a run-down on the capabilities of this air fryer:

One-Touch Presets Based on Ideal Time and Temperature

Most foods have an ideal time and temperature at which they should be cooked for both flavor and safety reasons. The chicken, seafood, shrimp, bacon, vegetables, and other presets are preprogrammed at these optimum temperatures. This completely takes the guesswork out of cooking these items.

Customize Presets for Specific Recipes

The presets can be customized on a recipe-by-recipe basis. This is particularly helpful for frozen foods that don’t always cook at the same time and temperature. Still, it can be difficult to find the right setting for frozen foods that don’t have air fryer instructions.

Preset Programs Can Be Customized and Changed

Do you like your steak a little more or less done than the factory preset? The Cosori air fryers allow you to customize the time and temperature to your ideal doneness and save that customization so that you can go back to using a one-touch preset in the future. This is particularly useful for french fries because everyone likes their fries with different levels of crispiness.

Preheat and Reheat

Not all air fryers have a preheat option, and many claim not to need it. While your Cosori Air Fryer manual will tell you that preheating isn’t necessary for most things, there is a button for it so that you can use it when needed. The most common time to need the preheat feature is when cooking frozen foods or baked goods.

The reheat option is much better than microwave heating for some foods. For example, microwaving pizza to reheat results in a soggy, greasy mess, but the Cosori Air Fryer reheats the pizza to a crispy yumminess.

Furthermore, it comes in three colors, red, white, and black. However, these colors can be difficult to find on Amazon. Additionally, you can choose from these two sizes:

Cosori 3.7 qt versus 5.8 qt

Air Fryer NameCosori 3.7 Quart (CP137-AF)Cosori 5.8 Quart (CP137-AF)
Price range$$$
Wattage rating1500-watt1700-watt
Serves up to2-3 portions3-5 portions
Dimensions10.7 x 13.3 x 12.3 inches (27.1 x 33.7 x 31.2 cm)11.7 x 14.2 x 12.6 inches (29.7 x 36.0 x 32.0 cm)
Get at Amazon →Get at Amazon →
This table compares the two Cosori Air Fryer Max XL by their capacity, price range, wattage rating, and size.

That’s just the tip of the iceberg. You’ll learn more as you read on.

info

Not The Model for You?

If the Cosori Air Fryer Max isn’t for you, check out our master list of Cosori Air Fryer Reviews.

Technical Specifications

TypeAir Fryer
Brand/SeriesCosori
Model #CP158-AF
CP137-AF
Price$$
Rating4.6 out of 5
WattageCP158-AF: 1700 Watts
CP137-AF: 1500 Watts
PresetsSteak, Poultry, Seafood, Shrimp, Bacon, Frozen Foods, French Fries, Vegetables, Root Vegetables, Bread, and Desserts
Air Fryer TypeBasket Drawer
Basket ShapeRectangular
Basket MaterialNonstick coated
CapacityCP158-AF: 5.8 quarts up to 5 servings
CP137-AF: 3.7 quarts up to 3 portions
Dishwasher safeYes
PFOA, BPA FreeYes
ColorsBlack, Burgundy Red, Creamy White
Dimensions CP158-AF: 11.7 x 14.2 x 12.6 inches (29.7 x 36.0 x 32.0 cm)
CP137-AF: 10.7 x 13.3 x 12.3 inches (27.1 x 33.7 x 31.2 cm)
Cord Length~3 ft (91.44 cm)
ApplicationPersonal Use
Warranty1 Year
This table shows the technical specifications of Cosori Air Fryer CP158-AF & CP158-AF.

What can you cook in the Cosori Air Fryer Max XL?

With 11 cooking presets, you can imagine everything you can cook in the Cosori Air Fryer Pro. The Pro1 and the Pro II models have the same capabilities. Let’s take a closer look at the recipes you can make in this air fryer oven.

fries
Fries
broiled chicken
Poultry
shrimp
Shrimp
roasted vegetables
Vegetables
Steak
Steak
brownies
Bread/Desserts
Salmon
Seafood
bacon
Bacon
Frozen Patties
Frozen

With the Cosori Pro XL 5.8qt Air Fryer’s presets, the temperature and time for each type of food are laid out in front of you. No more tedious guesswork. However, you can customize the time (1–60 minutes) and temperature (170°–400°F / 77°–205°C) if you prefer cooking that way.

Here’s a bonus:

The product comes with a recipe cookbook specially curated by Cosori chefs. Most of the recipes are easy to follow and aren’t intimidating.

Here are some examples to give you an idea of what recipes you can prepare with your Cosori Air Fryer.

  • Chicken Tikka Drumsticks
  • Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Jalapeños
  • Turkey Burgers with Asian Slaw
  • Blooming Onion
  • Chocolate Espresso Muffins

These are to name a few, but the recipes are limitless. It’s all up to your imagination. And, as soon as you get the hang of it, you can play around with the presets. These recipes also work in the Cosori Air Fryer Pro II.

Is Cosori Air Fryer CP158 easy to use?

Cosori Air Fryer Max XL controls

As I said before, this air fryer has 13 One-Touch Cooking Functions. Aside from the new 11 presets, you can conveniently use the warm and preheat functions. 

Do you want to switch to different functions? All you gotta do is press the buttons in the LCD control panel. When you touch a button, the preset icon will turn blue when active.

Here’s the thing.

Some recipes require you to flip or shake the food to achieve even cooking. Fortunately, this air fryer has a shake reminder feature for some presets. It will alert you with 5 beeps, and “((SHAKE))” will blink on display. Then, you can pull the basket out and shake your dish at the right time. 

Additionally, you can switch between two temperature units. Press the temperature/time button for 3 seconds, and the temperature unit will change from Fahrenheit to Celsius. 

These features are also found on the better Cosori Air Fryer Max XL Pro II.

Is the Cosori Air Fryer Max easy to clean?

Luckily, cleaning this appliance is a cinch. Let me show you how.

First, ensure the air fryer is off, unplugged, and cooled down. If needed, you can wipe the exterior with a damp cloth. But, thanks to its fingerprint-resistant surface, your air fryer can remain smudge-free even after regular use.

Next, if there are food grease and residue, you can soak the baskets for 15 minutes in warm soapy water. Also, you can hand wash and scrub them with a non-abrasive sponge.

Now the exciting part.

The detachable baskets are dishwasher-safe and are made from PFOA-free and BPA-free materials. So, it’s not only food-safe, but it’s also non-stick. Making cleaning simple and saving you time in the kitchen. However, after some use, I found the nonstick feature to be less than adequate. The Pro II model is said to be much better, although the newness of the model means that this remains to be seen.

Let’s see exactly how it works through this video.

See Cosori 5.8 Quart Air Fryer in Action

Don’t take my word for it, here’s a short video demonstration from the brand.

Watch this next video to appreciate the chic new colors of this air fryer.

The Cosori Air Fryer Max XL is no longer recommended by Juicing Journal. While it was innovative at its release, you can now get this improved model at precisely the same price. In addition, the February 2023 Cosori Air Fryer recall includes this model.

*Product Images and Video Courtesy of Cosori

Is the Cosori Air Fryer Max XL worth it?

In a nutshell, I would not recommend the Cosori Air Fryer Max XL 5.8 Quart. It may be stylish, compact, and affordable, but it isn’t safe or efficient. Consider other Cosori air fryer models instead.

Accessories

COSORI Air Fryer Accessories, Set of 6

Cosori 5.8 Qt Air Fryer Accessories

Model # C158-6AC, C137-6AC

To truly bring out the best in your Cosori Air Fryer, you should consider these accessories. It’ll help you create more recipes.

Get 5.8 QT Accessories at Amazon →

Get 3.7 QT Accessories at Amazon →

FAQs

What air fryers from Cosori were recalled in February 2023?

  • CP158-AF
  • CP158-AF-R19
  • CP158-AF-RXW
  • CP158-AF-RXR
  • CAF-P581-BUSR
  • CAF-P581-AUSR
  • CAF-P581-RUSR
  • CP137-AF
  • CP137-AF-RXB
  • CP137-AF-RXR
  • CP137-AF-RXW
  • CS158-AF
  • CS158-AF-RXB
  • CS158-AF-R19
  • CAF-P581S-BUSR
  • CAF-P581S-RUSR
  • CAF-P581S-AUSR
  • CO137-AF
  • CO158-AF
  • CO158-AF-RXB
  • CP258-AF

The model number can be found on the bottom label on the air fryer and its user manual. Consumers who have already purchased one of these Cosori Air Fryer Max XL models can return it for replacement with the Pro II model without a receipt.

Does the Cosori Air Fryer Max XL 5.8 Quart have Wi-Fi?

No, this CP158 AF model doesn’t have Wi-Fi and no smart settings for wireless connectivity. Luckily, there’s a smart version of this air fryer—Cosori Smart Wifi Air Fryer.

What is the difference between Cosori CP358 AF and Cosori Air Fryer CP158?

Both models have the same size (5.8 qt) and presets. However, the CP358 has additional functions like the customizable shake reminder and presets and a new toast setting.

How many watts is the Cosori Air Fryer Max XL?

The Cosori Air Fryer Max XL has 1700W for its 5.8-Quart version and 1500W for the 3.7-Quart model.

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