Nutrichef 5.8 Quart Air Fryer Review

The Nutrichef 5.8 Quart Air Fryer is here to take your cooking game to the next level! If you love crispy, tasty food but want to skip the extra oil, this air fryer is a solid option. With its big capacity, it promises to make cooking faster, easier, and healthier. Whether you’re making fries, chicken wings, or even desserts, it’s built to give you those perfect results. In this review, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about the design, performance, cleaning, and whether it’s worth your time. 

Overall Design & Build Quality

The Nutrichef 5.8 Quart Air Fryer is an impressive kitchen gadget that combines functionality with an elegant and modern design. From the moment we took it out of the box, its sleek design immediately caught our attention. The combination of glossy white and matte black gives it a contemporary look that effortlessly blends into any kitchen setting like Cuisinart Basket Air Fryer Air-200. Its compact, boxy structure not only saves counter space but also adds a touch of sophistication. Measuring 14 inches in length, 11.6 inches in width, and 11.1 inches in height, it manages to offer a generous cooking capacity without feeling bulky or intrusive.

The design is further enhanced by its top-mounted digital control panel. The touchscreen interface is bright, responsive, and easy to navigate. It features clearly labeled touch icons and a crisp LED display that makes selecting functions and adjusting settings a breeze. We appreciated how intuitive the controls felt during use; there was no need to repeatedly refer to the manual.

The transparent cooking basket was another standout feature like Vexon Glass Air Fryer. Made from durable glass, it allows you to keep an eye on your food as it cooks without interrupting the process. This is a thoughtful design choice, particularly for anyone who loves to monitor the progress of their meals.

In terms of build quality, the Nutrichef air fryer feels solid and well-constructed. The plastic and metal materials used are of high quality, and the unit itself feels sturdy on the countertop. The glass basket is robust and resistant to heat, but we noticed that it requires careful handling to avoid scratches. The accessories, including the mesh tray and coaster, are equally durable, though like most air fryers, the non-stick coating needs gentle cleaning to maintain its longevity. Heat distribution is well-managed, with proper ventilation at the back ensuring the fryer doesn’t overheat even during extended use.

The size of this air fryer is perfect for families or individuals who love hosting small gatherings. The 5.8-quart capacity easily accommodated a batch of crispy fries, a generous portion of chicken wings, and even a small roast during our testing. Despite this spacious cooking area, the appliance remains compact and doesn’t dominate your countertop. We found it easy to store when not in use, although its aesthetic appeal means you’ll likely want to leave it on display.

Overall, the Nutrichef 5.8 Quart Air Fryer scores highly in both design and build quality. The polished finish, user-friendly touchscreen controls, and innovative glass basket make it a standout option for anyone looking to upgrade their kitchen. While the accessories require gentle care, the overall build feels durable and built to last. We’d rate its design at 92 out of 100 for its elegance and functionality and its build quality at 88 out of 100, owing to its sturdy construction and well-thought-out features. It’s an air fryer that not only performs well but also adds a stylish edge to your kitchen.

Cooking Capacity 

The cooking capacity of the Nutrichef 5.8 Quart Air Fryer is one of its most impressive features, making it a great choice for families or anyone who loves preparing meals in generous portions. With a spacious 5.8-quart capacity like Hamilton Beach 5.8 Quart Digital Air Fryer, this air fryer can comfortably accommodate a variety of dishes without requiring multiple batches, saving both time and effort.

During our testing, we found that the fryer’s size was perfect for cooking meals for 4 to 6 people. It easily handled a large batch of fries, enough to serve a family, and even accommodated a small whole chicken. This makes it ideal for preparing family dinners, entertaining guests, or meal prepping for the week. We also tested it with other larger items like multiple chicken breasts, and it cooked them evenly without overcrowding the basket.

The square-shaped glass cooking basket maximizes the available space, offering more surface area compared to round baskets found in some air fryers. This design is particularly useful for foods like steaks, fish fillets, or vegetables that benefit from being laid out in a single layer for even cooking. The glass material also provides a clear view of your food as it cooks, allowing you to monitor the progress without opening the basket, which helps maintain the cooking temperature.

Despite its spacious interior, the air fryer itself has a compact, countertop-friendly footprint. It doesn’t dominate your kitchen space, which is a significant advantage for those with limited counter area. The basket is easy to slide in and out, and the handle stays cool to the touch, enhancing the overall user experience.

One of the few limitations we noticed is that the capacity might not be sufficient for very large families or gatherings where you’re preparing multiple dishes simultaneously. However, for most households, the 5.8-quart size strikes an excellent balance between capacity and convenience.

User Interface

The user interface of the Nutrichef 5.8 Quart Air Fryer is one of its standout features, designed to make cooking as effortless and intuitive as possible. At the heart of this is the touchscreen control panel, which is located on the top of the appliance. The panel is sleek and minimalistic, with clear symbols and an easy-to-read LED display. During our testing, we found that the responsiveness of the touchscreen was excellent, requiring only a light touch to activate any function. The bright backlight ensures that the controls are easily visible, even in dim lighting.

What makes this air fryer particularly user-friendly is the inclusion of eight preset cooking options. These presets are a game changer for anyone who wants quick and consistent results without having to manually set the temperature and time. The options include settings for shrimp, steak, fries, wings, fish, chicken, defrost, and manual mode. We tested several of these, and each preset was optimized for its respective dish. For instance, the fries preset delivered golden, crispy fries every time, while the chicken preset cooked evenly with juicy results. If you’re someone who prefers more control, the manual mode allows you to fine-tune the temperature and cooking time to your liking.

The interface also includes dedicated buttons for adjusting the temperature and time. The +/- icons are easy to spot, and the adjustments are precise, allowing for customization in small increments. The power button is conveniently placed and clearly marked, ensuring the overall layout feels intuitive even for first-time users.

In terms of convenience, the design of the interface is straightforward and free of clutter. We appreciated that the panel remains easy to clean, as the flat surface prevents dust and oil from accumulating in crevices. The only minor drawback we noticed is that fingerprints can be visible on the touchscreen, but this is easily resolved with a quick wipe.

Cooking Versatility

The Nutrichef 5.8 Quart Air Fryer truly shines when it comes to cooking versatility, offering a wide range of functions that can handle everything from quick snacks to full meals. During our testing, we were impressed by how well it adapted to various cooking needs, thanks to its eight preset cooking options and adjustable manual settings. 

The eight presets are tailored for popular dishes like shrimp, steak, fries, chicken, wings, fish, and even defrosting frozen foods. Each preset is preprogrammed with optimal temperatures and times, ensuring consistent and reliable results without guesswork. For instance, the fries preset cooked perfectly crispy fries without the need for oil, and the chicken setting delivered evenly cooked, juicy chicken with a crisp exterior. These presets are ideal for those who want fast and efficient cooking with minimal effort.

Beyond the presets, the air fryer also supports manual adjustments for temperature and time, giving you the flexibility to cook a variety of dishes not covered by the presets. With a temperature range of 180°F to 400°F, you can roast, bake, grill, or air-fry practically any ingredient. We tested it with vegetables, baked goods, and even reheating leftovers, and it performed exceptionally in all scenarios. Its advanced air circulation technology guarantees even cooking, eliminating the need to flip food midway and making the process much simpler.

Another feature worth mentioning is its ability to handle large portions thanks to the 5.8-quart cooking capacity. We cooked a full batch of chicken wings and a small whole chicken during our testing, and the fryer handled both without overcrowding or uneven cooking. The glass basket allows you to monitor progress easily, which is especially useful for delicate recipes.

However, while it excels in many areas, the Nutrichef air fryer is not designed for liquid-heavy recipes, like soups or stews, which is typical of most air fryers. Additionally, cooking times can vary slightly depending on the thickness or type of food, so some trial and error might be needed initially.

Frying Quality

The frying quality of the Nutrichef 5.8 Quart Air Fryer is exceptional and lives up to the promise of delivering crispy, golden results with minimal to no oil. During our testing, we were particularly impressed by how consistently it cooked a variety of foods, from fries and chicken wings to vegetables and seafood, replicating the texture of deep-fried dishes without the excess grease.

One of the key factors contributing to its excellent frying performance is the advanced air circulation technology. The fryer distributes hot air evenly around the food, ensuring it’s cooked uniformly on all sides. When we prepared fries, they came out perfectly crisp on the outside and tender on the inside, with no sogginess or uneven patches. Chicken wings were another standout – they were juicy and flavorful with a satisfying crunch, rivaling the results of traditional frying methods.

The fryer’s ability to maintain a consistent temperature is another reason for its high frying quality. We tested it at different temperature settings, from lower temperatures for delicate items like fish fillets to higher ones for foods like steak and wings. The results were consistently excellent across the board. The presets, like those for fries and chicken, are well-calibrated, taking the guesswork out of cooking.

We also appreciated how this air fryer allows you to achieve that fried texture without the mess and hassle of deep frying. There’s no lingering smell of oil or the need to dispose of used grease, making it a much cleaner and healthier alternative. Plus, the absence of oil doesn’t compromise the taste or texture; foods still have that satisfying crunch you’d expect from frying.

However, as with most air fryers, the Nutrichef does have some limitations. While it excels at frying smaller items and thin cuts of meat, very thick items or those heavily coated in batter may not crisp up as effectively. Foods with a wet batter can sometimes stick to the mesh tray, so a light spray of oil or using pre-coated items is recommended for the best results.

Food Making Time

The Nutrichef 5.8 Quart Air Fryer excels when it comes to food-making time, offering a significant reduction compared to traditional cooking methods. One of the primary advantages of air frying is its ability to deliver quick results, and this model certainly lives up to that promise. During our testing, we found that it could prepare a variety of dishes in a fraction of the time required by conventional ovens or stovetops, making it an excellent choice for busy households.

For example, a batch of frozen fries took about 15-18 minutes to come out perfectly golden and crispy, compared to 20-25 minutes in a standard oven. Chicken wings were ready in just 18-20 minutes, with no need to flip them midway thanks to the efficient air circulation technology. We also tested fresh vegetables like broccoli and zucchini, which roasted beautifully in under 10 minutes. This speed is especially impressive when you consider the quality of the results — the food is evenly cooked, with no cold spots or overdone edges.

One feature that enhances the speed is the air fryer’s ability to preheat rapidly. Unlike traditional ovens that may take 10-15 minutes to reach the desired temperature, this unit is ready to cook in just a few minutes, further cutting down on overall preparation time. Additionally, the presets are designed to optimize both time and temperature for specific dishes, ensuring you don’t need to spend extra minutes adjusting settings or monitoring the cooking process.

Another aspect worth mentioning is how the fryer handles frozen foods. During our tests, we tried frozen fish fillets, nuggets, and fries, and all were cooked directly from frozen without any thawing. The results were consistently excellent, and the total cooking time was similar to or shorter than what’s listed on the packaging for oven preparation.

While the air fryer is generally quick, the food-making time can vary depending on the quantity and size of the food. Larger portions or thicker cuts, like a whole chicken, may take slightly longer than smaller items. For instance, cooking a small whole chicken took approximately 40 minutes, which is still significantly faster than a traditional oven but longer than smaller portions. However, the ability to cook an entire meal in one batch offsets this slight increase in time for larger dishes.

Temperature and Stability

The temperature control and stability of the Nutrichef 5.8 Quart Air Fryer are two of its standout features, ensuring precise and consistent cooking performance. With a temperature range of 180°F to 400°F, this air fryer is versatile enough to handle everything from gentle reheating to high-heat frying, roasting, and baking. During our tests, we found the temperature settings to be accurate and well-calibrated, delivering consistently excellent results across a variety of dishes.

The digital touch panel makes adjusting the temperature straightforward. You can fine-tune it in small increments, which is ideal for recipes that require specific heat levels. This stability ensures even cooking, eliminating the risk of overcooking or undercooking certain parts of your food.

Another aspect that stood out during our testing was the rapid preheating. The fryer reaches the desired temperature in just a few minutes, significantly cutting down on total cooking time. This is especially convenient for those moments when you need to prepare meals quickly. The consistency in temperature is maintained even with larger batches of food, which is a testament to the efficiency of the air circulation technology.

The glass cooking basket also helps with monitoring food as it cooks. You can visually check the progress without opening the basket, which helps to retain the internal temperature and avoids the heat loss often associated with traditional ovens. This feature is particularly helpful for delicate items that might require close attention, such as baked goods or fish fillets.

In terms of stability, this 5qt glass air fryer is built with a sturdy design that keeps it firmly in place during operation. The base is equipped with anti-slip feet, ensuring that the unit remains stable on your countertop even when handling heavier loads or during prolonged use. The cooking basket slides in and out smoothly, and the handle stays cool to the touch, adding to the overall safety and ease of use.

The only minor drawback we noticed was that the highest temperature setting (400°F) could sometimes create slight hotspots with very thick cuts of food, like a large steak. However, this can be easily managed by flipping or rotating the food during cooking, which is a common practice even with most ovens and air fryers.

Preheat Speed

The preheat speed of the Nutrichef 5.8 Quart Air Fryer is another strong feature that enhances its overall convenience and efficiency. Unlike traditional ovens, which can take anywhere from 10 to 15 minutes to fully preheat, this air fryer is ready to cook in just 2 to 3 minutes. During our testing, we found this rapid preheat time to be a significant advantage, especially for quick meals or snacks when time is of the essence.

One of the reasons for this speed is the advanced air circulation technology that evenly distributes heat throughout the cooking chamber. As soon as you set the desired temperature, the fryer begins warming up almost instantly, reaching the target temperature much faster than most countertop appliances. This is particularly useful when you’re cooking dishes that require high heat, like chicken wings or fries, as you can get started almost immediately.

The short preheat time doesn’t compromise performance. Once preheated, the fryer maintains a consistent temperature, ensuring that your food cooks evenly. This means you don’t need to wait long for the unit to be fully operational, yet you still get restaurant-quality results. We also appreciated how this efficiency translates to energy savings — since the fryer heats up so quickly, it uses less electricity compared to conventional ovens that need extended preheating.

For dishes that don’t specifically require preheating, such as reheating leftovers or cooking frozen foods, the Nutrichef air fryer performs just as effectively without any preheating at all. However, for recipes like baked goods or thicker cuts of meat, the preheat function ensures that the cooking environment is optimized from the start, leading to better texture and flavor.

The control panel includes clear indicators for the preheat process, so you know when the fryer is ready. This eliminates any guesswork and helps streamline your cooking routine. The rapid preheat speed is particularly beneficial for busy individuals or families, as it allows you to prepare meals with minimal downtime.

In our experience, the preheat speed of this Nutrichef glass air fryer adds to its appeal as a time-saving appliance. It’s perfect for anyone who values efficiency in the kitchen and wants to enjoy quick, high-quality meals without waiting around for an oven to warm up.

Easy to Clean

The Nutrichef 5.8 Quart  glass Air Fryer is easy to clean, making it perfect for those who want minimal post-cooking effort. It features a glass cooking basket, which enhances its design and simplifies cleaning. Unlike traditional non-stick baskets, the glass is easy to wipe down and doesn’t hold onto grease.

In our tests, even fatty foods like chicken wings and bacon left little mess. The non-stick glass basket kept food from sticking, and crumbs or grease wiped off easily. The basket is removable and dishwasher-safe for a deeper clean.

The mesh tray is also easy to clean. It doesn’t trap food particles like other trays, making it simple to rinse off crumbs and grease. A quick soak in warm soapy water removed stubborn bits, and it dried without water spots.

The fryer itself requires minimal maintenance. The outer casing can be wiped with a damp cloth. Since the basket is enclosed during cooking, there is no splatter or grease buildup on the outside. The heating element area stayed clean after several uses.

The compact design means fewer hard-to-reach areas for grease or crumbs to collect. However, the glass basket should be handled carefully to avoid scratches or breakage. Its larger size may require extra space in the sink for hand washing.

Final Verdict 

The nutrichef 5.8 quart air fryer 8-1 is a great choice for anyone looking for an easy-to-use and efficient kitchen appliance. It offers fast cooking times, a sleek design, and great frying quality. The glass basket is easy to clean, making it perfect for daily use.

Its user-friendly interface, quick preheat speed, and stable temperature control make it even more convenient. This air fryer cooks a variety of dishes with minimal effort. Whether you're making crispy fries or juicy chicken wings, it delivers excellent results.

If you're looking for a reliable glass airfryer, this Nutrichef glass air air fryer is a solid option. Just handle the glass basket with care to avoid damage. It’s a useful tool for anyone who wants to save time and enjoy healthier meals.