PowerXL HF-2096TS Vortex Air Fryer User manual

: June 4, 2024
: PowerXL

PowerXL HF-2096TS Vortex Air Fryer

IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS

WARNING
PREVENT INJURIES! – CAREFULLY READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USE!
When using electrical appliances, always follow these basic safety precautions.

READ AND FOLLOW all instructions carefully.
NEVER immerse the Main Unit Housing, which contains electrical components and heating elements, in water. Do not rinse under the tap.
THIS APPLIANCE IS NOT INTENDED FOR
use by persons with reduced physical, sensory, or mental capabilities or lack of experience and knowledge unless they are under the supervision of a responsible person or have been given proper instruction in using the appliance. This appliance is not intended for use by children.
TO AVOID ELECTRICAL SHOCK, do not put liquid of any kind into the Main Unit Housing containing the electrical components.
THIS APPLIANCE HAS A POLARIZED PLUG
(one blade is wider than the other). To reduce the risk of electric shock, this plug is intended to fit into a polarized outlet only one way. If the plug does not fit fully into the outlet, reverse the plug. If it still does not fit, contact a qualified electrician. Do not attempt to modify the plug in any way.
MAKE SURE the appliance is plugged into a wall socket. Always make sure that the plug is inserted into the wall socket properly.
DO NOT use outdoors.
DO NOT place the Unit on the stove top. Place on a flat, horizontal surface with adequate space for air flow. Do not place other appliances within 5 in. of the Unit.
TO PREVENT food contact with the heating elements, do not overfill.
DO NOT cover the Air Intake Vent or Hot Air Outlet Vent while the PowerXL Vortex Air Fryer is operating. Doing so will prevent even cooking and may damage the Unit or cause it to overheat.
NEVER pour oil into the Basket. Fire and personal injury could result.
WHILE COOKING, the internal temperature of the Unit reaches several hundred degrees F.
To avoid personal injury, never place hands inside the Unit unless it is thoroughly cooled down.
DO NOT use this Unit if the plug, the power cord, or the appliance itself is damaged in any way.
IF THE POWER CORD IS DAMAGED, you must have it replaced by the manufacturer, its service agent, or a similarly qualified person in order to avoid hazard.
KEEP the appliance and its power cord out of the reach of children when it is in operation or in the cooling down process.
KEEP the power cord away from hot surfaces.
Do not plug in the power cord or operate the Unit controls with wet hands.
NEVER connect this appliance to an external timer switch or separate remote-control system.
NEVER use this appliance with an extension cord of any kind. A short power-supply cord (or detachable power-supply cord) is provided
to reduce the risk of becoming entangled in or tripping over a longer cord.
DO NOT let cord hang over the edge of table or counter surfaces.
DO NOT operate the appliance on or near combustible materials, such as tablecloths, paper towels, or curtains.
WHEN COOKING, do not place the appliance against a wall or against other appliances. Leave at least 5 in. free space on the back and sides and above the appliance. Do not place anything on top of the appliance.
DO NOT USE the PowerXL Vortex Air Fryer for
any purpose other than described in this manual.
THE USE OF ACCESSORY ATTACHMENTS
not recommended by the appliance manufacturer may cause injuries.
NEVER operate the appliance unattended.
WHEN IN OPERATION, hot air and steam is released through the Hot Air Outlet Vent. Keep your hands and face at a safe distance from the Hot Air Outlet Vent. Also avoid the hot steam and air while removing the Basket and Fry Tray from the appliance.
THE UNIT’S OUTER SURFACES may become hot during use. The Basket and Fry Tray will be hot. Wear oven mitts when handling hot components or touching hot surfaces.
Before using your new PowerXL Vortex Air Fryer on any countertop surface, CHECK with your countertop manufacturer or installer for recommendations about using appliances on your surfaces. Some manufacturers and installers may recommend protecting your surface by placing a hot pad or trivet under the PowerXL Vortex Air Fryer for heat protection.
Your manufacturer or installer may recommend that hot pans, pots, or electrical appliances should not be used directly on top of the countertop. If you are unsure, place a trivet or hot pad under the PowerXL Vortex Air Fryer before using it.
DO NOT place your PowerXL Vortex Air Fryer on
a hot cooktop because it could cause a fire or damage the PowerXL Vortex Air Fryer, your cooktop, and your home.
SHOULD THE UNIT EMIT BLACK SMOKE, unplug immediately and wait for smoking to stop. Allow the Unit to cool and wipe out excess oil and grease from the Unit.

WARNING:
This product can expose you to Bisphenol A, which is known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information, go to
www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS – FOR HOUSEHOLD USE ONLY

CAUTION

Always operate the appliance on a horizontal surface that is level, stable, and noncombustible.
This appliance is intended for normal household use only. It is not intended for use in commercial or retail environments.
If the PowerXL Vortex Air Fryer is used improperly or for professional or semi-professional purposes or if it is not used according to the instructions in the user manual, the guarantee becomes invalid and the manufacturer will not be held liable for damages.
Always unplug the appliance after use.
When the cooking time has completed, cooking will stop and the fan will continue running for 10 secs. to cool down the Unit.
Let the appliance cool down for approximately 30 mins. before handling, cleaning, or storing.
The PowerXL Vortex Air Fryer is equipped with
an internal microswitch that automatically shuts down the fan and heating element when the Basket is removed.

Overheating Protection
Should the inner temperature control system fail, the overheating protection system will be activated and the Unit will not function. Should this happen, unplug the Unit. Allow time for the Unit to cool completely before restarting or storing.

Automatic Shut-Off
The Unit has a built-in shut-off device that will automatically shut off the Unit when the cooking time has completed. You can manually switch off the Unit by pressing the Power Button. The fan will continue running for 10 secs. to cool down the Unit.

Electric Power
The unit should be operated on a dedicated electrical outlet. If the electrical outlet is being used by other appliances, your new Unit may not operate properly.

Electromagnetic Fields
This appliance complies with all standards regarding electromagnetic fields. If handled properly and according to the instructions in this user manual, the appliance is safe to use based on scientific evidence available today.

Parts & Accessories

FRY TRAY
BASKET
HANDLE
MAIN UNIT HOUSING
AIR INLET VENT
CONTROL PANEL
HOT AIR OUTLET VENT
POWER CABLE
NOTE: Unpack all listed contents from the packaging. Contents vary by model. Please remove any clear or blue protective film on
the components before use.

CAUTION
Unit may be hot. Be careful not to touch the Unit while in use. Keep the Unit away from other objects.

IMPORTANT
Please make sure that your PowerXL Vortex Air Fryer has been shipped with the components that you ordered (some accessories may be sold separately). Check everything carefully before use. If any part is missing or damaged, do not use this product. Contact the shipper using the customer service number located on the back of this manual.

Unit Specifications

Technical Specifications

PowerXL-HF-2096TS-Vortex-Air-Fryer-fig-63

Using The Control Panel

PowerXL-HF-2096TS-Vortex-Air-Fryer-fig-4

Power Button
Once the Basket and Fry Tray are properly placed
in the Main Unit Housing, the Control Panel will be illuminated. Pressing the Power Button once will set the Unit to a default cooking temperature of 370° F and time of 15 mins. Pressing the Power Button a second time will start the cooking process. Pressing the Power Button during the cooking cycle will turn the Unit off.
Cooking Presets
Press the cooking preset buttons to choose from up to ten cooking presets (smaller models have fewer presets; see Fig. 1). See the Preset Chart below for the cooking times and temperatures associated with each preset.
NOTE: The running lights on the Control Panel will illuminate when the cooking cycle begins and will stay illuminated for up to 20 seconds after the cooking cycle is complete.
Temperature Control Buttons
The + and − symbols enable you to increase
or decrease cooking temperature 5° F at a time. Keeping a button held down will rapidly change the temperature. Temperature control range:
180° F–400° F (Dehydrate temperature control range: 90° F–170° F).
Time and Temperature Display
This display will keep track of the temperature and remaining cook time.
Timer Control Buttons
The + and − symbols enable you to increase or decrease cooking time 1 min. at a time (30 mins. at a time for Dehydrate). Keeping the Button held down will rapidly change the time. Time control range: 1– 60 mins. (Dehydrate time control range: 2–24 hrs.).

Preset Chart

Once you are familiar with the Unit, you may want to experiment with your own recipes. Simply choose the time and temperature that suits your personal taste.
NOTE: The Pizza and Roast presets are only available with the 5-quart and 7-quart models. The Fish, Steak, Dehydrate, and Reheat presets are not available on the 2-quart model.
For the 2-quart model, the cooking time for the Chicken preset is 25 mins.

Preset Temperature Time Models

Default __ 370° F (188° C) 15 mins. –

French Fry

| 400° F (204° C)| 18 mins.| All models
---|---|---|---
Roast| 350° F (177° C)| 30 mins.| (5 & 7 Quart)
Bake| 320° F (160° C)| 30 mins.| All models
Fish| 325° F (163° C)| 15 mins.| (3, 5 & 7-Quart)
Shrimp| 320° F (160° C)| 12 mins.| All models
Chicken| 370° F (188° C)| 40 mins. *****| All models
Steak| 400° F (204° C)| 10 mins.| (3, 5 & 7-Quart)
Pizza| 360° F (182° C)| 15 mins.| (5 & 7 Quart)
Reheat| 240° F (116° C)| 12 mins.| (3, 5 & 7-Quart)
Dehydrate| 120° F (49° C)| 2 hrs.| (3, 5 & 7-Quart)

Fig. 1: Only the 5-quart and 7-quart models have all ten presets listed in this chart.

Instructions for Use

Before First Use

Remove all the packaging material.
Remove any stickers or labels from the Unit.
Before initial use, wipe the inside and outside of the Unit with a warm, moist cloth and mild detergent. Handwash all cooking accessories.
Before cooking food, preheat the PowerXL Vortex Air Fryer for a few minutes to allow the Unit
to burn off the manufacturer’s protective coating of oil. Wipe the Unit with warm, soapy water and a washcloth after this burn-in cycle.
Place the Unit on a stable, horizontal, and level surface. Do not place the Unit on a surface that is not heat resistant. Ensure that the Unit
is used in an area with good air circulation and away from hot surfaces and any combustible materials. Do not place on the stove top.
Place the Fry Tray in the Basket. Slide the Basket into the Unit. If the Basket is placed properly, it will click into place.
NOTE : The PowerXL Vortex Air Fryer cooks using hot air. Do not fill the Basket with oil or frying fat. Do not put anything on top of the Unit. This disrupts the airflow and affects the cooking results.

Shaking

To ensure even cooking, some foods require shaking during the cooking process. Remove the Basket from the Unit. Gently shake the contents as needed and place them back in the Unit to continue cooking.
CAUTION: The Basket will be hot. Wear an oven mitt during this procedure.

Place the Basket on a heat-resistant surface.
Shake the ingredients in the Basket.
Return the Basket to the Unit to finish cooking.

Using the PowerXL Vortex Air Fryer

Plug the Unit into a grounded wall socket.
To preheat, push the Power Button.
Press the Temperature Increase or Decrease Buttons to set the cooking temperature.
Press the Time Decrease Button to set the preheat time to 3 mins. When the preheat cycle finishes, carefully pull the Basket out of the Unit and place the ingredients inside.
NOTE: For better performance, always use the Fry Tray with the Basket.
Do not touch the Basket directly because the Basket becomes very hot during operation. Only hold the Basket by its handle.
Press the Power Button. Set the appropriate time and temperature for the ingredients you are cooking.
When the timer beeps five times, the set cooking time has elapsed. Pull the Basket out of the Unit and place it on a heat-resistant surface.
If the food is fully cooked, use tongs to remove food.
CAUTION: Do not turn the Basket upside down because any excess oil that has collected on the bottom of the basket will leak onto the ingredients.
If the food is not fully cooked, simply slide the Basket back into the Unit and add a few minutes to the cooking time.
The Unit is instantly ready for preparing another batch.

Tips

Foods that are smaller in size usually require a slightly shorter cooking time than larger foods.
Large quantities of food only require a longer cooking time than smaller quantities. Shaking smaller-sized foods halfway through the cooking process ensures that all the pieces are fried evenly.
Adding a bit of vegetable oil to fresh potatoes is suggested for a crispier result. When adding oil, do so just before cooking and add only a small amount onto the potato.
Snacks normally cooked in an oven can also be cooked in the PowerXL Vortex Air Fryer.
Use premade dough to prepare filled snacks quickly and easily. Premade dough also requires a shorter cooking time than homemade dough.
You can use the PowerXL Vortex Air Fryer
to reheat foods. Simply set the temperature and time to however warm you want your food.

Capacity Chart

Model/Size

2 qt.
3 qt.
5 qt.
7 qt.
French Fries Quantity
12 oz.
16 oz.
22 oz.
28 oz.

General Cooking Guidelines

NOTE: Keep in mind that these settings are guidelines. Since ingredients differ in origin, size, shape, and brand, we cannot guarantee the best settings for your ingredients.cooking results.

FOOD ITEM| QUANTITY| SHAKE| TEMP| COOK TIME| COMMENTS
---|---|---|---|---|---
| | | | Adjustable Range (Increments)|
Thin Frozen Fries| 1¼ cups| YES| 400° F| 15–16 mins. (1 min.)| –
Thick Frozen Fries| 1¼ cups| YES| 400° F| 15–20 mins. (1 min.)| –
Homemade Fries| 1¼ cups| YES| 400° F| 10–16 mins. (1 min.)| Add ½ tbsp. oil
Homemade Potato Wedges| 1¼ cups| YES| 360° F| 18–22 mins. (1 min.)| Add ½ tbsp. oil
Hash Browns| 1 cup| YES| 360° F| 15–18 mins. (1 min.)| –
Steak| ¼–1.1 lb| | 360° F| 8–12 mins. (1 min.)| –
Pork Chops| ¼–1.1 lb| | 360° F| 10–14 mins. (1 min.)| –
Hamburger| ¼–1.1 lb| | 360° F| 7–14 mins. (1 min.)| –
Sausage Roll| ¼–1.1 lb| | 400° F| 13–15 mins. (1 min.)| –
Chicken Drumstick| ¼–1.1 lb| | 360° F| 18–22 mins. (1 min.)| –
Chicken Breast| ¼–1.1 lb| | 360° F| 10–15 mins. (1 min.)| –
Spring Rolls| ¼–3/4 lb| YES| 400° F| 15–20 mins. (1 min.)| Use oven-ready
Frozen Chicken Nuggets| ¼–1.1 lb| YES| 400° F| 10–15 mins. (1 min.)| Use oven- ready
Frozen Fish Sticks| ¼–1.1 lb| | 400° F| 6–10 mins. (1 min.)| Use oven-ready
Mozzarella Sticks| ¼–1.1 lb| | 360° F| 8–10 mins. (1 min.)| Use oven-ready
Cake| 1 ¼ cups| | 320° F| 20–25 mins. (1 min.)| Use baking tin
Quiche| 1 ½ cups| | 360° F| 20–22 mins. (1 min.)| Use baking tin/oven dish
Muffins| 1 ¼ cups| | 400° F| 15–18 mins. (1 min.)| Use baking tin
Baked Goods| 1 ½ cups| | 320° F| 20 mins. (1 min.)| Use baking tin/oven dish

Troubleshooting

PowerXL-HF-2096TS-Vortex-Air-Fryer-fig-5

FAQs

Can I prepare foods other than fried dishes with my PowerXL Vortex Air Fryer?
You can prepare a variety of dishes, including steaks, chops, burgers, and baked goods. See the PowerXL Vortex Air Fryer Recipe Guide.

Is the PowerXL Vortex Air Fryer good for making or reheating soups and sauces?
Never cook or reheat liquids in the PowerXL Vortex Air Fryer.

Is it possible to shut off the Unit at any time?
Press the Power Button once or remove the Basket.

What do I do if the Unit shuts off while cooking?
As a safety feature, the PowerXL Vortex Air Fryer has an Auto Shut-Off device that prevents damage from overheating. Remove the Basket and set it on a heat- resistant surface. Allow the Unit to cool down. Remove the Power Cable from the outlet. Once cool, plug the Power Cable back into the socket. Restart by pressing the Power Button.

Does the Unit need time to heat up?
If you are cooking from a cold start, add 3 mins. to the cooking time to compensate.

Can I check the food during the cooking process?
You can remove the Basket at any time while cooking is in progress. During this time, you can shake the contents in the Basket if needed to ensure even cooking.

Is the PowerXL Vortex Air Fryer dishwasher safe?
Only the Fry Tray is dishwasher safe. The Unit itself, which contains the heating coil and electronics, should never be submerged in liquid of any kind or cleaned with anything more than a warm, moist cloth or nonabrasive sponge with a small amount of mild detergent.

What happens if the Unit still does not work after I have tried all the troubleshooting suggestions?
Never attempt a home repair. Contact the manufacturer and follow the procedures set forth by the guarantee. Failure to do so could render your guarantee null and void.

What is the PowerXL HF-2096TS Vortex Air Fryer?
The PowerXL HF-2096TS Vortex Air Fryer is a kitchen appliance that uses hot air circulation to cook food quickly and evenly, similar to a convection oven.

What is the cooking capacity of the PowerXL HF-2096TS Vortex Air Fryer?
The PowerXL HF-2096TS Vortex Air Fryer has a cooking capacity of 5.3 quarts, which can fit up to a 4-pound chicken or 2 pounds of French fries.

Does the PowerXL HF-2096TS Vortex Air Fryer have any pre-set cooking programs
Yes, the PowerXL HF-2096TS Vortex Air Fryer has 8 pre-set cooking programs, including for fries, chicken, fish, steak, shrimp, roast, bake, and dehydrate.

What temperature range does the PowerXL HF-2096TS Vortex Air Fryer have?
The PowerXL HF-2096TS Vortex Air Fryer has a temperature range of 100°F to 400°F.

Can the PowerXL HF-2096TS Vortex Air Fryer cook frozen foods?
Yes, the PowerXL HF-2096TS Vortex Air Fryer can cook frozen foods without the need for thawing.

Can the PowerXL HF-2096TS Vortex Air Fryer be used to cook multiple items at once?
Yes, the PowerXL HF-2096TS Vortex Air Fryer has a large cooking capacity, making it possible to cook multiple items at once.

Does the PowerXL HF-2096TS Vortex Air Fryer come with a warranty?
Yes, the PowerXL HF-2096TS Vortex Air Fryer comes with a 90-day money-back guarantee

Cleaning

Clean the PowerXL Vortex Air Fryer after each use. The Basket and the Fry Tray are coated with a special nonstick surface. Never use abrasive cleaning materials or utensils on these surfaces.

Remove the Power Cable from the wall socket and be certain the Unit is thoroughly cooled before cleaning.
Wipe the outside of the Unit with a warm, moist cloth and mild detergent.
Clean the Basket and the Fry Tray with hot water, a mild detergent, and a nonabrasive sponge.
NOTE : The Fry Tray is dishwasher safe.
TIP: Should the Fry Tray contain difficult-to-remove food particles, soak in hot, soapy water for 10 mins.
Clean the inside of the Unit with hot water, a mild detergent, and a nonabrasive sponge.
If necessary, remove unwanted food residue from the heating element with a soft cleaning brush.

Storage

Unplug the Unit and let it cool down thoroughly.
Make sure all components are clean and dry.
Place the Unit in a clean, dry place.

60-Day Money-Back Guarantee

If you decide that you don’t love this product, your Unit is covered by our 60-Day Money-Back Guarantee. You have 60 days from the day you receive your product to request a replacement product or refund of the purchase price minus processing and handling fees.

To receive a refund or replacement, you must return the product to us at your expense. To return the product, call customer service at 1-973-287-5129 and request a return merchandise authorization number. Pack the product carefully and include in the package a note with (1) your name, (2) mailing address, (3) phone number, (4) email address,
(5) reason for return, and (6) proof of purchase or order number, and (7) specify on
the note whether you are requesting a refund or replacement. Write the return merchandise authorization number on the outside of the package.

Send the product to the following return address:
PowerXL Vortex Air Fryer
Tristar Products
500 Returns Road
Wallingford, CT 06495

We are very proud of the design and quality of our PowerXL Vortex Air FryerTM.
This product has been manufactured to the highest standards. Should you have any questions, our friendly customer service staff is here to help you.
Visit us at www.TristarCares.com, email us at customerservice@tristarproductsinc.com,
or call us at 973-287-5129

PowerXL HF-2096TS Vortex Air Fryer