Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. If you click a link on this page and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
A useful family air fryer needs enough basket space for dinner without taking over your counter. The Chefman TurboFry Touch 5-Quart Air Fryer targets that middle ground with a square basket, four food presets, adjustable heat, and dishwasher-safe removable parts. Its strongest points are simple controls and practical everyday capacity, while buyers who need two cooking zones or specialized modes may find it limited. This review explains its verified specifications, cooking guidance, safety features, cleanup needs, and best use cases.
How We Reviewed It: We checked the model-specific Chefman user guide, the manufacturer’s current product information, and the product details associated with ASIN B09BZVP4VW. We then assessed the appliance by capacity, controls, safety, cleaning requirements, countertop fit, and likely buyer needs.
Quick Verdict
Rating: 8.5/10, Recommended
Best For: Couples, small families, frozen-food fans, and home cooks who want straightforward air frying.
Bottom Line: The Chefman TurboFry Touch offers a useful 5-quart square basket, simple presets, and easy cleanup. Its single basket and four basic presets are less flexible than larger dual-zone or multifunction models.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | Chefman |
| Model | RJ38-SQSS-5T |
| Amazon ASIN | B09BZVP4VW |
| Product Type | Single-basket digital air fryer |
| Capacity | 5 quarts / 4.73 liters |
| Basket Design | Square nonstick basket with removable basket rack |
| Temperature Range | 200°F to 400°F / 95°C to 205°C |
| Presets | French fries, chicken, fish, and meat |
| Controls | Digital touchscreen with manual time and temperature adjustment |
| Cooking Reminder | Audible alert and LED shake indicator |
| Dimensions | 11 inches deep × 14 inches wide × 13 inches high |
| Weight | 10.2 pounds / 4.62 kilograms |
| Electrical Supply | 120 volts |
| Exterior | Stainless-steel finish with plastic housing |
| Safety Features | Heating pause on basket removal and automatic shutoff at the end of the timer |
| Cleaning | Basket and rack are top-rack dishwasher safe |
| Certification | cETL approved |
| Warranty | Limited one-year Chefman warranty for qualifying purchases |
| Included Parts | Air fryer, basket, basket rack, and user guide |
What Is the Chefman TurboFry Touch Air Fryer?
The Chefman TurboFry Touch RJ38-SQSS-5T is a single-basket countertop air fryer with a 5-quart square cooking area. It is designed for fries, chicken, fish, meat, vegetables, frozen snacks, reheating, and other foods that benefit from circulating hot air.
Chefman says the appliance can produce crispy food with up to 98% less oil than traditional deep frying. You can choose one of four presets or set the cooking time and temperature manually from 200°F to 400°F.
The appliance is best suited to a small household that wants one uncomplicated cooking basket. Its square shape makes better use of its stated capacity than many narrow round baskets, but it still cannot cook two foods at different temperatures at the same time.
Who Should Buy It?
Best For
- Couples and small families preparing roughly two to four servings.
- Home cooks who regularly make frozen snacks, chicken, fish, vegetables, or leftovers.
- Buyers who value simple touchscreen controls and dishwasher-safe removable parts.
Skip If
- You need to prepare six or more full servings in one batch.
- You want independent dual cooking zones or stacked oven racks.
- You need dedicated dehydration, proofing, broiling, or high-temperature searing modes.
Key Feature Breakdown
5-Quart Square Basket and Countertop Fit
The basket holds 5 quarts, or 4.73 liters, while the appliance measures 11 inches deep, 14 inches wide, and 13 inches high. At 10.2 pounds, it is light enough for many users to move into storage, although frequent air-fryer users will probably prefer leaving it on the counter.
The square basket gives you a practical flat cooking surface for foods such as chicken breasts, fish fillets, hamburger patties, and fries. Capacity still depends on the shape of the food. A stated 5-quart volume does not mean every meal for four people will fit in one uncrowded layer.
Before You Buy: Measure a 14-inch-wide countertop area and leave at least 6 inches of open space above and behind the air fryer during use. Do not push it against a wall, place it beneath a low cabinet without clearance, or operate it on a stovetop.
Touchscreen Controls and Four Presets
The control panel includes separate presets for fries, chicken, fish, and meat. According to the Chefman guide, the fries and chicken presets use 400°F, while the fish and meat presets use 375°F. These settings are starting points, not guaranteed cooking times for every portion or thickness.
You can adjust both time and temperature with plus and minus controls. This manual flexibility matters when you cook smaller portions, reheat leftovers, or use a recipe that does not match one of the four preset icons.
LED Shake Reminder and Basket Pause
The shake indicator turns on during cooking and the appliance sounds an alert. Preset programs trigger the reminder halfway through the cooking time. When a cooking cycle runs longer than 30 minutes, the guide states that the shake light comes on every 15 minutes.
Removing the basket pauses the timer and heating. Cooking resumes from the same point after you slide the basket back into place. This makes it easier to shake fries, turn chicken, or check food without manually restarting the program.
Hot-Air Cooking and Oil Use
The basket rack raises food above the bottom of the basket so hot air can circulate and excess fat can collect below. Prepared frozen foods and naturally fatty meats may need no added oil. Fresh vegetables, potatoes, and lean proteins may brown better with a very light coating of oil.
This appliance is not a deep fryer. Never pour oil into the basket. Chefman also warns against applying aerosol cooking spray directly to the nonstick parts because the propellants may damage the coating.
Pro Tip: Preheat the empty air fryer for about 5 minutes when you want stronger browning. Apply a small amount of oil with a refillable mister or toss the food with oil in a separate bowl instead of using aerosol spray on the basket.
Food-Contact and Safety Notes
The removable basket and rack have a nonstick cooking surface. They should be inspected regularly for peeling, deep scratches, or other damage. Use silicone, nylon, or wooden utensils rather than sharp metal tools that may scrape the coating.
- Use a stable surface: Place the appliance on a hard, flat, heat-resistant counter with open airflow above and behind it.
- Keep vents clear: Do not cover the air inlet or exhaust area while the fan is operating.
- Expect hot surfaces: Use the basket handle and keep your hands away from the vents, heating element, hot rack, and rising steam.
- Do not exceed the MAX line: Overfilling restricts air circulation and may cause uneven cooking.
- Check food doneness: Use current food-safety guidance and a food thermometer for meat, poultry, and fish rather than relying only on preset time.
- Unplug before cleaning: Let the unit and removable parts cool fully before washing or wiping them.
The product is listed by Chefman as cETL approved. The manufacturer’s current product information also carries a California Proposition 65 notice. Follow the warning label, rating label, and user guide supplied with your specific unit.
Setup and Cooking Tips for Better Results
Before the First Use
Remove packaging and temporary stickers, but leave the rating label attached. Wash the basket and basket rack with warm, soapy water, rinse them, and dry them fully. Wipe the interior and exterior of the main unit with a damp cloth without immersing the appliance.
Load the Basket Loosely
Arrange food so air can reach as much surface area as possible. Small foods such as fries, nuggets, and vegetables can overlap loosely, but tightly packed layers will cook less evenly. Large proteins usually perform better in one layer.
Shake Small Foods and Flip Fragile Foods
Shake fries, tater tots, vegetables, and wings when the reminder appears. Flip fish fillets, burgers, chicken breasts, steaks, and other larger foods with suitable utensils. Fragile fish should be turned carefully instead of shaken.
Check Early
The preset time may be too long for thin portions or too short for thick ones. Check food near the early end of the recommended cooking range, especially when using the appliance for the first time. You can return the basket and continue cooking in short intervals.
How It Performs in Real Use
The Chefman cooking chart provides useful examples of what can fit in the basket without excessive crowding. Actual results depend on food thickness, starting temperature, moisture, and whether you preheat the appliance.
For Frozen Foods and Snacks
The guide lists 16 chicken nuggets at 400°F for about 10 minutes, 15 fish sticks at 400°F for 8 to 9 minutes, and 1 pound of tater tots at 400°F for about 15 minutes. Thin frozen fries take about 17 to 19 minutes, while thicker fries may need 20 to 22 minutes.
These foods benefit from shaking or flipping during the cycle. Avoid filling the basket with a full bag when that amount creates a dense layer above the MAX line.
For Chicken, Meat, and Fish
The manual’s examples include three boneless chicken breast halves, each weighing 6 to 8 ounces, at 375°F for 18 to 22 minutes. It also lists four 4-ounce burger patties at 375°F for 9 to 12 minutes and two 5-ounce salmon fillets at 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes.
Those examples make the basket practical for a small family meal. Larger cuts, bone-in pieces, and unusually thick fillets may reduce the number of servings you can cook at once.
For Vegetables and Side Dishes
The 5-quart basket can handle practical side-dish portions such as 1 pound of cubed potatoes, three ears of corn, 12 ounces of carrots, or 9 ounces of broccoli. Most vegetables benefit from a light oil coating and at least one shake or turn.
Vegetables with very different densities should be cooked separately or added at different times. Mixing thin zucchini with dense potato chunks from the start may leave one food overcooked before the other is tender.
For Reheating Leftovers
The adjustable temperature controls make the TurboFry useful for reheating pizza, roasted vegetables, fried chicken, and other foods that lose texture in a microwave. Start at a moderate temperature and check frequently because cooked leftovers can dry out quickly.
For Baking and Specialized Cooking
The Chefman guide includes foods such as apple turnovers, and the basket can handle small oven-safe dishes that fit without blocking airflow. However, this model does not provide dedicated bake, broil, proof, or dehydrate programs.
It is better viewed as an air fryer that can handle selected baking and roasting tasks, not as a full replacement for a toaster oven or multi-rack convection oven.
How to Maintain and Clean Your Chefman TurboFry
The basket and rack are top-rack dishwasher safe, but handwashing may help reduce long-term wear on the nonstick coating. Always unplug the appliance and wait until every part is cool before cleaning.
| Cleaning Task | Frequency | Recommended Method |
|---|---|---|
| Basket and Rack | After each use | Wash with warm soapy water and a soft sponge, or place on the dishwasher’s top rack. |
| Interior | As needed | Wipe with a damp cloth after the appliance has been unplugged and cooled. |
| Exterior and Controls | After spills or greasy use | Use a lightly damp cloth, then wipe dry. Do not pour water onto the controls. |
| Heating Area | When residue is visible | Let the unit cool completely and gently remove loose grease without bending the element. |
| Power Cord | Before use | Check for abrasion, fraying, or other damage. Stop using the appliance if the cord is damaged. |
Do not use abrasive powders, metal scouring pads, or harsh tools on the finishes. Never put the main appliance in a dishwasher or submerge it in water.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- 5-quart square basket provides useful room for small-family meals.
- Four clearly labeled presets cover common air-fryer foods.
- Manual temperature and time controls support recipes outside the presets.
- Shake reminder helps you remember to turn food for more even browning.
- Basket and rack are removable, nonstick, and top-rack dishwasher safe.
Cons
- Single-basket design cannot cook two foods at separate temperatures.
- Four presets are limited compared with newer multifunction air fryers.
- Large meals and foods that need a single layer may require multiple batches.
Is It Worth the Price?
The Chefman TurboFry Touch fits the value-focused to mid-range part of the single-basket air-fryer market. Its value comes from the useful 5-quart capacity, uncomplicated controls, automatic basket pause, shake reminder, and dishwasher-safe removable parts.
It makes the most sense when you mainly want to air fry, reheat, and roast everyday foods. Paying more for a dual-basket or multifunction model may be worthwhile when you need separate cooking zones, a viewing window, dehydration, broiling, or a temperature range above 400°F.
Because Amazon prices change, compare the current selling price with newer 5-quart and 6-quart models before ordering. A low price strengthens the Chefman’s case, while a price close to a more versatile competitor makes the decision less clear.
How It Compares to Alternatives
The 6-quart COSORI TurboBlaze offers more cooking functions and a higher maximum temperature, making it a stronger option for buyers who want broader control. The Instant Pot Vortex Plus 6QT also provides six cooking functions and a slightly larger basket.
Chefman’s own 8-quart TurboFry Touch is better suited to larger batches, but it takes up more space. The 5-quart Chefman reviewed here makes the most sense when you prefer simple controls, moderate capacity, and fewer modes to manage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Chefman TurboFry basket dishwasher safe?
Yes. Chefman states that both the removable basket and basket rack are safe for the dishwasher’s top rack. Handwashing with warm water, mild soap, and a soft sponge may help limit wear on the nonstick surface.
Can you cook frozen food without thawing it?
Yes. The Chefman guide provides cooking directions for frozen fries, nuggets, fish sticks, mozzarella sticks, chicken tenders, and tater tots. Keep the basket loosely filled and shake or flip the food during cooking.
Does the Chefman TurboFry need to preheat?
Preheating is not required for every food, but Chefman recommends about 5 minutes when you want faster cooking and stronger crisping. Add food carefully because the basket and interior will already be hot.
Does removing the basket stop the cooking timer?
Removing the basket pauses both heating and the timer. Once you return the basket fully to the appliance, the cooking cycle resumes from where it stopped.
How much food fits in the 5-quart basket?
The manual gives examples such as 1 pound of fries, 16 chicken nuggets, four 4-ounce burger patties, three chicken breast halves, or two 5-ounce salmon fillets. Food shape and the need for an uncrowded layer will change the usable capacity.
Can you use aerosol cooking spray in the basket?
Chefman advises against applying aerosol spray to the nonstick parts because it may damage the coating. Use a refillable oil mister or toss food with a small amount of oil in a separate bowl.
What warranty comes with the Chefman TurboFry?
Chefman provides a limited one-year warranty against qualifying defects in materials and workmanship. It applies to the original purchaser through authorized retailers, and proof of purchase may be required.
Can this model replace a toaster oven or dehydrator?
It can handle selected baking, roasting, and reheating tasks, but it has no dedicated dehydration, broiling, or multi-rack oven modes. Buyers who need those functions should compare a multifunction air fryer or toaster oven.
The Bottom Line
The Chefman TurboFry Touch 5-Quart Air Fryer is a practical choice for couples and small families that want straightforward air frying, useful basket space, and easy cleanup. Its four presets, shake reminder, and automatic basket pause support everyday cooking without adding complicated controls.
Choose a larger or more advanced model when you need dual zones, multiple racks, dehydration, or bigger batches. For basic fries, chicken, fish, vegetables, frozen foods, and leftovers, this Chefman earns its recommended 8.5/10 verdict.
Ready to Buy?
Check the latest price and confirm the product details before you decide.
