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A family-size air fryer should cook evenly, fit useful portions, and avoid turning cleanup into another chore. The COSORI Pro Gen 2 Air Fryer, model CP168-AF, combines a 5.8-quart square basket, 1700W heating, and 13 one-touch functions for weeknight meals, frozen foods, and reheating. Its detachable inner basket and simple touch controls are practical strengths, but the appliance needs about 14.2 inches of counter depth plus safe ventilation space. This review explains the verified specifications, daily-use advantages, limitations, safety details, and alternatives so you can decide whether it fits your kitchen.
Quick Verdict
Rating: 8.8/10 (Recommended with caveats)
Best For: Households of three to five people that want a roomy single basket, useful presets, fast heating, and dishwasher-safe removable parts.
Bottom Line: The COSORI Pro Gen 2 offers strong capacity and straightforward controls in a proven square-basket design. Its main tradeoffs are the sizable countertop footprint, one cooking zone, and the need to protect the nonstick coating during cleaning.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | COSORI |
| Model | Pro Gen 2, CP168-AF |
| Product Type | Single-basket countertop air fryer |
| Capacity | 5.8 qt / 5.5 L, intended for about 3 to 5 people |
| Power Supply | AC 120V, 60Hz, for US and Canada use |
| Rated Power | 1700W |
| Temperature Range | 170°F to 400°F / 77°C to 205°C |
| Time Range | 1 to 60 minutes |
| Cooking Controls | 13 one-touch functions plus manual time and temperature adjustment |
| Dimensions | 11.7 × 14.2 × 12.6 in, including handle |
| Weight | 11.9 lb / 5.4 kg |
| Basket Design | Square, detachable drawer-style inner and outer basket system |
| Cleaning | Removable nonstick baskets are dishwasher safe |
| Food-Contact Claims | Basket is listed as BPA-free and PFOA-free |
| Included Support | 100 printed recipes and access to additional online recipes |
| Safety Listing | ETL listed |
| Warranty | 2-year limited warranty for the original purchaser, subject to the manufacturer’s terms |
What Is the COSORI Pro Gen 2 Air Fryer?
The COSORI Pro Gen 2, model CP168-AF, is a 5.8-quart basket-style air fryer designed to circulate hot air around food instead of submerging it in oil. Its 1700W heater reaches temperatures from 170°F to 400°F, while the timer can be set from 1 to 60 minutes.
The square cooking area is the main practical advantage. It gives you more usable corner space than a round basket of similar volume, making it easier to arrange chicken pieces, vegetables, fish fillets, or frozen snacks in a single layer. COSORI states that the capacity suits three to five people and can accommodate a whole chicken up to about 5 pounds, although actual usable space depends on food shape and the airflow needed around it.
This is a non-smart model. You control it from the front touch panel, which may appeal to you if you prefer direct controls instead of Wi-Fi setup or app-based cooking.
Who Should Buy It?
Best For
- Households of three to five people that usually cook one main food at a time
- Busy cooks who want preset controls, a shake reminder, and manual adjustments
- Anyone who values a detachable inner basket and dishwasher-safe cleanup
Skip If
- You need two independent cooking zones for a main dish and side
- Your counter cannot provide the appliance depth and 5-inch ventilation clearance
- You want a newer ceramic-coated model with a wider temperature range
Before You Buy: Confirm that the model label reads CP168-AF. The older CP158-AF is a different model included in a 2023 COSORI air fryer recall. If you are considering a used unit, check the label on the bottom before operating it and review the official CPSC recall notice.
Key Features and Performance Breakdown
13 One-Touch Functions and Manual Control
The touch panel combines food presets with Preheat and Keep Warm controls. Presets give you a starting time and temperature, while manual adjustment lets you adapt the cycle to food thickness, batch size, and your preferred browning level. The shake reminder is useful for fries, nuggets, vegetables, and other small foods that cook more evenly after being moved or turned.
Presets reduce repeated button presses, but they are not automatic doneness sensors. You still need to check meat with a food thermometer and adjust time when a batch is unusually thick, crowded, or cold.
1700W Heating and NTC Temperature Control
The 1700W heating system is powerful enough for fast preheating and high-temperature crisping. The product listing also describes an NTC sensor that adjusts heat to keep temperature fluctuations within about 3°F. In practical terms, stable heat helps reduce pale spots and uneven browning when food is spread in a single layer.
The 170°F minimum temperature is suitable for reheating and lower-temperature cooking, but it is not as flexible as newer air fryers that can run below 100°F for proofing or longer dehydrating cycles.
5.8-Quart Square Detachable Basket
The basket uses a two-piece design: an inner cooking basket sits inside an outer drawer. After cooking, you can place the drawer on a level, heat-resistant surface and use the guarded release button to separate the inner basket. This makes it easier to lift food away from drippings before serving.
The square shape supports useful family portions, but capacity should not be confused with unlimited batch size. Overfilling blocks airflow, slows browning, and can leave food uneven. For crisp results, leave visible space around pieces and cook a second batch when necessary.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Both removable basket parts are listed as dishwasher safe. Hand washing with warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft sponge is gentler on the nonstick finish and may help it last longer. Avoid metal utensils, abrasive pads, and harsh cleaners that can scratch the food-contact surface.
Wipe the appliance interior after it cools, especially when grease has splattered near the heating element. Never immerse the main housing, cord, or plug in water.
Pro Tip: Preheat using the built-in cycle, then pat wet foods dry and arrange them in one layer. A light, even coating of oil on fresh vegetables or homemade fries usually works better than pouring oil into the basket.
Setup Tips Before First Use
Place the air fryer on a stable, level, heat-resistant surface. Leave at least 5 inches of open space behind and above the unit, and keep steam away from cabinets, walls, and other surfaces that heat or moisture could damage.
Remove all packaging, wash and dry the baskets, and follow the manual’s test-run procedure before cooking food. A brief manufacturing smell can occur during early use, but persistent smoke, sparking, unusual electrical odors, or melting are reasons to stop using the appliance and contact COSORI support.
Use the handle when removing the hot drawer. Do not press the basket release button while holding the drawer in the air because the outer basket can drop. Set it on a flat, heat-resistant surface first.
How It Performs in Real Use
For Weeknight Dinners
The square basket works well for chicken thighs, fish fillets, pork chops, and vegetables when pieces are placed in one layer. The high 400°F setting helps brown surfaces quickly, while the manual controls make it easy to add a few minutes when thicker portions need more time. For safe results, verify poultry, meat, and fish with an appropriate food thermometer instead of relying only on a preset.
For Frozen Foods
Frozen fries, nuggets, appetizers, and vegetables are a natural match for the strong airflow and shake reminder. Most pre-fried frozen foods need little or no added oil. Shaking once or twice and avoiding an overfilled basket usually matters more than choosing a specific preset.
For Reheating Leftovers
Pizza, roasted potatoes, breaded chicken, and other dry leftovers regain surface crispness better than they usually do in a microwave. Start with a short cycle at a moderate temperature, check early, and add time in small steps so the outside does not burn before the center is hot.
For Batch Cooking and Family Portions
The 5.8-quart capacity is useful for a family-size main dish or a larger batch of vegetables. It is less convenient when you need two foods at different temperatures because there is only one zone. You can cook in sequence and use Keep Warm, but a dual-basket air fryer is more efficient for separate mains and sides.
Food-Contact Materials and Safety Notes
The product listing describes the removable nonstick basket as BPA-free and PFOA-free, and the appliance as ETL listed. Those claims do not make the coating scratch-proof. Replace a basket that has severe peeling, deep scratches, or exposed metal, and use accessories only when they fit without blocking airflow or touching the heating element.
Do not fill the baskets with frying oil, grease, water, or other liquids. Keep paper, lightweight liners, and foil secured under food so airflow cannot lift them into the heater. Follow the manual for permitted accessories and never cover the top air intake or rear exhaust.
The CP168-AF model reviewed here is not named in the February 2023 CPSC recall list. Several older COSORI models, including CP158-AF, are named. Because the model numbers look similar, checking the bottom label is especially important when buying secondhand or receiving an open-box unit.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- 5.8-quart square basket provides useful flat cooking space for three to five people
- 1700W heater and 400°F maximum support fast preheating and crisping
- 13 one-touch functions, manual controls, shake reminder, and Keep Warm mode
- Detachable inner basket separates food from drippings for easier serving
- Dishwasher-safe removable parts and a two-year limited warranty
Cons
- Single cooking zone cannot independently prepare a main dish and side
- 14.2-inch depth plus required ventilation can be awkward on shallow counters
- Nonstick coating needs gentle utensils and cleaning to limit scratching
Is It Worth the Price?
The COSORI Pro Gen 2 sits in the mid-range single-basket category. Its value comes from a roomy square basket, stable high-power heating, straightforward presets, detachable basket construction, and a two-year limited warranty. It makes the most sense when you plan to use it several times per week for mains, vegetables, frozen foods, and leftovers.
It is less compelling if the current seller price is close to newer 6-quart models with ceramic coatings, quieter DC motors, or wider temperature ranges. Amazon offer status and seller pricing can change, so compare the current offer, return policy, and seller before ordering.
How It Compares to Alternatives
The newer COSORI TurboBlaze 6.0-Quart Air Fryer offers a slightly larger basket, a wider 90°F to 450°F temperature range, and a DC motor design. It is the better comparison if you want lower-temperature functions, higher maximum heat, or a newer ceramic-coated basket. The Pro Gen 2 remains attractive if you prefer its detachable inner basket and find it at a clearly lower price.
A Ninja Foodi 10-quart DualZone model is better for cooking two foods with separate settings, but it takes more counter space and costs more. The COSORI Pro Gen 2 is the simpler choice when one roomy basket covers most of your meals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the correct model number for the COSORI Pro Gen 2?
The non-smart 5.8-quart Pro Gen 2 linked in this review is model CP168-AF. Check the label on the bottom of the appliance because CP158-AF is an older, different model included in a recall.
How much food fits in the 5.8-quart basket?
COSORI describes the capacity as suitable for three to five people and states that it can fit a chicken up to about 5 pounds. For crisping, leave space for airflow instead of packing the full stated volume with small foods.
Do I need to preheat the COSORI Pro Gen 2?
The manual recommends preheating before adding food unless the appliance is already hot. Preheating is especially useful for meat, fresh vegetables, breaded foods, and recipes that depend on quick surface browning.
Are the baskets dishwasher safe?
Yes, the removable basket parts are listed as dishwasher safe. Hand washing with a soft sponge is still the gentler option for preserving the nonstick coating over long-term use.
Can I use parchment paper or foil in it?
You can use suitable air-fryer parchment or foil when it is held down by food and does not block airflow. Never place loose paper in the basket during preheating because the fan can lift it toward the heating element.
How much clearance does the air fryer need?
Keep at least 5 inches of space behind and above the appliance on a heat-resistant counter. Do not operate it directly under a low cabinet or against a wall that could be damaged by heat or steam.
Is the COSORI Pro Gen 2 included in the 2023 recall?
The CP168-AF model reviewed here is not listed in the CPSC recall notice. Older models including CP158-AF are listed, so verify the exact bottom-label model number rather than relying only on the product’s appearance.
What warranty comes with the CP168-AF?
The CP168-AF manual states that every COSORI product automatically includes a two-year warranty. Coverage applies to the original purchaser and remains subject to the exclusions and proof requirements in the manufacturer’s warranty terms.
The Bottom Line
The COSORI Pro Gen 2 CP168-AF is a strong choice for households that want a roomy single basket, fast 1700W heating, useful presets, and easy-to-remove dishwasher-safe parts. Choose a dual-basket model if you regularly cook two foods with separate settings, and choose a newer low-temperature model if proofing or dehydrating matters. For everyday air frying, reheating, and family-size mains, the Pro Gen 2 remains practical when the current seller price is competitive.
Ready to Buy?
Check the latest seller availability, return policy, price, and product details before you decide.
