One of the most popular kitchen gadgets in the UK has been labelled as a serious fire risk by experts.
Air fryers are one of the most popular kitchen gadgets in the UK. with more than half of all households believed to own one. But while they’re seen as a safe alternative to frying, experts have warned that common mistakes could pose a serious fire risk.
Safety experts at Direct365 have shared five errors that could cause fires in air fryers, in response to searches going up by more than 20% in the past year alone, meaning that despite their growing popularity, there’s still a lot of confusion over how to use them safely.
1. Don’t use baking paper or tin foil
Many line the air fryer basket with baking paper or tin foil to make cleaning easier but this then risks an airflow block and can cause food to cook unevenly. Worse, the paper or foil could also get caught in the heating element and catch fire. Silicone liners that fit properly and let hot air move freely are recommended instead.
2. Don’t put water or liquid inside
A recent viral video on TikTok showed someone filling their air fryer with water and a dishwasher tablet to clean it. However, despite the clip's 4.9 million views, experts say this is a serious safety risk.
As air fryers are not designed to boil liquid, if water touches the heating element it could cause a short circuit or even start a fire. The safe advice is to clean the basket in the sink with washing-up liquid and leave it to dry fully before using again.
“Air fryers are a great way to cook healthier meals, but simple mistakes like blocking vents or using the wrong oil can create serious fire risks."
3. Keep it away from cupboards and walls
Air fryers release a lot of hot air and steam through vents. If the appliance is located too close to a wall or under a cabinet, there is an increased risk of overheating and even damage to your kitchen.
Aim for at least 10cm of space around all sides while it’s in use.
4. Don’t put plastic inside
Over a thousand people search every month asking if they can heat food in plastic tupperware inside an air fryer.
However, unlike a microwave, air fryers get hot enough to melt plastic, which can drip into the heating element, release toxic fumes and start a fire. Always use oven-safe dishes made from glass, ceramic or metal.
5. Watch what oil you use
One of the major benefits of using an air fryers is the need for very little oil. But if you do, stick to oil types with a high smoke point such as vegetable or avocado oil.
Using too much oil or the wrong kind can create a build-up of grease, which may catch fire when exposed to high heat.
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Karl Bantleman from Direct365 said: “Air fryers are a great way to cook healthier meals, but simple mistakes like blocking vents or using the wrong oil can create serious fire risks.
“By learning how to use them safely, people can get all the benefits without putting themselves or their home in danger.”
