Air fryers are now one of the most popular kitchen gadgets in the UK (Image: Getty)
Air fryers are now one of the most popular kitchen gadgets in the UK. More than half of all households are believed to own one, with many people using them daily to make meals faster, healthier, and cheaper. But while they’re seen as a safe alternative to frying, experts have warned that common mistakes could pose a serious fire risk.
Every month, tens of thousands of people search for answers to basic air fryer safety questions, from how to clean them, to whether baking paper or tin foil can go inside. Some of these searches have gone up by more than 20% in the past year alone. This means that despite their growing popularity, there’s still a lot of confusion over how to use them safely.
And now, safety experts at Direct365 have shared five errors that could cause a fire, along with simple tips to help people avoid danger.
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Baking paper or foil could get caught in the heating element and catch fire (Image: Getty)
1. Don’t use baking paper or tin foil
Many people line the basket to make cleaning easier, but this can block airflow and cause food to cook unevenly.
Worse still, the paper or foil could get caught in the heating element and catch fire.
Instead, use silicone liners that fit properly and let hot air move freely.
It’s much safer to clean the basket in the sink with washing-up liquid (Image: Getty)
2. Don’t put water or liquid inside
A recent viral TikTok video showed someone filling their air fryer with water and a dishwasher tablet to clean it.
The clip got more than 4.9 million views, but experts say this is a serious safety risk.
Air fryers aren’t designed to boil liquid. If water touches the heating element, it could cause a short circuit or even start a fire.
It’s much safer to clean the basket in the sink with washing-up liquid and leave it to dry fully before using again.
There should always be at least 10cm of space around all sides of an air fryer (Image: Getty)
3. Keep it away from cupboards and walls
Air fryers release hot air and steam through vents. If the appliance is too close to a wall or under a cabinet, it can overheat and even damage your kitchen.
There should always be at least 10cm of space around all sides while it’s in use.
Air fryers get hot enough to melt plastic (Image: Getty)
4. Don’t put plastic inside
More than 1,000 people search every month asking if they can heat food in plastic tupperware inside an air fryer.
But 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.
Only use oven-safe dishes made from glass, ceramic, or metal.
Using too much oil or the wrong kind can create a build-up of grease (Image: Getty)
5. Watch what oil you use
Air fryers need very little oil, but if you do use it, stick to types with a high smoke point like 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.
Make sure to clean the basket regularly and check it before every use.
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.”
