Safety experts uncover critical air fryer mistakes which could lead to fires

• Direct365 warns people of electrical safety concerns linked to air fryers
• Google searches for ‘can I put baking paper in an air fryer’ have increased by 24% year-on-year
• Each month, 57,000 people search on Google for how to use an air fryer

With over half of UK households now owning an air fryer, the appliance has quickly become a staple, popular for their cost-saving and healthier cooking benefits^[1].

Despite this popularity, a knowledge gap persists. Over 57,000 people in the UK search “how to correctly use an air fryer” on Google every month, while over 51,000 search for “are air fryers safe”, revealing widespread uncertainty about their safe operation and cleaning^[2].

In response, health and safety experts at Direct365 have provided some top tips on how to safely use your air fryer, while avoiding common usage errors that could lead to fire hazards.

1. Avoid using baking paper or tin foil in your air fryer

While air fryers operate optimally by placing food directly onto the metal grill, many people like to use something to line the basket, making cleaning easier. In fact, almost 58,000 people take to Google each month to ask, “can you put tin foil in an air fryer”, while over 15,000 ask “can you put baking paper in an air fryer”^[2].

Using tin foil or baking paper in your air fryer is not advisable. Materials like this can obstruct air flow and lead to food being unevenly cooked. More significantly, there is a risk that the baking paper or tin foil could get caught in the heating element and cause a fire.

Instead, use properly sized silicone liners to allow air to circulate freely and avoid any fire hazards.

2. Never add liquids in your air fryer

Over 35,000 people search for tips on how to clean their air fryer each month, while a recent viral TikTok video showing viewers how to clean an air fryer with a dishwasher tablet and water amassed over 4.9 million views.

However, this method is not recommended as air fryers are designed to circulate heat rather than heat or boil liquids. If you turn the air fryer on with liquid inside, this could splash onto the heating element, creating a short circuit which could cause an electrical shock and be a fire hazard.

Instead, remove the air fryer basket and clean it in the sink with hot water and washing up liquid, making sure the basket is fully dry before using again.

3. Do not place your air fryer under a cabinet or flush against walls

Air fryers have a vent on the top, back or sides which will release hot air and steam. By placing your air fryer directly under a cupboard or too close to walls, this will trap heat and could cause your air fryer to overheat and become a fire hazard, while also risking damage to your cabinets.

For safety, make sure you have around 10cm clearance on all sides of your air fryer to avoid overheating.

4. Never put plastic in an air fryer

While it might seem obvious, 1,450 people each month search on Google asking if they can heat something up in their air fryer in a plastic Tupperware^[2]. Unlike a microwave, air fryers will melt and burn plastics, not only releasing toxic chemicals but also causing an electrical risk as plastic may drip onto the heating element and ignite.

Instead, use an oven safe glass, metal or ceramic dish if needed.

5. Avoid using certain oils in your air fryer

One of the benefits of air fryers is being able to achieve crispy food without frying in lots of oil. However, if you do still want to use oil in your air fryer, it is recommended to use a small amount, making sure to choose oils with a high smoke point like vegetable, avocado or rapeseed. Oils with a higher smoke point reduce the risk of setting off your fire alarm and ultimately leading to a more serious situation.

Use of excessive oil can lead to grease build up at the bottom of the air fryer basket which, when repeatedly exposed to high heat can catch fire. Make sure to check your air fryer basket before every use and clean the basket regularly to prevent grease build up.

Karl Bantleman at Direct365 commented, “Air fryers offer a great way to cook healthier meals more economically, yet their widespread use has outpaced public knowledge of how to use them safely. The truth is, these appliances are powerful, and simple mistakes like using the wrong oil or blocking vents can create serious fire risks.

By learning how to manage these risks, like steering clear of baking paper and tin foil and ensuring the device is properly ventilated, users can enjoy all the advantages air fryers provide without compromising on safety. It is crucial for consumers to understand that, despite their convenience, air fryers require specific safety precautions to prevent accidents.”

Head to Direct365 to find more information about the safety services that they offer.

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