Safety experts have warned of the three things you should never put in your air fryer. The advice comes as the devices have become the third-most used appliance in UK kitchens, and considered a must-have kitchen gadget for 2025.
But head of learning and development at High Speed Training, Dr Richard Anderson, explained how the devices came with risks, stressing the importance of knowing the basics of air fryer safety.
He said: “Air fryers are incredibly convenient and are safer than traditional deep-frying, but like any kitchen appliance, they come with risks. Understanding the basics of air fryer safety can help to avoid accidents and keep your cooking stress-free.” For money-saving tips, sign up to our Money newsletter here.
Dr Anderson says you should avoid putting the following three things in an air fryer
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Aerosol sprays – these can damage the non-stick coating.
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Anything with wet batter – wet batter won’t cook the food the same way that it does when cooked in a deep fryer. The result will be soggy batter, rather than crispy.
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Liquids – The hot air that circulates around the food can cause it to splatter which can be not only dangerous but also very messy.
He added: “Air fryers should be put on a worktop and near a power socket. If possible, you should keep the air fryer in a well-ventilated area of your kitchen, close to a vent hood and you should turn on the vent hood when using the air fryer. If it is not possible to use the air fryer in a well-ventilated area, ensure you open any windows while using it.
“You should plug your air fryer directly into the power socket and avoid using any extension cords. Extension cords can dip in power, which can cause faults in your air fryer.”
Dr Anderson also offered up five essential air fryer safety tips, which are as follows.
- Ensure your food is cooked to the right temperature to reduce the risk of food poisoning. The best way to do this is by using a probe thermometer to check the core temperature of the food.
- Thoroughly clean your air fryer after every use. Any crumbs or food left in the basket can burn and affect the taste of the next dish you cook, and they can become a fire hazard. There is also a risk of food contamination.
- Always unplug the air fryer when it is not in use.
- Don’t overfill the air fryer basket. Overfilling can cause uneven cooking and therefore creates a risk of food poisoning.
- Don’t season the food with salt when it is in the air fryer. Salt can break down the lining of the air fryer basket, therefore you should wait until your food is ready to serve before seasoning it with salt. Join our WhatsApp news community here for the latest breaking news. You will receive updates from us daily.