Air fryer owners urged to avoid 'serious' mistake

They can be a fire hazard

Air fryers have seen a surge in popularity over recent years, loved for their convenience and energy efficiency. But users have been told to take extra care to avoid a devastating accident.

The countertop devices are now the third most-used appliance in UK kitchens according to the Good Food Nation study. That means it's more important than ever that people know how to use them safely.

Electrical Safety First has issued a warning to minimise the risk of fires and have shared some crucial dos and don'ts for safe use.

Luke Osborne, the charity's Deputy Technical Director said: "If there was any doubt air fryers were here to stay, these latest figures show they are now a staple part of our kitchen set up."

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One of the main concerns among experts is fires. A young couple in Exmouth found that out the hard way, losing "everything" in a kitchen blaze caused by their air fryer, just weeks before the birth of their first child.

The accumulation of oil and food in air fryers can present a fire hazard. The Express reports that consistent cleaning can not only avoid this risk but will also improve the taste of anything being cooked inside the appliance.

Good Housekeeping has suggested that too much oil can lead to excessive smoke and advised to apply it directly onto food rather than into the drawer. Luke added: "Always register the product to make sure you are contactable in the event a fault is detected by the manufacturer. Never overfill your air fryer and never plug the appliance into an extension lead to avoid potential overheating."

Where you place the device is also crucial to avoid heat damage from other appliances. Luke said: "Make sure you keep your power cords away from hot surfaces to avoid damaging cables, which could pose a serious fire risk and always refer to the manufacturer's instructions when it comes to cleaning your device."

The charity also urges people to make sure their air fryer isn't among the list of certain models that have been withdrawn or flagged for safety issues, including electric shock and fire risks. Electrical Safety First has a recall checker people can use to check if a product has been recalled.