Experts issue 'serious' air fryer warning as they urge households to avoid mistake

Over the past few years, Brits have been swapping their traditional ovens for the more convenient air fryer. These countertop devices have seen a surge in popularity due to their quick cooking times and energy efficiency, making them an ideal choice for those looking to reduce their bills.

According to the Good Food Nation study, air fryers are now the third most used appliance in UK kitchens, following toasters and microwaves. However, experts are warning households to avoid one common mistake to prevent potential fires.

"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," said Luke Osborne, Deputy Technical Director at Electrical Safety First. The charity has issued a warning to ensure correct usage of these devices to minimise the risk of accidental fires, as kitchen fires account for a significant proportion of electrical fires nationwide each year.

They've shared some crucial dos and don'ts for safe air fryer use, with a key warning against adding oil to the appliance.

Safety advisers warn that accumulation of oil and food in air fryers can present a significant fire hazard. Consistent cleaning is recommended not only to mitigate this risk but also to enhance the taste of your meals, reports the Express.

As suggested by Good Housekeeping, too much oil can lead to excessive smoke; hence it's better to apply it directly onto the food rather than into the unit's drawer. Safety expert Luke additionally highlighted some key guidelines for safe air fryer use: "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."

Luke further stressed: "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."

In light of certain models being withdrawn or flagged for safety issues, ranging from electrical shock hazards to fire risks, the charity is urging people to verify that their air fryer has not been affected by a safety alert or recall.

A few air fryers have faced such actions in past years. Consumers may utilise the charity's product recall checker to confirm whether any air fryer they own has been recalled.