Can an air fryer catch fire?

As air fryers become more prevalent, there is concern about their safety. This article will cover some of the various questions that people have when it comes to air fryers.

Although there have been cases where air fryers caught on fire, this is not the norm for most air fryers. If you encounter an issue with your air fryer, the only solution is to send it in a vat of hot oil.

Before you got an air fryer, there were times when you had to use various kitchen appliances to prepare food. Then, there were times when you felt like a miracle worker after purchasing one.

You thought that having an air fryer would make it so much easier to cook dinner or lunch. However, for some people, the technology used in air fryers is alien to them. This has caused them to believe that these appliances are fire hazards.

Related: What to Look for In A Good Air Fryer

What’s The Deal With Air Fryers?

Air fryers are kitchen tools that come in various price ranges. They can be used to cook various types of food, such as French fries. With them, you can get the same great taste without the fat and cooking time needed to get it done.

Due to the various health benefits of air fryers, they have been talked about by celebrities such as Gordon Ramsay and Emeril Lagasse.

Air fryers are among the most popular kitchen appliances in the world since they were first invented in 2010. Since then, various companies have launched their own air fryers.

Reasons Why We Do Air Frying?

Air fryers are great for preparing healthy versions of the usual suspects, such as French fries and potato chips. They can also be used to cook other non-fried food, such as pizza and chicken strips.

Unfortunately, it is widely believed that fried food tastes good. Despite the various health risks associated with it, people still continue to indulge in the comfort of eating fried food.

Cooking Crispy ‘Fried’ Food Using Hot Air

Air fryers are significantly safer than a pot of hot oil that can ignite. They can also be used to dispose of used cooking oil.

Air fryers are simply kitchen appliances that use hot air to fry food. They work by rapidly circulating air around a food item until it is cooked through.

Are Air Fryers Dangerous?

A video that was circulating on YouTube showed a man using an air fryer that was posing as a fire hazard. It was probably caused by the unit's faulty components or he was using too much oil.

Despite all the safety concerns, air fryers are still significantly safer than traditional deep frying.

Air fryers are wonderful appliances if used properly. However, they can also cause major problems if they are not used properly. In Florida, an air fryer caused a fire that severely damaged a home earlier this year.

Despite the number of reports about air fryers, most of them are just rumors that were posted online. If you use your air fryer properly, then it's unlikely to have a problem.

Important Safety Tips Related To Air Fryers

Before you buy an air fryer, make sure to read all the safety tips and tricks. Doing so could prevent you from accidentally burning your food or starting a fire.

1. Read Your Air Fryer’s Manual

Also, make sure that the electrical system and the fuse are installed correctly.

Most of the time, people tend to ignore the manufacturer's instructions when it comes to using an air fryer. If possible, avoid using the product for any other purpose aside from its intended use.

This is a long and boring manual, but it's important to keep in mind that it's designed to help you safely use the air fryer.

The first thing that people tend to do when they get an air fryer is throw the manual in the bin. Doing so could prevent them from accidentally burning their food.

2. Clean After Every Use

To clean the air fryer's non-stick surface, use warm soapy water. You can also use hot water to clean the surface.

If the food particles are still stuck to the heating element, they can ignite once again. Generally, wait for at least 30 minutes to cool down the air fryer before cleaning it.

Not cleaning the air fryer regularly can also cause it to get damaged.

3. NEVER Wash The Electrical Components

Many first-time users of air fryers tend to wash them improperly. This mistake can affect the functionality of the appliances.

The only component that can't be submerged in water is the basket. However, other parts of the unit can be cleaned by using a damp cloth.

4. Use The Right Amount Of Oil

Contrary to popular belief, most air fryers are oil-free. In reality, they only need 1 tablespoon of oil to operate properly. However, if you're planning on using the oil for cooking, make sure that the food has fat content. Also, avoid adding too much oil to prevent a fire hazard.

Most people tend to use too much oil when frying food. However, air fryers can add a bit of crispness to the food without using as much oil.

5. Grease The Air Fryer Basket

Although it's not required to grease the basket, it is still important to grease it to prevent the food from burning. This will also help prevent the cooking oil from coming into contact with the food. For optimal results, use a combination of safflower or soybean oil.

6. Avoid Overcrowding The Basket

Some air fryers are bigger than others. This makes them ideal for 2-person cooking. However, if you're planning on entertaining guests, consider purchasing a larger model that can accommodate up to 6 people.

Having too many dishes in the basket can also cause the hot air to circulate unevenly, which will make the cooking process less enjoyable.

7. Dry your hands

Although it's a common safety tip, never operate an air fryer with wet hands.

8. Invest In The Right Accessories

Aside from the basket, you should also consider getting an oven-safe baking dish or two to avoid accidentally burning the food. Also, make sure that the accessories are compatible with the unit.

9. NEVER Use Non-stick Aerosol Spray Cans

The use of aerosol spray cans is also known to cause uneven surfaces on air fryer basket components. This issue can be caused by the harsh additives and chemicals found in these products. It's important to avoid using these products as they can create a sticky residue on the basket.

10. Shake (or Flip) the Contents To Ensure Even Cooking

Although air fryers can also be shaken, they should only do so once the food has been thoroughly fried. This is because some types of food, such as rice, require more shaking than others. To avoid this, use a pair of kitchen tongs to turn the dishes.

When air-fing small portions of food, such as chicken wings, it's important to periodically shake the basket to remove the excess oil and grease.

11. Place Your Air Fryer On An Even And Stable Surface

Also, make sure that the vent located behind the basket is at least 5 inches away from the unit. This ensures that the cooking oil will not ignite.

Ideally, place your air fryer on a counter top to avoid getting it damaged. Also, make sure that its basket is positioned on a level surface.

12. Adjust Temperature Accordingly

Although some food items can cook better than others, they can also dry out quickly if they're placed under high temperatures. Also, temperatures vary for different air fryer models.

13. NEVER Leave The Air Fryer Unattended

Also, make sure that your air fryer is kept away from kids and pets.

Never leave your air fryer unattended while it's being used. Doing so can distract the unit and prevent it from safely cooking.

14. For Repairs, Leave It To The Professionals

Before buying an air fryer, check the model's long-term warranty. It's also important to read the terms and conditions of the contract to ensure that it includes the necessary accessories.

Most air fryer owners don't take advantage of the manufacturer's warranty. This means that if your unit has already expired, there are still options left for free repairs.

15. Turn off your air fryer when not in use!

Although this simple technique is often forgotten, it's still important to turn off the air fryer when it's not being used.

Related: Do I really need an air fryer?

What Should I Do If My Air Fryer Catches Fire?

Some air fryers have a feature that will allow them to automatically shut off after they're no longer using. This is a safety feature that will automatically turn off once the unit has been turned off.

You can also put a wet towel over the air fryer to prevent the fire.

There are quite a few cases where an air fryer catches on fire. However, this usually happens by turning off the device's heat.

Conclusion

If you have any thoughts or experiences about air fryer safety, please share them in the comments section below.

Being aware of safety measures can help minimize the risk of accidents in the future. Having fun while using an air fryer is a great way to keep yourself and your family safe. Follow these safety tips to keep yourself and your devices safe.