When not in use, most air fryers are compact enough to store in the cupboard, but you may want to keep yours on your countertop for easy use. Plus, once you get started, you won't want to store it away!
Your air fryer should always be kept on a level, heat-resistant countertop and in order for the exhaust vent to operate properly, allow five inches of space behind the air fryer at all times.
Yes, it is generally safe to leave an air fryer unattended while it is in use. It is important, however, to make sure that the appliance is correctly sized and placed on a flat, stable surface when in use.
The surface you keep the air fryer on should be flat, such as a kitchen worktop. Air fryers can vibrate when they are on, so keeping them on a flat surface will avoid them falling over or falling onto the ground.
Go for surfaces that can handle the high temperatures generated by your air fryer. Heat-resistant laminate countertops, granite, stainless steel countertops, and quartz countertops are all fantastic choices. If you use your air fryer often, I highly recommend adding a heat-resistant silicone pad or trivet.
To cook fresh food in an air fryer, Jenny suggests subtracting 20°C from the typical oven temperature and reducing the oven cooking time by 20-25%. For example, if the oven instruction calls for cooking at 180°C for 25 minutes, set your air fryer to 160°C for 20 minutes.
Air Fryer Safety Recommendations
Use the air fryer only on a surface that can handle high temperatures. Most kitchen countertops are safe, but items like plastic placemats are not. While the air fryer is cooking, avoid touching any parts of it other than the handle.
Excess oil ends up in the drawer under the grate, but if there's too much buildup, it might smoke. Generally speaking, if there's already fat on the food (skin-on chicken, for example, or frozen fried food), you might not need to oil the food at all.
You should plug the air fryer directly into the power socket, avoiding using an extension cable.
Don't leave the air fryer on and unattended
Air fryers get hot and they get hot fast. As with any oven, you shouldn't walk too far away from it while it's in use. Monitor for smoke or unusual smells like burning food or plastic. And always adhere to the cooking instructions.
One of the major risks of air fryers is acrylamide formation, which occurs when cooking foods at high temperatures. The chemical often develops in starchy foods like potatoes or bread and is created through a reaction between sugars and an amino acid called asparagine when the food is heated above 120°C.
If you have a heat-resistant kitchen countertop, placing your air fryer on it should be entirely safe – though it's worth keeping an eye on the surface to ensure how it is responding to the heat. Kitchen surfaces that deal with heat the best are: Granite. Marble.
On your hob or stove
Putting your air fryer on a hot surface will overheat it and cause potential damages and fires.
Any cookware used with Air Fry mode should be broil safe. A dark, solid baking pan with low rimmed sides, such as a sheet pan, is recommended for use with Air Fry. The darker pan absorbs more heat and promotes better browning and crisping.
While air fryers are popular, the most expensive models can start to get a little pricey, which could undermine their status as a budget item. Taking to social media to share their opinions, many people have revealed that they reckon halogen ovens are the best option for frugal cooking.
The answer is yes, only if your countertop is made 100% heatproof. Always be aware if your countertop is heat resistance. Sometimes air fryers can damage countertops that aren't heatproof. Make sure if you're using an air fryer to always put something under it to protect your countertop from damages.
Top health risks of air fryers
The study found that the sardines' healthy fat content (poly-unsaturated fats) was decreased, while the cholesterol oxidation products (COPs) were slightly increased – the issue with COPs is that they may negatively affect cholesterol levels.
Brussels sprouts are the best place to start your air-fried vegetable journey. They crisp up beautifully and take no time at all. If you're making these for a crowd, we suggest frying them up in batches as overcrowding the basket can lead to soggy results.
And they tolerate high heat well. For example, deodorized avocado oil, organic virgin sesame oil and grapeseed oil are good choices. Other oils are fragrant and have a stronger taste. Chosen wisely, they will enhance the milder flavor of certain foods or foods that need a little extra.
Converting from oven to airfryer
The general rule is to reduce the temperature by 10ºC, and cook for 20 percent less time. bakes in a 200ºC oven for 15-20 minutes. To make the tofu in your aifryer, set the temperature to 190ºC and bake for 12-15 minutes.