People are getting rid of their air fryers after discovering a cheaper alternative that's claimed to be a game changer. Not too long ago, it seemed like every owner of an air fryer needed to announce the fact in any given conversation.
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.
Never place your air-fryer on a tea towel or other soft, flammable surface as this is a fire hazard. Don't cook in a non-ventilated area or under over-counter cupboards. Pull the air fryer away from the wall and open windows if you don't have an extraction fan.
Fire Prevention. To keep your kitchen safe, position your air fryer away from flammable items like paper towels and dishcloths. Make sure it's placed on a heat-resistant surface and at a safe distance from other appliances. This reduces the risk of fire hazards and ensures your air fryer operates safely.
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.
Having your air fryer directly against the wall can damage the wall and the appliance, plus it could potentially cause a fire if it's too hot or has been used for a long time. As steam escapes your air fryer, you also don't want the heat to get near your electrical sockets, so try to keep them at a safe distance.
Out of the top three reasons restaurants don't use air fryers, the taste is the leading cause. It has numerous benefits and can cook food efficiently. However, the taste can be subpar compared to other cooking methods available at the commercial level.
In one study, air frying of fish raised the amount of a substance called "cholesterol oxidation products" (COPs). COPs form when the cholesterol in meat or fish breaks down during cooking. Studies connect these substances to coronary heart disease, hardening of the arteries, cancer, and other diseases.
Toaster ovens: Toaster ovens can bake, broil, roast, and toast. In our tests, they heated food quickly and evenly and were great for leftovers. Toaster ovens are typically more petite than air fryer toaster ovens, making them a good fit for small kitchens.
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.
Try this instead: Set up the air fryer so it has at least five inches of space on all sides. For storage, go ahead and tuck the air fryer into a back counter or cabinet corner, but when in use — to get the most out of your machine — give the air fryer five inches of space on all sides.
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.
Ideally you should be cleaning your air fryer basket after every use – however, it's good to give it more of a deep clean from time to time as well. When it comes to how to clean an air fryer, it's pretty simple and if you use handy accessories like re-useable air fryer liners, it can be even easier.
For this, the expert says you should place your air fryer in a cabinet above the counter for easy access while keeping it out of sight. Or, consider using wall-mounted shelves that match your kitchen's decor.
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.
Studies show that using an air fryer can increase the levels of cholesterol oxidation products (COPs) in fish. COPs are linked to an increase in heart disease, cancer and other medical conditions.
However, the major disadvantage of a microwave is that it does not permit browning or crisping; thus it cannot reduce the amount of oil in foods like fries or crispy chicken. Winner: Both appliances can be healthy, but the air fryer gives better oil-free cooking and still gives you fried-like results.