Always make sure your air fryer sits on a stable, level surface. Air fryers generate powerful hot air currents, and an unstable base could cause accidents. A sturdy, heat-resistant surface like a heat-resistant cutting board or wood countertop is the best option to keep everything safe.
Air fryers should also be positioned on a stable, heatproof surface when in use, so keep an eye on your benchtop to prevent potential damage. "You may want to invest in a heatproof board the air fryer can sit on," she adds.
Wooden surfaces, like a wooden cutting board or a dining table, aren't heat resistant so if they're introduced to too much heat, you could damage the surface and even burn it.
Avoid Burns:
Position the air fryer in a spot where it's not easily bumped or touched accidentally. A sturdy, flat countertop is ideal to prevent tipping and ensure stability during use.
Where do you put an air fryer? I place my air fryer always on my kitchen counter. Make sure that your kitchen counter can withstand the heat that is created by the air fryer. The bottom part of an air fryer can be warm while in use, so test it out for a few minutes and feel by hand how warm the counter top gets. Also.
“Avoid placing your air fryer under cabinets or cupboards,” advises Isabella. “Air fryers release heat and steam during operation and placing them in confined spaces can obstruct ventilation, increase the risk of your air fryer overheating and potentially damage surrounding furniture.”
Use protective mats, such as heat-resistant silicone pads or a wooden cutting board, to shield your counters from air fryer damage. Always make sure your air fryer sits on a stable, level surface. Air fryers generate powerful hot air currents, and an unstable base could cause accidents.
A slice of bread in the bottom of your air fryer can help collect grease without making a mess.
Sam Milner, author and air fryer expert recommends keeping an air fryer on a kitchen worktop, but keeping all the no-go zones in mind. So long as you're ensuring to keep your air fryer in a well-ventilated area and at least 5cm away from walls and other appliances, you're golden.
In most cases, it is perfectly fine to use cooking appliances such as toaster ovens, air fryers, and microwaves on a quartz surface. However, these appliances could cause some slight discoloration after prolonged use. So, if you use your appliances often, it is best to use either trivets or heat-resistant mats.
PROTECTION OF THE COUNTERTOP: When air fryer works, they can generate high temperatures. If these heat directly transferred to the kitchen countertop through the bottom of the air fryer, it can burn the surface and cause irreversible damage. Therefore, you need an air fryer heat resistant pad to avoid this problem.
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.
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.
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.
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.
“Do not place your air fryer on any material like any carpet or a tea towel,” warns Clare. This is due to the potential fire hazards of placing something so hot on a flammable material. Similarly, an air fryer should only be placed on your kitchen surfaces, as these are the surfaces best placed to handle their heat.
During the air frying process, if you pull out the chicken and notice any dry flour spots on the chicken, spray those spots lightly with oil. The breading will never crisp up if it doesn't have a tiny bit of oil to hydrate it.
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.
Parchment paper can handle the heat inside your air fryer - up to 428°F (220°C). To get the best results, add the parchment paper to the air fryer basket at the same time as you add your ingredients. This prevents the paper from lifting up and coming into contact with the heating element while cooking.
The short answer is potentially, yes – your air fryer could produce temperatures high enough to melt or crack a kitchen worktop. But a lot will depend on the design of the model you have. If your appliance has the right level of insulation, this will stop the heat from creating cracks.