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.
In a rolling cart
'You can place the air fryer on the cart and roll it into a pantry or under a kitchen island when it's not 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.
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.
Don't leave it on the counter because counter space is limited. Still pull it out whenever it is needed (it's my fryer, so anything I want crispy is an air fryer food).
Similarly, an air fryer should only be placed on your kitchen surfaces, as these are the surfaces best placed to handle their heat. Because of this, you should also never put your air fryer on a surface outside of your kitchen; such as a coffee table or dining table for example.
Bedrooms typically do not have the same ventilation as kitchens, which can lead to lingering smells and poor air quality. If you decide to use an air fryer in your bedroom, ensure that you have proper airflow, perhaps by opening windows or using an air purifier.
Price: Air fryers can be expensive, especially if you choose a high-end model. Dimensions: Air fryers can be bulky, so it is important to make sure you have the space to place them in your kitchen. Cooking time: In some cases, cooking time in an air fryer may be longer than in a conventional oven.
Air Fryer Safety Recommendations
When using an air fryer, allow at least 5 inches of space between the back of the air fryer and the wall (or any other object or surface). 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.
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.
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.
You should plug the air fryer directly into the power socket, avoiding using an extension cable.
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.
The two biggest concerns are potential carcinogens called acrylamides and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) that are created in the process of cooking.
The Ninja Foodi XL Air Fryer Oven emerged as the clear top pick. It delivers uniform cooking results, precise temperature control, and a spacious interior. For those seeking a more budget-friendly option, the Cosori Air Fryer Toaster Oven provides good value for almost $200 less than the Ninja.
Without durable, high-quality materials and thorough testing, low-priced air fryers can be subject to hazards that can lead to a fire.
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.
For those who use the air fryer regularly, such as three to four times a week, mainly for dinner or snacks, it may need replacement every 3 to 5 years, depending on usage intensity and maintenance. Regularly used air fryers are prone to wear and tear, so regular air fryer accessories checks and maintenance are crucial.
The arduous cleanup kind of negates the saved cooking time
Many oven-based recipes cook 20% faster in an air fryer. Of course, you also have to clean the air fryer, and it's a bit higher maintenance than an oven or even a toaster oven.
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.
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.
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. Don't let the air fryer hot air ventilation openings blow into electrical outlets. You need to leave space around the air fryer for the vent to circulate.