“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.”
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.
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.
Most of the waste heat from an air fryer goes up, so it's perfectly safe to use it on wood.
Opt for Heat-Resistant Surfaces
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.
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.
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.
So, while it's a given that you should never use an air fryer inside a cupboard, you should also avoid placing them underneath cupboards, too. Dennis Digwa, RGBDirect's appliance expert warns that 'placing an air fryer directly under low cabinets can restrict airflow and cause the appliance to overheat.
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.
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.
It's a good idea because it could very well save you money on your utility bill. But even still, you're going to need to be careful. According to electricians, electrical devices that have a heating element, such as space heaters, air fryers and microwaves, should never be plugged into extension cords or power strips.
Risks such as acrylamide formation, electrical malfunctions and toxic coatings can all result from using an air fryer and be a source of potential harm. Similarly, while they are supposedly healthier, air fryers are often used to cook processed foods which can give the illusion of eating better.
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. Use the 'hand-span rule' when using your air-fryer ensuring there is at least 5 inches or the average hand length, around the device for ventilation.
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.
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.
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.
In most cases, simple silicone mats, heat-resistant mats, cutting boards, and even trivets will provide ample protection. Just think about the heat output of your particular model and the material your countertop is made of. Using protection under your air fryer is a wise idea for all of us.
Limited Cooking Applications
At their core, air fryers are essentially smaller-sized convection ovens. For this reason, commercial businesses don't benefit from them. Convection ovens may find uses in the food industry for certain items but have many limitations for broader service menus.
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.
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.
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.