New Air Fryer for Christmas? These Mistakes Could Be Risky

Air fryers are now the third most used appliance in UK kitchens and are set to remain a must have gadget through 2025 and into 2026. With many people receiving one for Christmas, safety experts are reminding home cooks that using them correctly matters just as much as what you cook in them.

Healthier cooking might be part of a New Year’s resolution, but kitchen safety should also be on the list.

Dr Anderson, Head of Learning and Development at food hygiene training experts High Speed Training, said: “Air fryers are incredibly convenient and are safer than traditional deep-frying, but like any kitchen appliance, they come with risks. Understanding the basics of air fryer safety can help to avoid accidents and keep your cooking stress-free.”

What not to put in an air fryer

Some common items should never go inside an air fryer.

Aerosol sprays can damage the non stick coating.
Anything with wet batter will not cook properly and is likely to turn soggy rather than crispy.
Liquids can splatter due to the circulating hot air, which can be dangerous and messy.

Where to put your air fryer

According to Dr Anderson, placement is key.

“Air fryers should be put on a worktop and near a power socket. If possible, you should keep the air fryer in a well-ventilated area of your kitchen, close to a vent hood and you should turn on the vent hood when using the air fryer. If it is not possible to use the air fryer in a well-ventilated area, ensure you open any windows while using it.

“You should plug your air fryer directly into the power socket and avoid using any extension cords. Extension cords can dip in power, which can cause faults in your air fryer.”

Air fryers also release hot air from vents at the back, so this should not be directed towards a plug socket. The power lead should also be kept away from hot surfaces such as a stove or hob, as heat could melt the wire.

Five essential air fryer safety tips

Experts also shared five key steps to reduce risks in the kitchen.

Food should be cooked to the correct temperature to reduce the risk of food poisoning. Using a probe thermometer to check the core temperature is recommended.
The air fryer should be thoroughly cleaned after every use. Leftover crumbs can burn, affect the taste of future meals, and become a fire hazard. There is also a risk of food contamination.
Always unplug the air fryer when it is not in use.
Do not overfill the basket, as uneven cooking can increase the risk of food poisoning.
Salt should not be added while food is cooking. Salt can break down the lining of the basket, so seasoning should wait until the food is ready to serve.

For more tips and detailed guidance, people are advised to visit the High Speed Training Hub or read their article titled Guidance on Air Fryer Safety.