Air fryers have become a popular kitchen appliance thanks to their convenience and ability to create crispy food with little oil. However, health experts warn that these devices may pose several hidden risks if used improperly. Here are four potential dangers every user should know:

1. Formation of Harmful Compounds
   Cooking foods at very high temperatures — especially starchy foods like potatoes — can produce acrylamide, a chemical linked to increased cancer risk.

2. Risk of Food Contamination
   Poor cleaning habits can cause grease, leftover crumbs, and bacteria to accumulate inside the fryer basket, increasing the chance of food contamination.

3. False Sense of “Healthy Eating”
   Many people assume that air-fried foods are always healthy. But excessive consumption of fried items, even when cooked with little oil, can still contribute to high calorie intake and poor diet quality.

4. Toxic Fumes From Low-Quality Coatings
   Some air fryers use non-stick coatings that may degrade at high temperatures, releasing potentially harmful fumes or micro-particles into food.

Health specialists recommend reading the product manual carefully, cleaning the appliance after each use, avoiding extremely high temperatures, and choosing reputable brands to minimize risks.