Urgent Warning for Air Fryer Owners: 2 Crucial Safety Steps You Must Follow

A firefighter has issued an urgent warning to anyone who owns an air fryer, revealing that he has responded to multiple fire-related incidents caused by this popular kitchen appliance.

 

 

The Rising Popularity of Air Fryers

According to This is Money, approximately 9.8 million households in the UK own an air fryer. Over the past few years, air fryers have become a kitchen staple due to their convenience and ease of use.

However, a serious safety alert has been issued after several air fryer-related fires occurred in the UK last year.

Firefighter’s Urgent Warning

Richard Booth, Nottinghamshire’s Chief Fire & Rescue Officer, took to TikTok to share two essential safety tips for air fryer users.

🚨 "Using an air fryer? Do it safely! We've responded to nine air fryer fires in the past 10 months," Richard captioned his video.

In the video, he stands beside a standard air fryer placed under a kitchen cabinet—a major fire hazard.

2 Essential Safety Steps for Air Fryer Owners

1. Never Use Your Air Fryer Under a Cabinet

Richard strongly advises users to move their air fryer away from overhead cabinets. Air fryers release hot air and grease through ventilation holes, which can overheat nearby surfaces and increase fire risks.

2. Regularly Inspect Your Air Fryer and Plug

Always check your air fryer’s condition, including the plug and power cord, to ensure there are no cracks or damage. Additionally, inspect the inner basket to make sure it opens and closes properly and hasn’t suffered wear over time.

Other Important Air Fryer Safety Tips

Richard also flipped the air fryer upside down to show the air vents where hot air and grease accumulate. He emphasized the importance of keeping these vents clean to prevent blockages and overheating.

💡 Other key safety tips:
✔️ Only cook foods recommended in the user manual.
✔️ Never use grease-proof paper or any flammable liners inside the air fryer, as they can catch fire.
✔️ Avoid overloading the air fryer with too much food.
✔️ Always unplug your air fryer when not in use.

Common Air Fryer Fire Incidents

Richard highlighted recent fire emergencies involving air fryers:
🔥 Four fires occurred when an air fryer was placed on a stovetop, which was accidentally or intentionally turned on.
🔥 Other fires were caused by poor maintenance and grease buildup, leading to blockages.
🔥 In one case, a user forgot to remove packaging from food, which ignited inside the air fryer.

Social Media Reactions

Richard’s safety warning has sparked discussions among air fryer users:

💬 One TikTok user wrote: "Great video, amazing tips! I once put grease-proof paper in my air fryer, and it caught fire! So dangerous! Keep sharing this important info!"

💬 Another shared: "I always keep my air fryer clean and unplug it when not in use. Thanks for the safety advice!"

💬 A third simply added: "Great job, thanks for the warning!"

Final Takeaway

Air fryers are a fantastic kitchen appliance, but safety must come first. By following these simple yet crucial steps, you can enjoy your air fryer while reducing fire risks. Stay informed, stay safe!