In recent years the air fryer has become a cooking phenomenon! Reports[1] indicate that more than half of UK households now own an air fryer, with 62% of owners utilising the appliance on a weekly basis.
Its soar in popularity is attributed to several main factors: it offers quicker cooking times and is more energy-efficient in comparison to traditional ovens, it’s a healthier option compared to oil frying, and it’s versatility allows you to prepare a wide range of dishes with little effort!
And the air fryer is not just great for homelife, the appliance is also a hit among motorhome and campervan owners. Due to its compact and lightweight design, air fryers are the perfect solution to the limited space issue that most campers face, with its portable design making it easy to pack it away when not in use.
However, despite their convenience and easy to use design, a recent survey[2] by insurance giant Aviva has revealed that nearly one in five UK residents have encountered fire-related issues with air fryers, and the insurer stated that they have encountered significant home insurance claims relating to air fryer fires. This has highlighted the issue that many frequent users of the air fryer are potentially unaware of the safe practices they should follow. That’s why we’re here to guide you through our top recommendations for using an air fryer!
Are Air Fryers Safe?
Before you panic, air fryers are generally a safe appliance to use due to common built in safety features such as automatic shut off mechanisms, temperature control, and timers.
However, a large number of fires involving air fryers are down to ‘user error.’ For example the following were reasons for recent fires caused by air fryers seen by the Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service:[3]
- Air fryer has been left on the hob and has either been turned on deliberately, by someone not knowing that’s not what they’re meant to do, or accidentally.
- Fire has been caused within the air fryer due to using baking paper or excess packaging left in the air fryer.
Source: Nationwide Fire Sprinklers Ltd
To ensure your air fryer is safe and has met the appropriate regulations and legislation, look for CE mark that ensures the product has met EU safety, health, and environmental standards or the UKCA mark that means a product meets UK requirements for sale in Great Britain.
Best practises for using an Air Fryer
The following are best practises to follow to keep yourself safe when using an air fryer:
- Always follow the manufacturers guidance and safety instructions when using your air fryer.
- Don’t leave the air fryer unattended when cooking.
- Avoid using oil in the air fryer.
- Clean your air fryer after every use.
- Unplug your air fryer when it’s not in use so it can’t accidentally be switched on.
- Never plug your air fryer into an extension lead (this rule applies to any electrical device with a heating element e.g. space heaters and microwaves.)
- When cooking ensure your air fryer is on a stable non-flammable surface (do not place any soft materials like tea towels under your air fryer.)
- When using your air fryer ensure it is placed in a well-ventilated area, avoid placing it under a cabinet or in an enclosed space.
- Make sure the hot air ventilation openings do not blow out into an electrical socket.
- If your air fryer appears damaged do not use it.
- Do not use baking paper in your air fryer.
- To allow good air circulation avoid overcrowding your air fryer basket.
- Keep your air fryer away from liquids and water to prevent electrical hazards.
Be careful of cleaning ‘Life hacks’
Be careful of following information you read online, recently a TikTok ‘air fryer cleaning hack’ involving filling the air fryer draws with soap and water and turning the device on to steam clean resulted in a fire. When cleaning your air fryer always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions.
What to do if you encounter a fire from an air fryer
If you encounter a fire from your air fryer do not throw water over it as it is an electrical fire.
You should keep a fire extinguisher rated for electrical fires in your motorhome and a fire blanket to extinguish small fires in case of emergencies.
Fire extinguishers have an expiration date so always check your extinguisher is in date and purchase a new one when required.
If you are unable to extinguish the fire yourself call the local fire brigade.
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Featured image by Alina – Adobe Stock
[1] https://www.leatherheadfood.com/news-detail/air-fryer-use-up/
[2] https://www.aviva.com/newsroom/news-releases/2025/02/aviva-issues-fire-warning-around-air-fryer-habits/
