Experts have pointed out air fryer mistakes made by at least half of kitchen appliance owners that could have serious consequences.
This comes after UK doctors warned that air fryers' non-stick linings could pose health risks if damaged or scratched, and should be cleaned carefully and without the use of abrasive scrubbers.
Not only do you need to be careful about how you clean your air fryer, but you also need to be careful about where you place it in your kitchen.
Air fryers can be a potential hazard in your home, depending on where you place them in your kitchen. (Getty Stock)
It's fine to leave it exposed to the side while you cook, but even better to keep it on a heat mat to protect your countertop from heat damage.
But many of us, or maybe it's just me, probably plug them in and store them under the cabinet to keep things organized, and that can become a big problem.
If it is packed in tightly, there won't be enough space for air to circulate inside the air fryer, which could create a fire hazard.
If you're feeling guilty about your air fryer being hidden under a kitchen cabinet, you're not alone: A Toolstation survey revealed that more than half of people who own air fryers use them directly underneath a kitchen cabinet.
Cara Yates, Senior Category Manager Kitchen at Toolstation, explains why this is dangerous: “Air fryers and kettles are convenient but they can pose a hazard in the kitchen due to the heat they generate when in use.
“Specifically, air fryers require enough space for proper air circulation to prevent the appliance from overheating.
“Placing it under a low cabinet can damage both the air fryer and the cabinet, causing discolouration, deformation and even a fire hazard.
If you're feeling guilty about where you place your air fryer in the kitchen, don't worry: half of us have it wrong. (Getty Stock)
“The air fryer should be placed on an open counter away from walls and corners, ideally on a heat-resistant mat to protect the counter.”
It's not just air fryers that are dangerous – other kitchen appliances can be dangerous as well.
Even regular kettles can be dangerous, as Carla adds: “Placing a kettle directly underneath a cabinet can pose a risk as the steam it emits can cause moisture damage to the cabinet over time.”
“This excess moisture can lead to mold growth and structural damage, shortening the lifespan of your kitchen cabinets.
“Again, consider placing your kettle in a location above your kitchen where there is plenty of space to prevent damage to overhead cabinets. If this isn't possible, make sure you wipe off any condensation to keep the base of your cabinets dry and prevent mould growth.”
