Product recalls of popular air fryer brands such as Insignia in March 2024 have put a spotlight on the safety of the equipment itself, particularly the risk of fire and burns.
do not worry. Despite some flaws in certain brands, air fryers are generally safe to use as long as you have a properly functioning machine and follow some basic safety steps.
read more: Making a whole chicken in the air fryer is the best cooking hack I've found all year
However, malfunction or misuse of the air fryer can pose a fire or burn hazard. Cleaning your air fryer regularly and using it according to the instructions will prevent most cases of air fryer fires, errors, and malfunctions. For more information, learn how to make bacon or the perfect cheeseburger in the airfryer.
Are air fryers dangerous?
Don't let the potential risks of an air fryer overshadow the many benefits of a powerful countertop oven. In fact, air fryers are generally safer than other cooking methods, such as: natural gas stove, there is a flow of flammable gas and an open flame.two alarming research It also shows that gas stoves can leak toxic gases when not in use, which can contribute to childhood asthma.
When used correctly, air fryer It's lower in fat and calories than deep-frying or pan-frying, making it a great way to stay healthy. healthier eating. Also, save on energy bills Using a wall oven instead of a wall oven requires more energy to heat and takes longer to cook the food once heated.
Air fryer recalls will increase from 2021 onwards.
But that doesn't mean air fryers are risk-free. Incorrect wiring or user error can cause an air fryer to overheat, burning the food inside or melting the machine itself, and several cases of kitchen fires and burns have been reported. No deaths have been reported to date.
One reason for this could be the influx of cheap fryers priced at $20 and $30. Some of these cheaper brands have developed problems that have led to consumer recalls. Sure he doesn't have to spend more than $100 on an air fryer, but probably shouldn't — Too cheap can cause problems.
If you're looking to buy, check out CNET. Complete guide to air fryersLearn about features and considerations when choosing a model. This article explains the potential dangers associated with using an air fryer and how to reduce the risk of air fryer-related fires in your kitchen.
1. Clean the air fryer basket after each use.
Wash the entire air fryer basket with soap and water after each use. Avoid dishwashers as they can corrode nonstick surfaces over time.
Air fryers are great for cooking chicken wings, mozzarella sticks (not all air fryer foods are healthy), and other crave-worthy snacks. If you don't add cooking oil or spray, you may notice a puddle or film left in the basket when you remove the food. Grease and other food debris should be thoroughly cleaned after each use. Any leftover oil or small pieces of burnt food will increase the chances of a fire starting inside the basket.
The good news is that most air fryer baskets are non stick So all you need is a few vigorous scrubs with a warm soapy sponge and you're ready for your next session. Although some air fryer baskets are advertised as dishwasher safe, we recommend hand washing.Hit the basket and it will go inside. dishwasher The non-stick coating can erode over time.
2. Clean the coils on the basket once a month.
Clean the coil above the air fryer cooking basket to make your kitchen safer and your food more delicious.
A less obvious but equally important area to clean when caring for your air fryer is the coil and surrounding area inside the fryer's hull and above the basket. During cooking, oil, sauce, and even food debris can fly off and get stuck on the coils. You probably won't notice this buildup unless you tilt the air fryer back or turn it completely upside down.
It's best to avoid using soap when cleaning the inside of your air fryer. Any soap residue may stain your food the next time you cook it. Also, saturation with large amounts of water can damage the functionality of the coil. Instead, use the rough side of a damp scrub or sponge. Cleaning the coils isn't difficult if you do it often enough.
Cleaning this section will not only reduce the risk of fire, but will also help your air fryer run smoothly and cook at optimal power.
3. Give the air fryer its own electrical outlet while in use and unplug it after use.
The safest outlet is an empty one.
Air fryers use large amounts of voltage and can cause electrical fires. It is best to always unplug it when not in use. Some air fryers are fairly quiet, so this ensures that the air fryer isn't running yet or accidentally turns on by the curious hands of a passing cat or toddler. (Plus, this will save you money over time. Home appliances can be powered even when turned off. )
Kitchen appliances such as toasters, air fryers, and microwaves also provide significant resistance to the flow of electricity and should be plugged directly into electrical outlets rather than through extension cords or outlet extenders. You should also avoid running the airfryer from an electrical outlet while other equipment is connected, especially one that is in use, as this can stress the circuitry.
In fact, none Electrical products can cause a fire If the outlet or wiring is defective. If you hear crackling noises or see sparks, contact an electrician. Speaking of electrical outlet damage, be sure to position your air fryer so that the hot air blowing out the back doesn't hit your kitchen electrical outlet. Over time, this can cause problems.
4. Do not crowd the air fryer basket during cooking.
If your food piles up so much that you're having trouble getting it into your basket, it might be time to buy a larger air fryer.
Avoid allowing food to touch the hot coil or splashing large amounts of grease or sauce onto the hot coil during use. To avoid this, don't overcrowd the cooking basket or stack the food so high that it has to be bumped or crushed to get into the basket. If you're packing food to cook the quantities you and your family need, it might be time to buy a larger air fryer.
5. Do not leave the airfryer unattended
Make bacon in the air fryer, but don't walk too far while it's cooking.
Air fryers get hot and heat up quickly. As with any oven, don't leave the oven too far away when it's in use and check for smoke or unusual smells like burning food or plastic. And be sure to follow the cooking instructions.
Many ovens recommend cooking at high temperatures for no more than 20 minutes at a time. Please read your air fryer's instructions carefully before you start using it.
Does the air fryer basket contain harmful chemicals or PFOA?
Air fryer baskets are coated with the same chemical as nonstick cookware. If you want to avoid Teflon completely, there are many options.
Most air fryer baskets have a surface coated with a non-stick chemical. Depending on your age, you may have heard of Teflon and wondered if it's safe.chemical substance called PFOA used in original Teflon It was banned in 2014 after it was linked to cancer.
Now, new materials that are said to be safer, such as GenX, are being used in non-stick coated cookware and air fryer baskets. There is still some skepticism and debate about the safety of nonstick coatings, but so far, there has been little evidence of the use of modern cookware and the negative health effects of using nonstick cookware. There are no major studies linking this. GenX has been deemed toxic by the EPA when consumed in large quantities and included in drinking water.
If you want to avoid nonstick altogether, there are air fryer options with nonstick baskets, such as: This model.largely dry oven toaster It comes with a wire rack instead of a basket and is a great alternative to nonstick.
Read more about air fryers here. Beginner's Guide to Air Fryers and check it out Air fryers are cheaper to run than large ovens..
