How safe is an air fryer? Air fryers are essential kitchen appliances that use hot air circulation technology to cook, fry, or bake food. It is a healthy, reliable, cost-effective alternative to deep fryers, ovens, and other cooking appliances. The question is: can you leave home with your air fryer “ON?” Let us answer this question!
How safe is an Air Fryer?
Although you can leave your air fryer “On” to cook food and do other things, we don’t recommend leaving it unattended entirely because it may cause fire hazards. Because your air fryer is an electronic device, you can’t leave it unattended.
It is crucial to watch over it from time to time to maintain safety. It becomes even more important if you have kids at home. When using an air fryer, especially when kids are present, you should always follow basic safety precautions to reduce the risk of electric shock, fire hazards, or injury to your family members. Here are a few safety tips.
Avoid Using Your Air Fryer When:
Do not operate your air fryer if you notice the cord or plug is damaged. Likewise, it is crucial to avoid using the appliance if it malfunctions. For example, if you drop the machine and it gets damaged, you must not use it. Otherwise, you will have an increased risk of injury or electric shock.
Avoid immersing it in Water
If you want to reduce the risk of electric shock, make sure you avoid immersing your air fryer’s cord, plug, or the machine itself in water or any other liquids. It is better to use the device for its intended purpose. Likewise, we suggest not using your product outdoors or for commercial purposes.
Do not Use Attachments
Do not use attachments or accessories not recommended by the manufacturing company to avoid fire, electric shock, and injuries. When you use third-party accessories, they may result in voiding the product’s warranty.
Do not fill it with Oil
How safe is an air fryer? You can use the air fryer safely if you avoid filling it with water. Remember, your air fryer is not a deep frying machine, meaning you must not fill it with oil. Never fill the basket and other parts with liquids. Even if you choose to use oil, make sure you lightly toss the food in a separate bowl and then transfer it to the tray inside the basket.
Maintain Adequate Ventilation
When using an air fryer, provide adequate ventilation on all sides for proper air circulation. Ensure the appliance does not touch curtains, clothing, wall coverings, dish towels, or other flammable material during use. Besides, do not cover the device and ensure air vents located on the back of the product are not covered.
Follow Precautionary Measures
An air fryer generates heat during use, meaning you have to follow proper precautions to prevent the risk of fire, burns, or other damages to your property. We recommend keeping your hand clear of the area surrounding the appliance during operation.
Use handles and grips on the air fryer when operating. Avoid putting your hand inside the housing while in use. Moreover, use caution when opening your air fryer because the basket and contents inside are very hot. Use protective gloves or tongs to remove food from the basket.
Avoid moving the appliance while it is in use of full of food. Always unplug the device after use and never yank the cord when disconnecting it from the outlet. It is crucial to grasp the plug and then pull it firmly. Unplug the appliance from the outlet before cleaning and allow it to cool completely before cleaning and storing.
Avoid placing it in the Dishwasher
Never place the appliance in the dishwasher. You can’t immerse the product’s housing in water. Remember, an air fryer is not a dishwasher-safe product. You can only submerge the tray and basket in water because the tray and basket are top-rack dishwashers safe.
How Safe Is An Air Fryer? – Tips for Safe Operation
Although an air fryer is a safe product, you have to watch over it from time to time while in use to prevent the risk of fire, property damage, and personal injuries. Here are a few tips for safe operation.
Prepare the Basket
Prepare the basket and food and use the tray handle when inserting it into the basket. Always push down to make sure the tray is secured in a leveled position. Ensure a small space between the tray and the bottom side of the basket.
When you use an air fryer with proper tray placement, it allows for maximum hot air circulation. That way, you can promote even cooking and achieve more crispiness. Never fill the air fryer’s basket with oil. Unlike a deep frying machine, an air fryer requires little to no oil to produce more crispiness.
Put Food on Tray and Place the Basket in the Air Fryer
Put the recommend amount of food on the tray and focus on the cooking times and temperatures. Put the basket into your air fryer. Make sure you use the handle to insert the basket in the machine and push it to close. Now, plug in the air fryer and keep an eye on the power indicator, and when it illuminates, the air fryer will run properly.
Set Desired Temperature and Time
Adjust the desired cooking temperature between 200 degrees and 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Turn the timer dial to the recommended time. Once you have selected the time, the machine will begin to tick. It indicates the time count down.
Remember, the maximum cooking time is about one hour. Once you have set the temperature and time, it is time to start the cooking process. It is crucial to check the food during the cooking process.
So, use the handle to pull out the basket. Remember, the power and heating indicator lights will turn off when you pull out the basket. Always use the handle to shake and redistribute the food in the basket. Enjoy your fried food.
Final Words
How safe is an air fryer, and can you leave it unattended? No, you can’t leave your air fryer unattended because it will increase the risk of fire, food burning, and electric shock. Not only does this damage the appliance, but it may also increase the risk of property damage.