Expert issues £30,000 warning over items you should NEVER put in your air fryer
- One in five adults has met with potential or actual fire hazards due to an air fryer
- READ MORE: Experts issue urgent warning for people who use air fryers more often than their ovens
As the need for speed and a desire to eat healthily has grown among Britons, the air fryer has emerged as one of the UK's most popular kitchen appliances.
More than two thirds of UK adults reportedly own an air fryer, according to a recent survey - but not everyone has found that their lives are more straightforward as a result.
In fact, while the countertop appliances are often celebrated for their ability to make healthy versions of everyone's favourite crispy comfort foods without using much energy, experts have warned that they could cause serious damage and even lead to enormous insurance claims.
With 68 per cent of UK adults owning an air fryer and 61 per cent of people using one at least once a week, there has been a rise in the number of fire-related incidents, prompting experts and insurers to issue urgent advice.
The survey, commissioned by insurance company Aviva, revealed that almost one in five UK adults (19 per cent) has encountered potential or actual fire hazards at home thanks to an air fryer.
The most common issues included smoke coming from the air fryer and overheating, with scorching following in third place.
And, while the average claim relating to an air fryer in 2024 was £29,555, the insurance company said one customer's kitchen had suffered a shocking £80,000 worth of damage.
Yet, neither air fryer devotees nor those keen to try out the cooking method for the first time should be dissuaded - there are some very simple measures people can take to minimise the fire risk.
Air fryers are often celebrated for their ability to make healthy versions of everyone's favourite crispy comfort foods - but they can also cause serious damage (stock image)
The most common issues included smoke coming from the air fryer and overheating, with scorching following in third place (stock image)
Speaking to the Express, Jonny Smith, a fire safety specialist at Crusader Fire, said the root of a number of these incidents was extremely straightforward: skipping past the manual.
'Air fryers are incredibly user-friendly, which leads many people to assume they can just plug them in and go,' Smith explained.
'But these machines generate intense heat, and when used without care, they can become a serious fire risk.'
And, as the user manual surely advises, key precautions people should take include never using oil, never overcrowding the basket and ensuring there's enough ventilation to keep the air fryer from overheating and sparking flames.
No less important when it comes to keeping your air fryer safe and fit for purpose is consistent cleaning.
Dr Richard Anderson of High Speed Training revealed that it's essential that the household gadget is cleaned frequently - especially for those who use it as their primary method of cooking.
Although most parts of an air fryer are not dishwasher-safe, they still need to be cleaned and the expert told the Express it should be done after every use.
Dr Richard revealed that air fryers should undergo a light clean after every use and a deeper clean every month.
Brits have been ditching their ovens in favour of the handy countertop appliances which explains why 61 per cent of households use their air fryer weekly (stock image)
If the handy gadget is used for particularly greasy food then giving it a deeper clean every couple of weeks is recommended.
The expert added that for the deep clean, all the accessories need to be removed and cleaned individually to remove grease, odours and burnt-on food.
He said: 'Even though some air fryers are labelled as dishwasher-safe, dishwashers can strip the non-stick coating on the air fryer components.
'For stubborn, baked-on grease, try filling the tray or drawer with water, drop in a dishwasher tablet and leave to soak overnight.
'Then, simply rinse clean the next day.'
One of the reasons to make sure air fryers are kept as squeaky clean as possible is because mould can thrive inside the air fryer, particularly in the basket, if the device isn’t thoroughly cleaned and dried after each use.
According to Louise Allen, co-founder of Fountain Filters, the combination of food residue, warmth, and moisture creates the perfect environment for mould to grow unnoticed.
A routine is essential for making sure air fryers are kept in the best condition and are always ready to use.
Experts have sounded the alarm on a hidden danger potentially lurking inside the beloved appliances that can lead to 'serious' health implications (stock image)
Experts have now revealed it's essential to clean air fryers after every use and to give the appliance a deep clean at leas once a month or more often if used regularly (stock image)
Dr Richard advised using a damp cloth or sponge to clean off any grease from the heating element and then rinsing in soapy warm water.
He added the key is to repeat the routine until everything is spotless and for harder-to-clean spots, a soft bristled tooth brush is very effective.
The expert cautioned users that it is essential that the heating coil of the air fryer is completely dry before using the fryer again.
For those with air fryers that include built-in filters, those too will need a thorough scrub and if in doubt, it's bets to refer to the instruction manual.
