The demand for oven space on Christmas Day often pushes home cooks to strategize meticulously to ensure that every dish is served hot and delicious. In recent times, air fryers have become a popular solution for this issue, providing a way to achieve crispy roasted potatoes while freeing up the oven for other dishes.
However, depending too heavily on these handy kitchen gadgets can lead to risky and potentially unsafe situations, possibly spoiling the festive cheer. A consumer safety organization has highlighted that those using air fryers during the holiday season should be cautious of four frequent errors. These errors are reported by 43 percent of air fryer users, and the charity urges cooks to ensure that their air fryer doesn’t become the “Grinch that stole Christmas.”
Stephen Curtler, who manages product safety at Electrical Safety First, cautioned: “The air fryer has changed kitchen cooking habits forever and whilst they can be a convenient and efficient way to cook, like any electrical appliance, they need to be used safely as the last thing anyone wants is their festive feast turning into a Christmas catastrophe.”
Air fryers are generally safe, but the increased use during Christmas means that extra vigilance is necessary to ensure they work correctly.
If there are any odd smells or unusual sounds, it could indicate a problem. Curtler advised in the Herald Series: “When using your air fryer, it’s best not to leave it unattended. If you smell burning plastic or hear any unusual noises coming from your machine, unplug it straight away and contact the manufacturer.”
The most frequent mistake made by 16 percent of users is leaving baking paper inside the fryer, which can become a fire hazard when temperatures exceed 400F, thus potentially spoiling Christmas.
Further, 14 percent of individuals tend to leave the appliance unattended, while 12 percent admitted to neglecting regular cleaning of their air fryer. Additionally, about 10 percent position their fryer too close to a wall during operation. Curtler emphasized: “Avoid using too much oil and don’t use baking paper inside, as this can restrict the airflow your device needs to operate safely, and if the paper comes loose, it could come into contact with the heating element and catch fire.”
The organization also advises those considering an air fryer purchase this Christmas to be cautious of deals from online platforms where third-party sellers may offer below-standard products that could pose a fire risk.
Curtler concluded by stressing: “With dangerous electrical products still flooding online marketplaces, choosing where you shop is just as important as how you use your appliances.”