Air fryers have become a staple in many homes, but where you position yours on the kitchen counter could increase the risk of a house fire, according to a fire safety specialist.
For plenty of people, the arrival of the air fryer in the kitchen felt like a major upgrade, making it easier to prepare quick meals with minimal effort.
However, as with any high-heat appliance, there’s always the potential for something to go wrong if it isn’t used and set up correctly.
Whether you rely on it daily or only bring it out occasionally, it’s worth understanding a few basic safety checks to protect yourself, your kitchen, and your home.
Brian Michie, Managing Director at SBS Limited, has warned that ignoring common fire risks can have serious consequences.
One issue he says shows up repeatedly is lack of space around the appliance once it’s placed on the countertop.
Because air fryers work by pushing hot air around internally, proper airflow and ventilation around the unit matter for safe operation.
That’s why Michie’s advice applies to anyone who has wedged their air fryer tightly against a wall or tucked it into a cramped corner.
“Many people don’t realise that the vents on the back and sides of an air fryer need clear space around them,” he explained to The Express.
“A few inches might not seem like much, but it makes a difference to how safely the appliance operates.”
Safety guidance suggests leaving at least two inches of clearance between your air fryer and nearby walls to help reduce the risk of overheating and fire.
It’s also important to consider what’s above it, as placing an air fryer directly under wall cabinets can create additional danger.
“Heat rising directly into a cabinet or the underside of a shelf is a fire risk that homeowners frequently overlook,” he reasoned. “If there isn’t enough vertical clearance above the air fryer, it shouldn’t be used in that spot.”
Another warning is aimed at anyone powering their air fryer through an extension lead, with the expert urging people to stop doing this as soon as possible.
Michie told the outlet that air fryers can draw a lot of electricity, while extension leads are “rarely rated to handle that kind of sustained load”.
“Overloading them generates heat, and heat in the wrong place is how fires start.”
Rather than relying on an extension or power strip, he advises plugging the air fryer straight into a main wall socket.
With a few simple placement and power checks, you can keep cooking while reducing unnecessary risk.