Fireman issues alert to anyone with an air fryer

Data shows that around 9.8 million households across the UK own an air fryer. Over recent years they’ve become an essential kitchen appliance due to their practicality and simple operation.

Nevertheless, a firefighter has issued an alert regarding their safety after a series of air fryer-related incidents across the country in recent months.

Nottinghamshire Fire & Rescue’s Station Manager, Richard Booth has turned to TikTok to share vital guidance you should consider before preparing your next meal.

He wrote: “Use an air fryer? Then do so safely! We’ve attended nine fires caused by air fryers in the last 10 months.”

Richard stood beside a typical air fryer model, placed beneath a kitchen cupboard, which presents a potential fire risk.

He added: “We recommend when it’s in use bringing it out from under the cupboards and just making sure the general condition of the air fryer and the plug is in good condition and not cracked.”

Richard continued that routine inspections should be conducted to ensure the drawers open, close and fit correctly and there’s no deterioration that has occurred over time.

Subsequently, he turned the air fryer around to highlight vents which discharge hot air and may suffer from an accumulation of grease – another element to be mindful of.

Additionally, Richard recommended only using your air fryer to prepare foods listed as appropriate in the instruction manual.

He further commented: “In the air fryer there is a non-stick lining, so there’s no need to use any grease proof paper or anything like that inside. Make sure you don’t overload it.”

The fireman then elaborated on the incidents that had prompted his team to intervene recently.

He said: “Four of the call-outs were where the air fryer was actually on a hob, which had either been switched on accidentally or deliberately. Other incidents were due to poor maintenance and dirty air fryers that had been clogged up with fat.”

Richard concluded: “There was one incident where someone hadn’t checked the packaging – and there was packaging left in one of the drawers of the air fryer.”

While Richard’s words of warning may feel alarming, he reassured that the appliances are low risk if you use them carefully.

He added: “We do still recommend their use, however, they’re still much safer and cheaper than using your oven.”

Reacting to Richard’s cautionary advice, one TikTok user wrote: “Love the video, great tips! Had grease proof paper in mine once and it set light! Very dangerous! Keep up the great content.”

A second person shared: “I always keep mine clean and when not in use I always unplug it. Thank you.” Whilst a third individual simply added: “Well done, thank you.”