Air Fryer Safety: Running Empty, Safe Or Not?

Air fryers are a popular kitchen appliance that uses hot air to cook food, offering a healthier alternative to deep frying. When it comes to running an air fryer empty, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it is safe to run an air fryer empty for a short period, especially when preheating or using a new air fryer for the first time. Preheating ensures the appliance is hot enough to cook food evenly. For new air fryers, running them empty for a few minutes helps eliminate manufacturing residues and odours. However, running an air fryer empty for extended periods can be detrimental. The absence of food or liquid to absorb and disperse heat can cause the appliance to overheat, potentially damaging the heating element and the non-stick coating. Therefore, it is recommended to only run an air fryer empty when necessary and for short durations to maintain its lifespan and safety.

Preheating an air fryer

To preheat an air fryer, simply set the temperature to the desired cooking temperature and press start or preheat. Leave the basket in so that it gets nice and hot and will toast or sear your food. Smaller air fryers will preheat faster than larger ones. A small air fryer can preheat in two to three minutes, while a larger air fryer may need four to five minutes. Most air fryers preheat to 400° F in three to five minutes.

Some people choose to skip preheating their air fryer. This is fine, but you may find that your food doesn't cook as evenly or get as crispy. If you are making something delicate, like shrimp or tomatoes, you may not want to preheat the air fryer as it could burn or dry out the food. Similarly, if you are cooking something for a long period of time, such as a whole chicken or a baked potato, you don't need to preheat the air fryer.

It is also important to note that not all air fryers need to be preheated. Some models heat up very quickly and can reach the desired temperature in just a few seconds. Additionally, some recipes may not require preheating, so it is always a good idea to check the instructions before cooking.

Using a new air fryer

Pre-Use Cleaning

Before using your air fryer for the first time, it is important to clean it. Take apart all removable components, such as the basket and grate or perforated tray, and wash and dry them.

Pre-Use Run

Some manufacturers recommend running a new air fryer empty for 10 minutes before cooking with it to let it off-gas. There may be a slight chemical smell, so it is best to have the vents on or a window open. This should only be done once.

Placement

Place your air fryer on a heat-resistant surface, at least eight inches away from the wall. Ensure that the grate is always in the basket, and replace the basket.

Preheating

Preheat your air fryer before adding food. This will ensure that your food cooks evenly and results in a crispy exterior. A few minutes of preheating should be enough, and some models have a light that indicates when the unit is preheated.

Oil

Use oil sparingly. While a light coating of oil can help vegetables achieve a nice brown, too much oil can make food greasy and reduce crispiness. Additionally, excess oil can end up in the drawer under the grate and may smoke if there is too much buildup.

Food Placement

Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Make sure there is enough space between food items to allow for proper airflow. Shake the basket periodically during cooking to ensure even cooking on all sides.

Fatty Foods

When cooking greasy foods like bacon, add about a cup of water to the bottom of the air fryer basket. This will catch the grease and prevent smoking.

Cleaning

Clean your air fryer after each use to ensure that it stays in good condition and to prevent residual odors or flavors from affecting future meals.

Risks of running an air fryer empty

While air fryers are generally safe to use, running them empty for too long may pose some risks. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Fire Hazard

Air fryers are powerful convection ovens that can reach high temperatures quickly. If left unattended, they may pose a fire hazard, especially if they are not properly cleaned. It is important to keep the air fryer clean and free of any food residue or grease buildup, as this can increase the risk of fire. The manufacturer's instructions should be followed regarding cleaning and maintenance.

Electrical Safety

Air fryers draw a large amount of current and should always be plugged directly into a wall outlet rather than an extension cord or power strip. Using improper power connections can lead to electrical issues and increase the risk of fire. It is also important to unplug the air fryer when not in use, as it can still draw power even when turned off.

Proper Ventilation

Air fryers can produce strong odours, especially when new, so it is important to use them in a well-ventilated area. Opening windows or turning on vents can help dissipate any chemical smells that may be released during the initial use.

Supervision

While air fryers are convenient, they should not be left unattended for long periods. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for use and never leave the air fryer running if you are not present to monitor it. This will help reduce the risk of any potential issues.

Preheating

Some air fryer manufacturers recommend preheating the appliance before use. However, this is not always necessary, and you may choose to skip this step depending on the recipe. Overheating the air fryer without food inside may increase the risk of fire, especially if there is grease or food residue present.

How to properly use an air fryer

Air fryers are a popular kitchen appliance, renowned for producing quick, crispy, and tender results. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to properly use an air fryer:

Preheating

Air fryers do not need to be preheated for long periods like conventional ovens. A few minutes of preheating should be sufficient. Some models have a preheat function and a light to indicate when the unit is preheated. Manufacturers recommend preheating, but you can skip this step if you prefer.

Food preparation

Don't overcrowd the basket. Food should be arranged in a single layer with space between items to allow the hot air to circulate. This will ensure even cooking and browning.

During cooking

You will need to occasionally rotate or shake the basket to ensure even cooking. Shaking the basket every five minutes is recommended, or flipping larger items like breaded fish fillets.

Oil usage

Use oil sparingly. One to two teaspoons is usually enough, although a light coating of oil on your ingredients can help achieve crispiness and aid seasoning. Avoid using cooking spray as this can damage the non-stick coating over time.

Cooking greasy foods

If you are cooking greasy foods like bacon, add about a cup of water to the bottom of the basket to catch the grease and prevent smoke.

Safety

Always place your air fryer on a heat-resistant, stable, flat surface, with ventilation on each side. The exterior of the air fryer can get hot, so be cautious. When pulling out the basket, grab the handle and have a trivet or potholder ready to protect your countertop.

Cleaning

Clean your air fryer after each use to keep it in good condition and prevent residual odors or flavors. Most models have removable, dishwasher-safe parts, and the non-stick coating makes cleanup easy.

Maintenance

If your air fryer is new, refer to the user manual for guidance on how long to run it empty to remove any manufacturing residues or odors. If you haven't used your air fryer in a while, run it empty for a few minutes to remove any accumulated dust or debris.

Air fryer cleaning and maintenance

Air fryers are a great, healthier alternative to deep fryers, and they are much easier to clean. However, they do require regular cleaning and maintenance to keep them in good working order and to prevent food contamination. Here is a step-by-step guide to cleaning and maintaining your air fryer:

Step 1: Unplug and let it cool

Always make sure your air fryer is unplugged and has cooled down before attempting to clean it. It can take up to 30 minutes for your air fryer to cool down, so be patient!

Step 2: Remove and clean the basket, tray, and pan

Remove the basket, tray, and pan from the air fryer. These parts can be washed by hand with warm, soapy water. If there is baked-on grease or charred food, let the parts soak in hot, soapy water for 10-30 minutes, and then scrub with a non-abrasive sponge. Alternatively, if your air fryer parts are dishwasher-safe, you can put them in the dishwasher.

Step 3: Clean the main unit

Wipe down the main unit of the air fryer with a damp cloth to remove any food splatters or grease. Do not immerse the main unit in water, as this can damage the appliance.

Step 4: Clean the heating element and coils

Turn the air fryer upside down and use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe down the heating element and coils. Avoid using soap on these parts, as it can be difficult to rinse and may affect the taste of your food.

Step 5: Dry and reassemble

Make sure all parts are completely dry before reassembling your air fryer. You can towel-dry or air-dry the parts.

Other maintenance tips:

• Clean your air fryer regularly, especially the basket, tray, and pan, to prevent a buildup of grease and food residue.
• Avoid using metal utensils or abrasive sponges, as these can scratch the non-stick coating.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to prevent food from touching the hot coils.
• Unplug the air fryer when not in use, and give it its own outlet.
• Do not leave the air fryer unattended while it is turned on.

Frequently asked questions