Air Fryer Safety: Surfaces To Place Your Air Fryer On

Air fryers are a great way to cook food quickly and healthily, but they can be dangerous if not used properly. It is important to place your air fryer on a heat-resistant surface, at least eight inches away from the wall. Some people use a wooden cutting board, a trivet, or a silicone heat mat to protect their countertops. You should also be aware that air fryers can be loud, and the exterior can get hot, so don't place them too close to other objects or appliances. With proper placement and caution, you can enjoy the benefits of your air fryer without any safety hazards.

Air fryers and countertops

Air fryers are a handy kitchen appliance that can be used for a variety of cooking tasks. They are compact, easy to clean, and simple to use. However, it is important to take certain precautions when using an air fryer on a countertop to avoid damage or accidents.

Firstly, always ensure that your air fryer is placed on a heat-resistant surface, such as a wooden cutting board, a trivet, or a pot holder. This will protect your countertop from heat damage and provide a stable base for the air fryer. Keep the air fryer at least eight inches away from the wall to prevent overheating and potential fire hazards. Some air fryers come with a jig that screws into the back to ensure it doesn't sit too close to the wall.

Additionally, be mindful of the cabinets above the countertop. The air fryer can cause them to get hot, so it may be a good idea to place the air fryer on the stove or another surface if possible. If the air fryer needs to be kept on the countertop, ensure there is sufficient space between the appliance and the cabinets.

It is also important to note that air fryers can be loud due to the whirring fans, so consider placing them away from walls or surfaces that may amplify the sound. Always follow the safety precautions in the air fryer's manual, such as avoiding overcrowding the basket and allowing adequate ventilation during use.

By following these simple guidelines, you can safely use your air fryer on a countertop without causing any damage or safety hazards.

Air fryer mats

There are a few different types of mats available. Some are designed to line the basket of your air fryer, and can be useful if your air fryer basket is particularly difficult to clean. These mats are available in silicone or parchment paper. Parchment paper liners are disposable, so they can be thrown away after use, but they can also be a fire hazard if they blow into the heating element, so they should not be left in the air fryer without food on top of them. Silicone basket liners are reusable, and can simply be washed with warm, soapy water after use.

Other mats are designed to be placed underneath your air fryer, to protect your countertop from heat damage. These mats are available in silicone, and some have a sliding function to make it easier to remove your air fryer from the mat.

While mats can be useful, some air fryer users prefer not to use them, as they can hinder airflow and compromise cooking performance. It is also worth noting that newer air fryers tend to have good non-stick coatings, so a simple wipe with a paper towel while the basket is still warm is often all that is needed to keep them clean.

Air fryer preheating

Preheating an air fryer is a good idea if you want to cook something that benefits from a good sear, like steaks or burgers, or if you want to achieve a crispy and crunchy texture with fried or breaded foods, like chicken tenders or fries. Preheating will also decrease the cooking time.

However, if you're cooking something delicate, like shrimp, or if the food will be cooking for a long period of time, like a roast chicken or baked potato, you don't need to preheat the air fryer.

To preheat an air fryer, set the temperature to the desired cooking temperature and press start or preheat. Leave the basket in so that it gets hot as well. Let the air fryer warm up for a few minutes before placing the food inside. Smaller air fryers will preheat faster than larger ones. So, while a small air fryer can preheat in two to three minutes, you may want to go for four to five minutes of preheating time in a larger air fryer. Most air fryers preheat to 400° F in three to five minutes.

Air fryer safety

Air fryers are a great addition to your kitchen, but they can be dangerous if not used properly. Here are some tips to ensure safe use of your air fryer:

Choose the right surface

It is important to place your air fryer on a heat-resistant surface, at least eight inches away from the wall. Some users recommend using a wooden cutting board, a silicone heat mat, or a ceramic tile as a base for your air fryer to prevent your counter from getting too hot. Make sure to also pull the air fryer out from under any cabinets as the hot air coming out of the fryer can damage them.

Read the manual

Always read the safety precautions in your air fryer's manual before using it. Some manufacturers recommend running the air fryer empty for 10 minutes to let it off-gas and get rid of the new appliance smell.

Be cautious of the hot parts

The exterior of the air fryer, especially the back, can get hot. Be cautious when touching it. Similarly, when you pull out the basket, the bottom will be hot. Use the handle to grab it and place it on a trivet or a potholder to protect your countertops.

Don't overcrowd the basket

Always cook in batches to ensure even cooking and browning. Overcrowding the basket can also lead to uneven cooking and prevent food from getting crispy.

Be careful with oil

Use oil sparingly as excess oil can end up in the drawer and cause smoke. Don't grease the drawer with cooking spray as it can damage the non-stick coating. Instead, toss your food in oil or rub it with an oil-saturated paper towel.

Be mindful of the smoke point

Be aware of the smoke point of the cooking oils and fats you use. Oils with low smoke points might smoke, burn, or splatter on the heating element. It is recommended to cook bacon at a temperature lower than the smoke point of bacon grease to prevent smoking or burning.

Don't forget to clean

It is important to clean your air fryer after every use to prevent a build-up of oil, which can cause the unit to smoke. Most models have parts that are dishwasher-safe, but you can also hand wash them with warm, soapy water.

Air fryer capacity

Air fryers come in a variety of sizes, from small to extra-large, with capacities ranging from 1.6 quarts to 8 quarts and above. The capacity you need will depend on how many people you typically cook for and how much counter or storage space you have. Here are some guidelines to help you choose the right size air fryer for your needs:

• If you cook for yourself or occasionally have guests, a small-capacity air fryer of 2 quarts or less should be sufficient. This size is perfect for roasting a few chicken tenders or a side of Brussels sprouts.
• For a couple or a small family of up to 4 people, a 2- to 3-quart air fryer will be a good choice. It can cook approximately six chicken wings or enough vegetables for two people in one go.
• For a family of three or more, consider a larger air fryer with a capacity of 5-6 quarts. This size is ideal for preparing meals with leftovers or cooking for a family of 4-6 people.
• If you regularly cook for a large family or entertain a crowd, opt for an extra-large air fryer with a capacity of 6 quarts and above. Some models even go up to 10, 12, or over 20 quarts. These larger air fryers often have dual baskets or are designed like toaster ovens, allowing you to cook multiple dishes at once.

It's important to note that the cooking surface area is more critical than the capacity in terms of achieving even cooking results. A good rule of thumb is to arrange food in a single layer in the air fryer basket to allow hot air to circulate properly. Additionally, avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can lead to uneven cooking and prevent browning and crisping.

Frequently asked questions