Before you begin using your air fryer, it's crucial to be aware of the best places to position it, as well as those to avoid entirely. Placing an air fryer in less-than-ideal locations can not only make cooking with it a challenge but could potentially pose a risk.
"Make sure you have enough space in your kitchen to use it." "It's essential to consider where you'll be placing your air fryer, as it can affect both how well it works and how safe it is to use, notes Isabella Forgione, AO's appliance expert.
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8. Sideboards or shelves that might not be stable or could obstruct the air fryer's air flow.
To help you steer clear of culinary catastrophe and ensure a successful culinary experience, we're delving into the most dubious locations to position an air fryer in your kitchen, as advised by the specialists
1. Under cabinets
Many contemporary kitchens now incorporate worktops supported by cupboards, yet it is crucial to ensure that your air fryer is not situated directly below them.
Be mindful of where you place your air fryer," advises Isabella. "Air fryers give off heat and steam while they're in use, so putting them near cupboards or in cramped areas can stop air from circulating properly, make it more likely that your air fryer gets too hot, and possibly even damage nearby furniture.
, presenter, author and air fryer aficionado, insists that you require a minimum of 6 inches of space around the air fryer on all sides for safe operation.
"Excessive heat can make cooking in your kitchen unpleasant by raising the temperature,' she explains. 'By leaving this 6-inch gap, you'll shield your kitchen, lengthen the lifespan of your air fryer, and achieve a safer, more efficient cooking result.'
2. Beside a wall
It's for this identical reason that Clare recommends maintaining a good distance between the air fryer and your kitchen wall.
“Placing them too close to walls can cause damage to nearby surfaces due to excessive heat, as well as discolouration or warping, and also restrict air flow, which can lead to the air fryer overheating,” she says.
The 'hand-span rule' is a basic test to ensure there's enough room around your air fryer. Open your palm and spread it out wide - this is roughly the amount of space your air fryer requires around it in order to remain cool and comfortable.
3. On non heat-resistant surfaces
It's not just the placement of your air fryer that's important, but also what you're placing it on. Placing it on something that can't withstand heat, such as a tea towel, plastic chopping board, or a tablecloth, poses a fire risk.
‘The ideal surface for an air fryer, according to their chef, Paul Bough, is a heat-resistant surface such as ceramic or stainless steel.’
“These materials can stand up to high temperatures and provide stability to the appliance,” he says. “Make sure the surface is non-slippery and allows for enough room for ventilation around the fryer to stop it overheating.”
4. On uneven surfaces
Wobbly or slanted surfaces aren't suitable for your air fryer. "I would always recommend ensuring that your air fryer sits on a flat, heat-resistant surface," says Clare.
An uneven floor surface can make your air fryer tip over, which disrupts the flow of air and results in undercooked food. A loose air fryer is more prone to spills and splatters when you try to remove the basket, especially when hot oil or food may land on your countertop or – worst-case scenario – on yourself.
In extreme circumstances, it might even result in the air fryer toppling over, potentially leading to burns or a fire.
5. Close to material or paper
When it comes to air fryer safety, it's not just about the surface the kitchen appliance sits on, you also need to be aware of its environment.
“Placing an air fryer near curtains, tea towels, or fabrics for drying dishes is hazardous due to the heat and hot air it emits,” explains Clare. “Flammable materials near by could catch fire, especially if air circulation is restricted.”
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For your air fryer and other electrical appliances to stay safe, Paul advises keeping them away from heat-sensitive objects, including fridges or anything with plastic parts.
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7. On the hob
“While it may appear to be a convenient spot, placing an air fryer on a stove is not a good idea,” says Clare. “If someone accidentally turns on the hob, the heat can melt or damage the air fryer, posing a fire risk.”
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, and that it needs water, but ironically, making it too close to the sink is a recipe for disaster, says Isabella.
Water and electricity do not mix - even a small splash of water could pose a hazard if it enters your air fryer, potentially causing damage to the appliance or, indeed, an electrical shock.
The space around your basin can be quite slippy thanks to water and soap. If your air fryer is positioned too near the sink, it might be knocked over, leading to potential burns or spills.
FAQs
What can I place underneath my air fryer to safeguard the countertop?
for optimal worktop protection.
She says: “The baskets can become quite hot, so remember to safeguard your work surface with a heat-resistant mat.”
Where can I fit an air fryer into my kitchen?
Firstly, it's worth noting that gable-ended houses are not commonly found in the UK, although they can be found in some rural areas.
You should be mindful of the space around the air fryer, not just for safety, but also to ensure it's easy to use.
You'll need enough room in your kitchen to be able to easily take out the air fryer baskets when adding food and when removing the cooked food," suggests Clare. "Keeping a clear, spacious area will not only make sure your air fryer lasts longer, but also provides a safer cooking environment overall.
Where to keep an air fryer when not in use?
A great location for storing your air fryer is the cupboard, but if you use it daily, you may prefer to keep it on the countertop. Clare mentions there are several alternatives if you're concerned it will be an unsightly addition.
"You could look at dedicating a particular space in your kitchen to the air fryer, such as a countertop corner, a specifically designated shelf or a kitchen cart," she recommends.
“Having things tidy in their own space gives a sense of purpose rather than chaos. Adding something decorative like organisers, trays or plants nearby can create a neat and thoughtful look.”
Paul advises selecting an air fryer that harmonises with your kitchen's aesthetic: “It's essential to choose an air fryer with a stylish design and a finish that complements your other kitchen appliances, so your kitchen looks cohesive and visually pleasing.”
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