The air fryer is a quick and convenient way to cook meals but it comes with some safety warnings
Experts have issued a 30-minute warning to anyone with an air fryer. It is vital to follow the guidance before cleaning to avoid any safety risks.
The air fryer has swiftly become a staple in kitchens up and down the UK in recent years. Providing a hassle-free method of cooking without requiring oil, they offer a speedy and healthier alternative for meal preparation.
However, like any household appliance, they come with specific guidelines on safe usage. Electrical Safety First, a charity committed to cutting the number of injuries and fatalities caused by electricity throughout the UK, has cautioned that one particular cleaning approach could pose risks when dealing with air fryers.
On its website, Electrical Safety First stressed that people should “never” submerge the fryer in water. This practice could prove exceptionally dangerous owing to the possible combination of water and electricity.
It could also cause damage to the device itself. In fact, Electrical Safety First recommends waiting “at least” 30 minutes before cleaning your air fryer following use.
It stated: “Never immerse the fryer in water, and always wait at least 30 minutes to clean it after use.” Fortunately, there are methods to safely clean the appliance.
To do so BBC Good Food suggests the following steps:
- After using your air fryer, ensure it’s unplugged and cooled down completely
- Remove all detachable parts and disassemble the components
- Each part should be cleaned with a solution of warm water and washing-up liquid. Use the softer side of a sponge or cloth to prevent damage to the non-stick coating
- Pay special attention to the crevices of the basket for thorough cleaning
- For stubborn, burned-on food that can’t be shifted with just the sponge, create a paste from baking soda and water and apply it to the tough spots. Let this sit for 20 minutes, or if you’re pressed for time, gently scrub the solution with an old toothbrush
- Rinse the components and leave them to dry
- When conducting a deep clean, remember that the main unit of the air fryer must not be submerged; it will need to be hand-cleaned as well
This isn’t the only safety advice to keep in mind when operating your air fryer. Electrical Safety First has provided these guidelines to follow:
- If you detect a burning odour (other than food) or any unusual sounds, immediately switch off the fryer and get in touch with the retailer and/or manufacturer
- Never pour oil into your air fryer
- Be cautious of hot steam emanating from the fryer
- Ensure power cords are kept away from heated surfaces
- Always switch off the fryer at the socket when it’s not in use
- Never leave the fryer unattended
- Avoid overfilling your fryer – check the manufacturer’s guidelines but typically it should be no more than two-thirds full
- Position the handles away from the front of the cooker to minimise the risk of knocking it off the counter
For additional information, visit the Electrical Safety First website here.