Air fryer

Air fryer do's and don'ts

Air fryer safety tips

Air fryer safety tips: the do’s and don’ts every home cook should know. This quick guide explains how to use an air fryer safely and cook with confidence.

Air Fryer Do’s

  1. Read your model’s instructions

    Not all air fryers are the same. Read the manual first so you understand controls, ventilation, accessories, and cleaning for safe, consistent results.

  2. Check the voltage before you plug in

    Match the rating plate on your air fryer to your outlet voltage to avoid damage and electrical hazards.

  3. Supervise young or assisted users

    Children aged 8+ and anyone needing help should only use the air fryer with close supervision and clear safety guidance about heat and steam.

  4. Supervise cleaning by older kids

    If children over 8 help with cleanup, supervise them—baskets and trays can stay hot and correct reassembly matters for next use.

  5. Unplug a damaged or dropped unit

    If the cord, plug, or casing is damaged—or the unit was dropped—unplug immediately and stop using it until a professional checks it.

    6. removing divider from air fryer

  6. Keep everything dry before use

    Operate with dry hands and ensure the plug, socket, air fryer base, basket, and tray are completely dry before you cook.

  7. Disconnect safely if it gets wet

    If the appliance or cord is immersed, unplug from the wall immediately—without reaching into the water—and have it inspected before reuse.

  8. Unplug by the plug

    Switch the air fryer off and remove it from the mains by holding the plug, not the cord, to protect internal connections.

  9. Cook food—nothing else

    Use the air fryer only for cooking food as intended; that’s how you get the safest, most consistent results.

  10. Use accessories designed for your model

    Stick to the basket, tray, and accessories supplied or approved for your specific air fryer model to maintain airflow and protect coatings.

  11. Use it indoors

    Operate the air fryer inside only—indoor conditions protect electronics from moisture and weather exposure.

  12. Store it smart

    Keep your air fryer in a cool, dry cupboard and bring it out to a clean, clear workspace when cooking.

  13. Turn off, unplug & clean after every cook

    When not in use—and before cleaning—turn the air fryer off, unplug it, let it cool completely, then wash the basket and tray after every use and wipe the interior.

  14. Use a stable, ventilated, heat-safe surface

    Place the air fryer on a level, heat-resistant surface with ventilation clearance—away from walls, cupboards, and flammable items—to prevent tipping and heat damage.

  15. Use it for home cooking

    Air fryers are intended for domestic use; for heavy, continuous service choose equipment rated for commercial kitchens.

Air Fryer Don’ts

  1. Don’t let children play with it—it’s not a toy

    Keep curious hands away to prevent burns and accidents.

  2. Don’t place it within children’s reach—or let them near when hot

    Position the unit so it can’t be pulled by its cord and block access while operating or cooling.

  3. Don’t place it on or next to the hob

    Avoid stove-tops, hot hobs, ovens, or sharp edges—heat and damage risks are high here.

  4. Don’t let the cord touch hot parts

    Keep the power lead clear of the rear exhaust and side panels, which get warm during cooking.

  5. Don’t crowd or block vents

    Give the air fryer space away from other heat-emitting appliances so ventilation and performance stay on point.

  6. Don’t let the cord hang or twist

    Avoid cords dangling over worktops, touching hot surfaces, or becoming twisted—these are trip and heat risks.

  7. Don’t immerse the electrical base in water

    Only wash removable parts like the basket and pan—the base must never be submerged.

  8. Don’t fill it with soapy water to “self-clean”

    Never add water to the drawer and run the unit—unplug and hand-wash removable parts instead.

  9. Don’t leave it unattended

    Stay nearby while in use so you can respond quickly to smoke, odors, or alerts.

    10. opening air fryer drawer

  10. Don’t carry it by the cord

    Lift the appliance with both hands after it’s unplugged and cool—the cord is not a handle.

  11. Don’t move it mid-cook

    Shifting the unit during operation can spill hot juices, tip the appliance, and disrupt airflow.

  12. Don’t use external timers or remote controls

    Operate the air fryer directly so you can monitor heat, time, and safety in real time.

  13. Don’t plug it into an extension cord

    Plug the air fryer directly into a wall socket; extension leads can overheat and create trip hazards.

  14. Don’t overfill or use excess oil

    Stay within the basket’s max fill line and use only the oil the recipe calls for to avoid smoke and spills.

  15. Don’t use baking paper or tin foil in the air fryer

    Loose parchment or foil can obstruct airflow or contact the heating element—skip them for safety.