But, like any household appliance, they can be dangerous.
Over 57,000 people in the UK search “how to correctly use an air fryer” on Google every month.
This shows widespread uncertainty about their safe operation and cleaning. Are you one? Well, you might want to listen.
Health and safety experts at Direct365 have provided some top tips on how to safely use your air fryer, while avoiding common usage errors that could lead to fire hazards.
One of the worst things about living in midtown is when the fire alarm goes off and u don’t know if it’s serious or not so u run down 30 flights of stairs just to be safe all because some college kid put too many damn pizza rolls in his air fryer
— TP (@OGxTP) August 24, 2025
1. Avoid using baking paper or tin foil in your air fryer
While air fryers operate optimally by placing food directly onto the metal grill, many people like to use something to line the basket, making cleaning easier. In fact, almost 58,000 people take to Google each month to ask, “can you put tin foil in an air fryer”, while over 15,000 ask “can you put baking paper in an air fryer”.
Using tin foil or baking paper in your air fryer is not advisable. Materials like this can obstruct air flow and lead to food being unevenly cooked. More significantly, there is a risk that the baking paper or tin foil could get caught in the heating element and cause a fire.
Instead, use properly sized silicone liners to allow air to circulate freely and avoid any fire hazards.
2. Never add liquids in your air fryer
Over 35,000 people search for tips on how to clean their air fryer each month, while a recent viral TikTok video showing viewers how to clean an air fryer with a dishwasher tablet and water amassed over 4.9 million views.
However, this method is not recommended as air fryers are designed to circulate heat rather than heat or boil liquids. If you turn the air fryer on with liquid inside, this could splash onto the heating element, creating a short circuit which could cause an electrical shock and be a fire hazard.
Instead, remove the air fryer basket and clean it in the sink with hot water and washing up liquid, making sure the basket is fully dry before using again.
3. Do not place your air fryer under a cabinet or flush against walls
Air fryers have a vent on the top, back or sides which will release hot air and steam. By placing your air fryer directly under a cupboard or too close to walls, this will trap heat and could cause your air fryer to overheat and become a fire hazard, while also risking damage to your cabinets.
For safety, make sure you have around 10cm clearance on all sides of your air fryer to avoid overheating.
4. Never put plastic in an air fryer
While it might seem obvious, 1,450 people each month search on Google asking if they can heat something up in their air fryer in a plastic Tupperware. Unlike a microwave, air fryers will melt and burn plastics, not only releasing toxic chemicals but also causing an electrical risk as plastic may drip onto the heating element and ignite.
Instead, use an oven safe glass, metal or ceramic dish if needed.
5. Avoid using certain oils in your air fryer
One of the benefits of air fryers is being able to achieve crispy food without frying in lots of oil. However, if you do still want to use oil in your air fryer, it is recommended to use a small amount, making sure to choose oils with a high smoke point like vegetable, avocado or rapeseed. Oils with a higher smoke point reduce the risk of setting off your fire alarm and ultimately leading to a more serious situation.
Use of excessive oil can lead to grease build up at the bottom of the air fryer basket which, when repeatedly exposed to high heat can catch fire. Make sure to check your air fryer basket before every use and clean the basket regularly to prevent grease build up.
Karl Bantleman at Direct365 commented, “Air fryers offer a great way to cook healthier meals more economically, yet their widespread use has outpaced public knowledge of how to use them safely.
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“The truth is, these appliances are powerful, and simple mistakes like using the wrong oil or blocking vents can create serious fire risks.
By learning how to manage these risks, like steering clear of baking paper and tin foil and ensuring the device is properly ventilated, users can enjoy all the advantages air fryers provide without compromising on safety.
“It is crucial for consumers to understand that, despite their convenience, air fryers require specific safety precautions to prevent accidents.”
