An expert has warned air fryer users against using three items (Image: Getty)
An expert has issued an urgent warning for those who own an to ban three items. Dr Richard Anderson from High Speed Training, a training provider, said removing these items from your routine is key to safely using an air fryer.
Though air fryers are incredibly convenient to use and can cook almost anything, they are like any other kitchen appliance and come with their own risks. Knowing the basics of using this handy piece of kit safely will mean less time stressing in the kitchen and more time experimenting with dinner.
Dr Anderson said air fryers should also be kept on a worktop and near a power socket. They should always be kept in a well-ventilated area, like a vent hood, to stop overheating and smells reaching parts of the house you don’t want them in.
He said: “If it is not possible to use the air fryer in a well-ventilated area, ensure you open any windows while using it.”
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He also said an air fryer should be plugged directly into the power socket and to avoid using extension cords. He said: “Extension cords can dip in power, which can cause faults in your air fryer.”
Also worth keeping in mind is the ventilation at the back of your airfryer. That’s because the cooker has openings at the back of it to release hot air. So, if your air fryer is on, make sure it’s not blowing hot air into a nearby plug socket.
It is also important to make sure the lead isn’t placed on a hot surface, like a stove or hob, as it risks melting the wire. But it’s the use of aerospol sprays, liquids and wet batter that are a big no-no for your cooking appliance.
Dr Anderson explained that using aerosol sprays can damage the non-stick coating inside your air fryer. He suggested avoiding anything with wet batter because it won’t cook the same way as it would in a deep fryer. He said the result would be soggy batter and a sub-optimal meal.
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Lastly, avoid liquids at all cost. Dr Anderson said the hot air that circulated around the food can cause it to splatter, which is not only dangerous but also very messy.
He said: “Air fryers are incredibly convenient and are safer than traditional deep-frying, but like any kitchen appliance, they come with risks. Understanding the basics of air fryer safety can help to avoid accidents and keep your cooking stress-free.”
Dr Anderson said to get the best meals out of your appliance, make sure the food is cooked at the right temperature. This reduces the risk of food poisoning. He said the best way to do this is by using a probe thermometer to check the core temperature of the food.
Cleaning your air fryer thoroughly after every use is a big must, he said. Those left over crumbs from last night’s fish fingers can burn and affect the taste of the next dish you cook, and they can become a fire hazard.
Other tips include not overfilling your air fryer basket as this can result in food being cooked unevenly. Then there’s the simple matter of always unplugging the machine when it’s not in use.
And lastly, Dr Anderson suggests not seasoning your uncooked food with salt if you plan to whack it into the air fryer. This is because salt can break down the lining of the air fryer and therefore you should wait until your food is cooked and ready to serve before seasoning it.