A warning has been issued to anyone with an air fryer in their kitchen – after a fire service was called to ‘multiple air fryer related fires’.
The Fire Industry Association has issued a warning about the trendy kitchen appliances which they say have sparked fires because of users making ‘simple mistakes’. The appliances have become extremely popular recently thanks to being easy and quick to cook with, cost less energy to run than a big box oven and are healthier too, requiring less oil than traditional cooking.
But many air fryer users are making serious mistakes according to the Fire Industry Association, which has pointed to a spate of call-outs by Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service. The Fire Industry Association said: “Air fryers have become a kitchen staple, but are you using yours safely? Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service is raising a warning after responding to multiple air fryer-related fires, many caused by simple user mistakes.
“From hobs accidentally switched on to hidden fire hazards inside the appliance, the risks are real.”
Station Manager Richard Booth at Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service has identified “user error” as a leading cause of air fryer-related fires.
He said: “Four of those incidents that we’ve attended – the air fryer has actually been sat on a hob in the kitchen and that hob has either been turned on deliberately, by someone not knowing that’s not what they’re meant to do, or accidentally.
Other incidents have been caused by improper use, including leaving packaging inside a new air fryer or using baking paper, which led to fires inside the appliance.
A fire at student accommodation in Lenton, Nottingham, on February 11 was controlled by a sprinkler system, preventing a more severe outcome. Firefighters arrived shortly before 10pm and while the students had already evacuated, one person required treatment for smoke inhalation. The fire service emphasised that the situation “could have been a much worse” without the safety measures in place.
“It doesn’t matter which brand it is,” said Mr Booth. “Just as long as you check that it’s in good working order, making sure that you keep on top of maintenance. And if you find that your air fryer is damaged in any way or it’s not operating correctly, then stop using it and make sure you replace it.”
Mr Booth added: “Most food that can be cooked in an air fryer has hot instructions for it.” However, misuse or lack of maintenance can increase the risk of fire.
“Just make sure when you’re using your air fryer, it’s not underneath any cupboards so if it does set on fire, it minimises the fire spreading up into the cupboards.”