- Air fryers are set to play a major role in Christmas cooking this year
- Younger Brits are driving the trend, with 25-34-year-olds far more likely to use one this year than older generations
- New data highlights dangerous air fryer habits and the risks of buying electrical products from online marketplaces, prompting fire concerns
- 'Don’t let your air fryer be the Grinch that stole Christmas’, charity warns
The traditional Christmas dinner is set for a modern shake up as Brits are set to turn to their air fryer to cook up significant parts of their festive feast.
Electrical safety experts have issued an air fryer warning ahead of Christmas, as new research reveals millions plan on using the popular appliance to cook their festive dinner this year, raising fire concerns as users admit to a range of festive feast faux pas when using their device.
Polling of 4,000 people1 by consumer safety charity Electrical Safety First shows that more than a third (39%) of Brits will turn to their air fryer this Christmas – the equivalent of more than 20 million people2, with 16%, or almost 9 million3, doing so for the first time.
Younger Brits are leading the air fryer Christmas revolution, with 25-34-year-olds almost twice as likely as over-55s to cook parts of their Christmas dinner in an air fryer this year (49% vs 29%)
And whilst 25-34-year-olds are happy to throw roast potatoes (27%), turkey (19%) and even Yorkshire puddings (14%) into their air fryer, they are the second least likely to cook the nation’s beloved pigs in blankets that way (15%).
Meanwhile, 45-54-year-olds are the UK’s pigs in blankets air fryer champions (20%).
Air fryer vs oven: the Christmas cook-off
Brits are split on how to cook Christmas dinner, with ovens still edging ahead as more than one in five (21%) say they will use their oven for the majority of their Christmas dinner this year.
However, the air fryer is not far behind, with 16% planning to make it their main cooking method.
25-34-year-olds continue to lead the shift, with 25% saying they will rely on their air fryer for most of their festive feast, compared to 21% who prefer the oven.
However, those aged 55+ remain firmly in the traditional camp, as only 10% will turn to the air fryer, compared with 18% who will stick with their oven.
Among 35-44-year-olds, it is almost neck and neck as 22% plan to use their oven, whilst 21% will lean on their air fryer instead. Meanwhile, 45–54-year-olds are the most likely to rely more on their oven overall (24%).
A nightmare before Christmas
But the charity is warning ‘don’t let your air fryer be the Grinch that stole Christmas’, as more than four in ten (43%) owners admit to dangerous practices when using their device4.
Brits reported using baking paper whilst cooking (16%), leaving the appliance running unattended (14%), not cleaning it regularly (12%) and operating it too close to a wall or in an enclosed space (10%), all of which can significantly increase the risk of fire.
Stephen Curtler, product safety manager at Electrical Safety First, said: “The air fryer has changed kitchen cooking habits forever and whilst they can be a convenient and efficient way to cook, like any electrical appliance, they need to be used safely as the last thing anyone wants is their festive feast turning into a Christmas catastrophe.
"When using your air fryer, it’s best not to leave it unattended. If you smell burning plastic or hear any unusual noises coming from your machine, unplug it straight away and contact the manufacturer. Avoid using too much oil and don't use baking paper inside, as this can restrict the airflow your device needs to operate safely, and if the paper comes loose, it could come into contact with the heating element and catch fire. Don’t let your air fryer be the Grinch that stole Christmas.”
The nation’s dirty laundry has also been aired, as the data reveals their air fryer cleaning habits. Whilst almost a third (31%) clean theirs after every use, almost one in ten (9%) admit they only give it a scrub once a month or less5. Londoners were the biggest culprits (14%) for not cleaning their air fryer regularly, followed by respondents in Wales (11%).
The charity is also urging people to shop safely this Christmas and buy electrical devices from a reputable high-street retailer, as a fifth of owners (19%) say they purchased their air fryer from an online marketplace, where substandard and unsafe electrical products are often sold by third-party sellers, leaving them at risk of bringing a dangerous product into their home.
Stephen Curtler added: “With dangerous electrical products still flooding online marketplaces, choosing where you shop is just as important as how you use your appliances. Safety starts with where you shop, and buying from a reputable high-street retailer is the best way to ensure your air fryer, or any other electrical product, brings nothing but festive cheer into your home.”
The cost of air fryer fires
The financial cost of air fryer fires to households has also been revealed.
New figures provided to Electrical Safety First by Admiral Home Insurance show the average insurance claim involving an air fryer over the last three years was £22,500.
Air fryer do’s and don'ts
With millions planning to rely on their air fryer for Christmas dinner, Electrical Safety First is urging households to follow a few simple safety steps to prevent festive cooking from turning into a fire hazard.
Do’s
- Read the manufacturer’s instructions as not all air fryers work the same, and a quick read could avert an accident.
- Place your air fryer on a clean, stable, heat-resistant surface, away from walls, cupboards, wall sockets and anything flammable.
- Plug it directly into a wall socket, keeping the power cord away from heat sources.
- Clean your air fryer after each use to stop grease and oil building up.
- Unplug it after every use.
Don’ts
- Leave your air fryer unattended whilst it’s running.
- Plug it into an extension lead, which can easily become overloaded if multiple high-powered appliances are connected.
- Place it on top of the hob.
- Use baking paper inside as it can obstruct the airflow.
- Overfill the basket with food as you risk it coming into contact with the heating element and catching fire.