Electrical Safety Advice for Air Fryers / Air Fryer Safety

Air fryers usage and safety

Electric air fryers are a convenient way to cook without using oil and considered to be a healthier option than a deep fat fryer. But choose carefully and maintain it properly.

Air fryers primarily come in basket, oven, dual-drawer, or paddle styles, varying by capacity and cooking method.

Basket models excel at rapid, crispy cooking via shaking, while air fryer toaster ovens offer versatility for baking, roasting, and rotisserie.

Options include single-drawer or double-drawer (for simultaneous cooking), and high-capacity toaster-oven styles which allow for food to lie flat on trays for more even browning, as well as multiple cooking functions, such as baking, broiling, and dehydrating.

Key points

All electric air fryers must be fitted with a UK 3-pin plug and fuse.
Look for fryers with safety features to minimise the risk of accidents.
Do regular checks of the plug and socket for burn and scorch marks.
Read the manufacturer's instructions carefully and always follow them.

Buying an air fryer

Whichever you choose, buy from a reputable retailer rather than a third-party seller online, as the air fryer may not have passed all the necessary safety checks.
Make sure it is fitted with a standard UK 3-pin plug and fuse.
Look for safety features such as a cooking timer or automatic shut-off after cooking to prevent overheating, a cool-touch exterior to reduce the risk of burns during or after cooking, non-slip feet or bases to keep the fryer stable, and temperature monitors to shut off the air fryer if overheating happens.
Register your air fryer so you can be contacted easily if there is a safety recall of your product. It’s also much easier to return a faulty item or order a repair if it’s registered.

Using an air fryer safely

Don’t overfill your air fryer. Check the manufacturer’s instructions and ensure the maximum fill level is not exceeded.
Keep power cables away from hot surfaces and worktop edges.
It is recommended not to use any type of paper in an air fryer because, if it is not weighted down, it could touch the heating elements and catch fire.
Always check the manufacturer's instructions before using any paper.
Never leave an air fryer unattended while it’s in use. And unplug it at the socket when you’ve finished cooking.
Never put an air fryer into water apart from the items recommended by the manufacturer such as the basket and always wait at least 30 minutes to clean it so it can cool down fully.
If you notice any unusual smells or any noises, switch the air fryer off immediately and contact the retailer and/or manufacturer.

ALWAYS

Do plenty of research first before buying.
Buy a known and trusted brand from a reputable retailer.
Register your appliance with the manufacturer.
Clean the air fryer according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

AVOID

Buying from third-party sellers online.
Leaving an air fryer unattended when it’s being used.
Using the air fryer if you notice an unusual smell or noise.
Overfilling an air fryer as this could cause a fire.

Stay safe with electrical products

Check plugs and sockets

Don't ignore burn marks, ‘arcing’ (buzzing or crackling) sounds, fuses blowing, circuit-breakers tripping, or if it feels hot to touch.

Unplug and contact the retailer, manufacturer, or a qualified repair technician.

Protect with an RCD

An RCD (residual current device) in your consumer unit (fusebox) protects you from electric shocks if a product is faulty.

If you don’t have RCD protection, use an RCD plug on the socket where the product is plugged in.

Fit smoke and heat alarms

Ensure there is at least one smoke or heat alarm per floor in your property. Fit enough alarms to cover all areas where a fire could start.

Test alarms at least once a month. Replace them every ten years or when the replace by date is reached.

Selected FAQs

If you’re unsure about an appliance or product, you’re not alone. These FAQs bring together expert advice and answers to the questions people ask us most, so you can feel more confident at home.

View all consumer faqs

When does a periodic inspection need to be carried out?

It is recommended that periodic inspection and testing is carried out at the following times:

for tenanted properties, every 5 years or at each change of occupancy, whichever is sooner
at least every 10 years for an owner-occupied home
at least every 5 years for a business

The Landlords and Tenant Act 1985 requires landlords of properties with short leases to keep the electrical wiring in repair and in proper working order. We recommend landlords arrange for periodic inspection and testing to be carried out by a registered electrician at the relevant intervals shown above.

Periodic inspection and testing of the electrics should be carried out more frequently on the places and premises listed here:

3 years for a caravan
1 year for a swimming pool

Who should carry out a periodic inspection?

Periodic inspection and testing should be carried out only by electrically competent persons, such as registered electricians.

My electrician told me that they were registered; however I now believe that they are not, as they have not given me a certificate. What should I do?

First, you need to find out whether the electrician you used is actually registered. To do this, contact the operator of the scheme they have claimed to be part of, and they will tell you whether this is the case. If they are registered, the scheme operator can guide you through their complaints procedure.

If you find out the electrician misled you and is not registered, you should report this to your local Trading Standards Department as they are breaking the law. We would also recommend that you get an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) carried out on your home; this will assess any work that has been undertaken and will act as sufficient documentation to certify that work. This needs to be carried out by a registered electrician and unfortunately will be an added cost for you.

Additional info

Air fryers use rapid air technology so they can circulate hot air around food at high speeds which makes it crispy without using oil.

Some air fryer models include additional features like dehydrating, roasting, and grilling functions and are typically 70-80% more energy-efficient than deep fat fryers.

Has your electrical product been recalled?

Electrical products are recalled more regularly than you might think, but the response rate to a recall is often worryingly low. This means there are potentially millions of recalled electrical items still in UK homes.

Check your appliances

Air fryers