Air fryers have surged in popularity in recent years, offering a convenient and cost-effective alternative to traditional ovens. However, Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service is urging users to be aware of potential fire risks associated with these appliances.

The fire service has responded to nine incidents involving air fryers in the past ten months. A recent fire at student accommodation in Nottingham earlier this month, where an air fryer caught fire, has raised concerns, with firefighters warning that such incidents are becoming increasingly common.

What’s Causing the Fires?

Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service has identified "user error" as a leading cause of air fryer-related fires.

"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," said Station Manager Richard Booth.

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.

The fire at the student accommodation in Lenton, Nottingham, on 11th February was controlled by a sprinkler system, preventing a more severe outcome. Firefighters arrived shortly before 22:00, 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.

Are Certain Brands More Prone to Fires?

There is no evidence to suggest that a particular brand of air fryer is more susceptible to catching fire.

"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."

Should Air Fryer Owners Be Concerned?

According to the fire service, air fryers are "very safe" due to their built-in temperature control and timers.

Mr Booth reassured users: "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.

How to Use an Air Fryer Safely

Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service has provided key safety advice to reduce the risk of fire:

• Purchase from a reputable supplier
• Look for a UK safety mark or European kitemark ("CE")
• Avoid using an air fryer or any cooking appliance while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Stay in the kitchen when using the appliance
• Do not use baking paper in an air fryer
• Clean the air fryer after each use
• Keep the appliance away from overhead cupboards

"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," added Mr Booth.

What to Do If an Air Fryer Catches Fire

If a fire starts in your air fryer, follow these steps:

• Turn off the appliance only if it is safe to do so
• Leave the property immediately and call the fire service
• Never attempt to fight the fire yourself
• Do not apply water to an air fryer fire

Mr Booth advised: "There's nothing to be worried about using an air fryer. Just follow those safety tips, make sure it's clean, try to stay in the room when you're using it, just in case something does happen. But they are very safe and they're much cheaper to use than your oven."

By following these simple precautions, air fryer users can continue to enjoy quick and efficient cooking while minimising the risk of fire.

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