Hot air fryers (Air Fryers) are one of the most popular appliances of the moment. This demand is due to several factors. One of them is energy savings! However, even the best models can run into some problems. That is, if they are not used correctly. One of the possible results is the overheating of the hot air fryers, which can be very dangerous, not least because it can lead to a fire. However, do not worry because we are going to tell you how to avoid it.
Hot Air Fryers: Do This to Avoid a Fire!
Do not overload the fryer.
Filling the air fryer with hot air is a big mistake. Above all, because for food to be well cooked, the air must be able to circulate. If you overload the air fryer, the ingredients will not cook evenly. It can also cause your fryer to work harder than it should, fan less effectively, and ultimately overheat. That’s why you should always check the quantities of what you are cooking and cook in batches if necessary.
Don’t use too much oil
Make sure you are using the correct amount of oil in your air fryer, it may be less than you think. One to two teaspoons applied directly to food will usually suffice for most recipes. In fact, be careful not to add more than that. If too much oil is applied inside the basket, there is a risk of it dripping or seeping into the internal components when shaking the basket, which can cause overheating. Too much oil can also end up burning your ingredients and ultimately overheating the fryer in general.
Attention to the ingredients
Hot air fryers can be used to cook all kinds of recipes, but there are still some ingredients that shouldn’t go in the basket. Anything that can melt or drip is definitely something to avoid, like cheese or wet pasta. These can be very difficult to clean as they burn through and set to the base.
Use the correct settings
Most air fryers can operate up to 200 degrees, which means that if you use a higher setting than necessary, your food can easily burn. This can produce smoke and set off fire alarms. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cooking and check the progress of your food as it cooks. If your air fryer comes with dedicated ingredient settings, be sure to use the proper function.
Be careful where you place the hot air fryer
Hot air fryers are not a built-in oven. So they need space to breathe. By the way, this helps the device to control the internal temperature. So be careful where you put it and never run it inside a piece of furniture. Also check that the power cord is not too close to the fryer. Is that the temperature of the outer surface can cause damage to the electrical wire and lead to fire.
Give it a good cleaning when needed.
Although fryers are quick and simple to clean, with most parts being dishwasher safe, these appliances still require a deep clean every now and then. This involves thoroughly cleaning the actual body of the fryer to remove any accumulated grease and oils. This is important because, if left unchecked, this fat can burn and smoke over time. In extreme situations, an excessively dirty fryer can also overheat, so this needs to be addressed.
