Experts issue urgent warning about the 'risks' associated with air fryers
The popular cooking devices can cause thousands of dollars worth of damage
Millions of people across the globe have an air fryer, so it's important to know of the risks that come with using one.
From cooking fries and chicken nuggets to reheating last night's dinner, air fryers are super nifty and you'll find one in most households.
But, like a lot of things in life, using an air fryer comes with its risks.
Health wise, an air fryer has polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are a group of chemicals, used in food packaging, toiletries, non-stick cookware, and carpets.
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These chemicals don't break down easily in the body and can end up being present for a long time. Some research has since suggested that exposure to such chemicals can increase a person's risk of developing cancer.
However, as long you're cleaning your air fryer properly and 'don't plan on eating the lining of your air fryer', as Dr Karan Rajan put it, then you should be fine.
But away from the potential harm air fryers can have on you personally, they can also cause damage to your home.
According to British insurance firm Aviva, there's been an increase in air fryer-related claims in recent years.
READ MORE: Experts reveal 'real energy-saving' alternative that's cheaper to run than an air fryer
It's said that early one in five Brits have encountered potential or actual fire hazards due to the popular appliances.
With this in mind, some have experienced thousands of dollars worth of damage to their homes.
Apparently the average claim 2024 was an eye-watering £29,555 (over $38,000). One particular air fryer-related incident resulted in £80,000 ($103,500) worth of destruction.
In a survey of 2,000 participants, almost half were not aware of the risks associated with air fryers.
With this in mind, Hannah Davidson at Aviva stressed the importance of knowing about the hazards that come with using the popular kitchen appliance.
Discussing this, Hannah told The Mirror: "Simple practices such as not leaving air fryers unattended, avoiding excessive amounts of oil when cooking, placing air fryers on non-flammable surfaces, and ensuring proper ventilation during use can significantly reduce fire risks.
"Keeping a fire blanket and a small fire extinguisher in the kitchen is also good practice."
She further warned that you shouldn't use water on an electrical fire. Instead, you should 'use a fire blanket or fire extinguisher rates for electrical fires, and call the fire brigade if necessary', said the insurance expert.
"Having the right home insurance policy can also help protect against significant financial losses, providing extra peace of mind while you prepare your meals," Hannah added.
Ways you can safely use your air fryer include: cleaning it regularly; avoid using excess oil; don't leave the appliance unattended while in use; and to avoid overfilling the drawer.
Topics: Food and Drink, Health, Money, Air Fryers
Niamh Shackleton