When it comes to kitchen appliances, an air fryer is one of my favorites. For sure, many of you would say the same thing. It is convenient and versatile. Nonetheless, for beginners, you probably have many questions, and one of them is the subject of today’s post – can air fryer explode?
In most cases, an air fryer does not explode. However, with improper use and negligence, it can explode. It is a rare occurrence, but if you are not careful with operating the appliance, it may end up being a hazard.
Read on as I share more about air fryers and explosions. More importantly, I will talk about the things you can do to prevent such from happening.
Can Air Fryer Explode?
Like other electrical devices, an air fryer can explode. The good thing is that it is a rare occurrence. When choosing an air fryer, pick one made using high-quality materials and equipped with safety features that can minimize the risk of explosion.
While I have no personal experience with an air fryer exploding, I stumbled upon one article from the New York Post while writing this blog. A college student from Michigan State University was cooking frozen hashbrowns in a Gourmia air fryer when it exploded (I hope they still had their warranty). She placed it on a stovetop and after accidentally turning the burner on, combustion caused the explosion.
Let’s look at why it happened. By turning on the stovetop where the air fryer is placed, the heat becomes higher than what the appliance can originally handle. Even air fryers with the highest temperature can go above their threshold. The air fryer became even hotter because of the heat from the stove, which is the culprit for its explosion.
No statistics are available, but judging from personal experience and anecdotal evidence, there is a slim chance that your air fryer will explode.
Factors That Can Cause Air Fryer Explosion
Even if it rarely happens, this does not mean that you should ignore the possibility of the air fryer exploding. Among others, one of the most important is that you are aware of the potential causes, which include the following:
1. Overheating
One of the most common culprits is overheating, which is what happened in the example I briefly talked about above. While the air fryer is cooking, heat builds up on its components. There will come a point when it can be too much for the appliance to handle. Hence, its electrical components can overheat. An immediate sign of this is when there is smoke coming out of the air fryer or when the surface becomes extremely too hot to the touch.
2. Faulty Electrical Connection
An instance when the electrical connection of an air fryer becomes faulty is when there is no ground plug, which increases the possibility of a fire hazard and explosion. Meanwhile, damages to the plug, cord, and outlet can also be the culprits. Such can result in short circuits. Additionally, insufficient current flow is also a potential reason for the explosion.
3. Improper Maintenance
Over time, air fryers are prone to damage. A good way to minimize the possibility of the latter is to emphasize regular cleaning and maintenance. For instance, grease can solidify. Once it builds up, the air fryer becomes a fire hazard. Also, not maintaining the unit means there can be problematic components that could be the reasons for the explosion.
4. Unstable Surface
Proper positioning is crucial for the safe operation of kitchen appliances. While you can put an air fryer on a countertop, make sure that it is stable and heat-resistant. Otherwise, it can start a fire. The exhaust vent should also be at least five inches away from the wall and other obstructions.
5. Using Too Much Oil
Aside from choosing the best oil for air fryers, another crucial concern is how much oil to use. A little goes a long way since air fryers do not need excessive oil. Using more oil than recommended can contribute to overheating, which can be the culprit for the explosion.
Things to Do to Prevent an Air Fryer from Exploding
Even if an explosion rarely happens, it does not mean that you should be careless when using an air fryer. Prevention is your best weapon in minimizing hazards. Below are some of the best things to do.
1. Follow the Instructions from the Manufacturer
Before using an air fryer for the first time, read the manual. If there is no printed manual, go online and search for it. Religiously follow the recommendations from the manufacturer, such as in terms of how full an air fryer can be. You must take note of the instructions for proper operation and maintenance.
2. Clean Regularly
Speaking of following manufacturer instructions, take the time to learn how you are supposed to clean the appliance. Periodic cleaning is recommended after every use. Meanwhile, deep cleaning is best done at least once a month or more frequently if you use the air fryer regularly. By keeping it clean, you are protecting the components from what can cause an explosion.
3. Ensure Proper Ventilation
Ventilation can be your savior when using air fryers. As mentioned, there should be at least five inches of space between the wall and the air fryer, as well as on other objects surrounding the air fryer. More so, proper ventilation is possible if you do not overcrowd the air fryer, making sure to follow the recommendations from the manufacturer regarding its capacity.
4. Unplug When Not in Use
It is common for some people to leave their kitchen appliances plugged in even if they are not used. However, this is one thing that you should not do in an air fryer. Leaving the plug on the socket increases the possibility of suffering from electrical problems, including explosions.
5. Cook with Minimal Oil
As earlier mentioned, using excessive oil increases the risk of an explosion. The beauty of an air fryer is that it requires no or minimal oil, which is also what makes it a healthier alternative to deep frying. A light spray on the basket or brush on the top will be enough.
Conclusion
Can air fryer explode? The answer is YES! However, it rarely happens. Most air fryers are built to handle high temperatures, but some can still be prone to overheating. Improper usage, including using too much oil and putting the appliance on an unstable surface can increase the likelihood that the air fryer will catch fire and explode.
