An air fryer offers versatility, so when you are asking where to put air fryer in kitchen, you have several options. You can even use it outside of your kitchen, in your RV for example. But there are a few things to consider for sure.
Where to put air fryer in kitchen?
Ideally, you should place your air fryer on a countertop or table in your kitchen. However, it is not as simple as that. Air fryers can damage your countertops due to the heat they produce, and your countertop can develop cracks and discoloration. To prevent this, you need to take certain measures.
Ensure that the countertop or table you place the air fryer on is made of heat-resistant materials such as granite, stainless steel, or pure quartz. Materials like wood and plastic may get burnt at high temperatures, so we would not recommend you place your air fryer on these. Wood can burn a bit and turn into black, and plastic can melt, making both unsafe choices.
Another factor to keep in mind is whether your countertops are level and sturdy enough to hold an air fryer. Air fryers can be fairly heavy appliances, depending on the size and material used to make them. On average, a medium to large-sized air fryer can weigh around 6kg. A flimsy table may not be sturdy or stable enough to hold it, especially if it is also loaded with other appliances or heavy objects.
Although this happens if you use your air fryer at maximum temperature for a long time. So in case you use it for just 15-20 minutes I think there is a low chance that anything will burn. Also it depends on the type of the air fryer. Lower quality air fryers have poor insulation. If you need tips on how to choose an air fryer check out our article about it.
But for the sake of safety I always put something under my air fryer eventhough it doesn’t get that hot with the type I use. I use a cutting board now, which is wood but I don’t care if it gets a little burnt color. I would care a lot more if my countertop gets burned.
How to protect your countertop from air fryer damage?
If your counter is flammable, can melt easily, or is prone to getting stained, it may be best to place a mat or board under your air fryer to create a barrier. This could be a silicone pot mat, ceramic tile, or tempered glass chopping board.
Silicone pot mats are made to be placed under hot pots and pans, so they are highly heat-resistant, as is tempered glass. Ceramic tiles can also take a good amount of heat, but it’s best to check how heat-resistant your tile is before you place it under your air fryer.
Be mindful of space when placing your air fryer
It is essential to place your air fryer on a heat-resistant and sturdy countertop or table and also to keep the space available in your kitchen in mind. Air fryers should always be kept in a well-ventilated space that is not closed off. If you have a vent hood above your stovetop, you can place your air fryer near it and turn the vent on while using the air fryer. For added ventilation, you can open up the windows.
You should also consider the size of your kitchen and the amount of available counter when buying an air fryer. Air fryers come in many different sizes, so if you have very little counter space and a tiny kitchen, it may be best to opt for a small air fryer with under 3 quarts of basket capacity.
If you have determined that you need a large air fryer, which is anything bigger than 6 quarts, you should clear up adequate space for it. Ensure that there is a distance of at least five inches between the back of the air fryer and the wall, and some distance between surrounding appliances and objects. Many people make the mistake of placing their air fryer flush against the wall, which can be detrimental to the ventilation of the air fryer and damage it.
Can you place your air fryer in a cabinet?
Many people prefer to tuck away unused appliances into cabinets for a neater and more aesthetic look to their kitchen countertops. If you want to do this, it’s perfectly safe! Just ensure that your air fryer has cooled down before you pick it up to avoid burning yourself.
Some people also prefer to use their air fryers in a cabinet if they do not have enough counter space. However, we would not recommend this. Air fryers need a good amount of space for ventilation and heat up quite a bit when in use. To prevent a fire hazard, do not impede your air fryer’s ventilation by using it in a cabinet. Always take it out of the cabinet when you plan on turning it on.
Can you use your air fryer under cabinets?
Due to their ability to deep-fry meals with minimal to no oil, air fryers have exploded in popularity in recent years. If you want to make healthy dishes without compromising flavor, they are a must-have for your kitchen. Many people think twice about buying an air fryer because they worry it would take up too much room on their kitchen countertop. Because of variables like air fryer size and model, there is no easy solution to this subject.
Air fryers with a basket design that have a capacity of less than 4 quarts are often relatively small and won’t take up a lot of room on your counter. Larger types, such as a 26-quart air fryer oven, can be cumbersome and take up a lot of room on your kitchen counter. In addition, air fryers with extra features, like those with a grill or two baskets, are typically larger.
If you’re buying an air fryer, be sure you have enough room for it by checking the dimensions listed in the product description. This can help you locate a suitable storage space in your kitchen for your prospective air fryer.
Things to keep in mind when placing your air fryer in the kitchen
Always place your air fryer out of the reach of children and pets. Air fryers get pretty hot when they are in use, and children or pets could accidentally burn themselves. Also, ensure that the cable is tucked away and not dangling down, as this could also lead to a child pulling on it and causing your air fryer to come crashing down.
Keep your air fryer far away from electric sockets, as the vent can release hot air that may melt your sockets and cause fire hazards or short circuits.
Conclusion
It is always best to place your air fryer in an open, well-ventilated area. A countertop or table that is sturdy, level, and heat-resistant is the safest option. If you are worried about staining or cracking your countertops, you can also add a barrier under your air fryer, such as a silicone mat or tempered glass chopping board. Always ensure that the vent of the air fryer has enough space to expel hot air safely and without being obstructed.
