An air fryer is healthier than a deep fryer because it requires no oil. An air fryer’s purpose is to fry non-battered foods, reheat foods, and cook foods to crispy doneness using convection heat. Battered foods require a deep fryer.

People are just beginning to discover the complexity of air fryers. Viral TikTok videos of recipes we thought were confined to ovens and stovetops can now be prepared in one fell swoop with an air fryer. Those same recipes can’t be prepared with a deep fryer—so which is better: an air fryer or a deep fryer?

How Do Air Fryers Work?

Plugged into a wall socket and placed on a countertop, air fryers use less energy and heat than an oven. They will not heat up the whole house like an oven would in the summer.

Before using a new air fryer, it’s recommended to wash out the basket and reservoir of the air fryer. Do not wash the part of the air fryer that plugs into the wall — water and electricity don’t mix!

Much like deep fryers, air fryers use baskets to hold the food during cooking. The basket of food should be inserted into the air fryer before turning on the power button. 

Air fryer settings for time and temperature can be established before a cooking cycle using the panel of buttons on the exterior. Once the air fryer heats up, it will create a machine “whirr” akin to a dehydrator.

Air fryers cook food using convection heat, much like an oven, but in a confined space. This allows more surface area of the food to become more crispy on the outside more quickly than it would in an oven, giving it the “fried” effect without oil. 

Convection heat in an air fryer works through the movement of air molecules that are energized by heat. In an air fryer, the food is enclosed by these energized air molecules that carry heat to the surface of the food. 

Air fryers can be used for cooking and reheating food. For more information about the best things to reheat in an air fryer, we recommend reading this related article. 

Unlike deep fryers, air fryers do not require moisture for cooking. There is no lingering oily smell in the air after using an air fryer like there would be with a deep fryer. Air fryers are more versatile than deep fryers and can cook foods that would normally be baked or grilled.

How Do Deep Fryers Work?

There are different types of deep fryers. Some are larger commercial deep fryers using gas tubes that ignite when the fryer is set to the desired temperature. Allow 15 – 30 minutes for a deep fryer to completely heat to temp.

These fryers can operate with or without baskets. Some foods can be dropped directly into the fryer once it reaches temperature. 

Using a spider to move the food around in the oil and collect it afterward is common in the “swimming method” in deep fryers. Spiders may come in the shape of a rectangle or circle. 

Medium-sized fryers for outdoor cooking operate on propane. This is common for turkey fryers. 

Countertop deep fryers are a convenient option for home use. They cook food on the same scale as an air fryer but on a smaller scale than a commercial deep fryer.

Deep fryers cook food using oil convection. The oil in the fryer’s reservoir is heated and then that heat is transferred to the food. 

The heat draws out the natural moisture inside the food and some of that moisture is replaced by oil, but there are still some air pockets in the food that work to transfer the oil’s heat, cooking it thoroughly without becoming completely saturated.

This is why french fries bubble up immediately when dropped in a deep fryer. This is the moisture escaping from the inside of the french fries. When the bubbles subside, the food is done.

Are Air Fryers Better Than Deep Fryers?

This depends on what is on the menu. When cooking a variety of crispy foods for a large crowd, neither a countertop deep fryer nor air fryer will be convenient. A commercial deep fryer in this case would be the best option. 

Air fryers are not only good for cooking french fries, but also reheating them. When reheating french fries in a deep fryer, they may become more saturated with oil the second time and taste “off.”

Deep fryers are better than air fryers for foods that require batter such as tempura, fried Twinkies, onion rings, squash fritters, and funnel cake. Think of all the classic fried foods as being better in a traditional deep fryer.

Air fryers are revolutionizing weeknight dinners with their ability to bake, broil, dehydrate, grill, and even pressure-cook certain dishes. All of these applications are far out of the scope of what a deep fryer is capable of. 

For example, it’s possible to make Mexican street corn, chicken parmesan, personal-sized pizza, and french toast bites in an air fryer. The creative range is better with an air fryer.

Are Air Fryers Really Healthier than Deep Fryers?

Foods that are deep fried between 350 and 375 degrees F don’t absorb as much oil (or calories) as one might think. According to a study conducted by Florida International University, deep frying french fries only contributes 40 more calories per 4 oz serving than their oven-roasted counterparts.

But still, for anyone who frequently deep fries their food, swapping the deep fryer for an air fryer would surely make a big difference in their total caloric intake, lowering it substantially.

Because air fryers operate using convection heat much like ovens, we can assume this discrepancy would be a good side-by-side comparison of how an air fryer compares to a deep fryer. However, overall health is made up of more than just counting calories. 

Oils carry fats, which are necessary for human organ function. The brain, heart, kidneys, and liver need fat intake because there are some fats our body cannot make internally from scratch. 

Trans fats may contribute to higher cholesterol levels and more risk of cardiovascular issues. Vegetable oils such as corn oil contain trans fat, which is a common oil used for fried foods. 

However, frying foods in soybean, safflower, and peanut oil is also common. Those oils contain 0% trans fat. Still, there are benefits to using the air fryer over the deep fryer, especially for those who use the deep fryer frequently.

Pros & Cons of Air Fryers

Pros:

• Cooking with an air fryer is considered healthier than deep frying or roasting with oil
• There are more possible meals to make in an air fryer than in a deep fryer
• There is less mess with an air fryer than with a deep fryer
• There is no cost of oil when cooking with an air fryer, so it could be cheaper

Cons:

• Air fryers do not cook a large volume of food and are limited to the size of the basket
• It’s impossible to see what’s happening during the cooking process when food is in an air fryer
• Traditional fried foods that require moisture don’t do well in an air fryer and need a deep fryer
• Fried foods don’t taste as “fried” as they normally would in a deep fryer

Pros & Cons of Deep Fryers

Pros:

• Food cooks faster in a deep fryer than in an air fryer
• There is more control of sub-techniques within the frying technique (ie. swimming method, searing the outside of the food before baking or roasting)
• Large quantities of different varieties of food can be quickly produced (if using a commercial deep fryer)
• Classic deep-fried foods turn out better in a deep fryer than in an air fryer

Cons:

• There is less range of techniques available in a deep fryer than in an air fryer
• Oil is required, and it is expensive and adds calories to the food
• Managing the set-up and clean-up process of a deep fryer is more time-consuming than an air fryer
• There is a higher risk of hazards with hot oil and oil spills with a deep fryer

Does Air Fried Food Taste Like Deep Fried Food?

Because an air fryer uses convection heat like an oven, the food cooked in an air fryer will taste crispy and baked. It will not taste deep fried because it was not cooked with oil convection. 

Both air-fried and deep-fried foods have a crispy golden brown exterior. This is a result of either the protein or sugar molecules heating, deconstructing, and forming new bonds through Maillard Reaction or caramelization, respectively. 

Oil is a key factor in the traditional flavor of deep-fried foods. The outside of the food may look similar, but the mouth feel betrays the air-fried food’s true identity. True deep-fried food has that “melt-in-your-mouth” texture that so many people crave.

Although not as bad as a deep fryer, air fryers are susceptible to grease buildup. You can  line your machine with any of the following liners: 

• Parchment paper 
• Aluminum foil 
• Ceramic dishes 
• Silicone liners

Avoid flammable objects in your machine and any coated in wax. Perforated liners are your best option so the airflow will not be disrupted. 

What can you do if you do not have a perforated liner? Is it safe to puncture your liners yourself? What happens if you use a coffee filter as a liner? Keep reading to learn more on all these topics and more!

You Can Line an Air Fryer With Parchment Paper 

Parchment paper is one of the preferred options for air fryer enthusiasts. However, some experts warn that parchment paper may cause the grease from certain foods to get trapped. Although harmless, it might cause your food to be excessively greasy and unpleasant. 

One common solution for this is to cook less oily foods on parchment paper. Fish, vegetables, and other naturally low-fat foods are a great option. Not to mention, the steam stored in the parchment paper due to the lack of ventilation will keep these foods moist and flavorful. 

Another less common solution is to poke holes in your parchment paper or purchase pre-perforated parchment sheets. You can find air fryer parchment sheets on Amazon, such as the Katbite Air fryer Parchment sheets. 

If you want to make your own we recommend puncturing 6-7 holes into a parchment sheet. Make sure you cut this sheet to the size of your air fryer tray. You can use scissors or a sewing needle to puncture your parchment sheet, but try not to make them larger than a dime in circumference. 

You can Line an Air Fryer With Aluminum Foil

Aluminum foil is a great option if you are in a pinch and want to avoid your air fryer getting sticky and dirty. However, it is not the best option out there since there are several issues associated with this method. 

Aluminum foil is perfectly safe and will not spark or risk catching fire as it does in the microwave. Although, it is a reactive metal with acidic foods so you should avoid using it with tomatoes, pineapple, or other acidic dishes. 

For the best results, use aluminum foil for chicken beef, and other greasier meats. Poke holes in the foil for the grease and only use this in the basket of the fryer. Do not use foil on the tray if you can help it, but especially avoid using it on the bottom rack. 

Air fryers circulate hot air throughout the machine to create a crispy exterior. This air circulation can get caught in the foil and cause it to get dislodged and float about the interior of the machine. 

You can Line Your Air Fryer With Silicone Liners

Silicone mats or liners are a wonderful permanent option for air fryers. These mats are made of flame retardant silicone and come in several sizes for different varieties of air fryers. For the best results, find the silicone liner which best suits the size of your machine. 

These mats are perforated and designed to maximize the airflow while preventing grease spillage. These holes ensure the meat, veggies, and other goodies you cook get crispy like in a deep fryer. 

Silicone sheets are the most versatile of the options. They do not really have any negative effects other than the fact that you will need to pay a little extra upfront and wash after each use. Liners are much easier to clean, however, and do not get food baked onto them like the fryer trays. 

Airway Aeromats and Lotteli Kitchen Liners are some of the best varieties available on Amazon. Both of these brands are designed for smaller machines, but Lotelli Kitchen does have two varieties. They are magnetic making them a wind-resistant variety and less likely to blow away in the machine. 

You can Line Your Air Fryer With a Ceramic Dish 

 Although the least common option, ceramic dishes are a great choice for keeping your air fryer clean. The main downside to these dishes is they do not have any aeration holes. They work great for casseroles and air fryer lasagna. 

Ceramic, oven-safe dishes are the best option to use in your air fryer. However, you can also use oven-safe disposable foil pans and reusable oven-safe metal trays. Just make sure you get one that fits your air fryer!

Simax Casserole dish is an excellent option and will fit inside most air fryers. We do not recommend using the lid, however, unless you want your food to be tender rather than crisp. 

Do You Line the Bottom of an Air Fryer?

You should avoid lining the bottom of your air fryer unless you are cooking on the bottom rack. This is especially true if you are using a liner which will restrict the flow of hot air through the machine. Avoid using aluminum foil or ceramic containers on the bottom if you are also cooking on the top rack. 

The way you line your air fryer varies based on the type of machine you have. If you have a cylindrical air fryer with a basket then you can line the basket however you like. However, you should be careful using anything which will restrict the airflow too much.

 The best liners for a cylindrical basket fryer are: 

• Perforated silicone sheets
• Perforated parchment paper 
• Ceramic dish for tender dishes

Foil is not the best choice for basket fryers since they do not permit airflow. Even if you perforate the foil it may still obstruct airflow. To prevent grease from sticking to the tray below the basket, add a little water to the drawer beneath it. 

Always check your machine’s manual before adding water to this portion. But, for most machines this should be harmless and helps prevent the grease from sticking and ruining the machine. 

For upright air fryer ovens use the following liners: 

• Parchment paper
• Silicone sheets 
• Aluminum foil 
• Ceramic dish 

The best option for these machines are parchment and silicone liners. However, aluminum foil works well in these machines as well with certain stipulations. 

Why Do Air Fryer Liners Have Holes?

Air fryer liners have holes to prevent the hot air from getting obstructed. Disrupted air flow can mean poorly cooked food and soggy dishes. Proper ventilation ensures every part of your dish is cooked thoroughly while also getting crisp. 

Holes in air fryer liners serve two important functions: 

• Permits unobstructed airflow
• Prevents the liner from becoming dislodged 

Liners can get stuck in the airflow and either break or spill your food. This is very uncommon for silicone liners since they are heavier and usually have magnets holding them to the tray. However, it can happen with parchment liners and foil liners. 

Holes allow the air to flow through the sheets without getting stuck and pulling on the sheet. It also guarantees your food gets cooked and crisp. Try to avoid putting the food on top of the holes to ensure everything gets crisp evenly. 

Do You Need Liners For an Air Fryer?

Liners are not necessary when using your air fryer. However, you will have to clean your machine thoroughly after every use to prevent grease build-up. Using a liner will help prevent your machine from getting dirty, clogged, and breaking down. 

Unless you are very committed to thoroughly cleaning your machine after every use, liners are essential. They catch a lot of the grease while also permitting airflow. 

Air fryer liners also prevent your food from sticking to the tray. This means you can use less oil and still get the crispy taste you want without the annoying stickiness to the tray!

What Liners Are Not Safe To Use In an Air Fryer?

There are several types of liners you should avoid using in your air fryer. You should avoid using any liners which are coated in wax or other flammable materials. Additionally, only use liners that are oven safe to avoid any potential fire hazards or damage to your machine. 

Air fryers are not microwaves so you do not need to avoid metal objects like you in a microwave. However, you should avoid the following liners: 

• Unperforated parchment paper/aluminum foil 
• Silicone sheets which are not oven safe
• Wax coated liners 
• Wooden liners 
• Paper liners which are not oven safe 

While parchment paper is oven and air fryer safe wax paper is not. Wax is highly flammable in an air fryer and may drip wax into the basket below the fryer. This wax can clog the fryer and damage the inner lining of the machine. 

Wooden liners are also a risky option for lining your machine. Avoid using wooden bowls or bamboo sushi rollers to line your machine. There are some websites that advocate for using bamboo liners, we advise against it unless they are marketed as oven safe. 

Never use paper plates or bowls in your air fryer. Paper is highly flammable and can result in a fire in your machine. Some paper plates and bowls also have a wax or plastic coating which increases the likelihood of a fire as well as damage to your machine. 

Last, never use paper towels. Remember that air fryers are not at all like a microwave and work completely differently. While paper plates and towels can be safely used in some microwaves, this is not the case for an air fryer. 

Can You Use Coffee Filters To Line the Air Fryer?

Coffee filters are not recommended as an air fryer liner, unless they are designed for an air fryer. Although not as flammable as paper plates and towels and can be used to replace parchment paper in baking, they are flammable. They should definitely be avoided for any foods you plan to fry and use oil. 

Although somewhat uncommon, some people like to bake their sweets in their air fryer. If you plan on baking some cupcakes, muffins, or other baked goods then using a coffee filter should be fine. 

Coffee filters can be used as a replacement for muffin liners and parchment paper. However, you should not use coffee filters when frying greasier foods in your air fryer. The grease can get trapped in the coffee filter and catch fire. Therefore, it’s a great option for baked goods, but not for fried foods.

However, considering the temperatures an air fryer is capable of reaching, you might be wondering: what heat shield can you put under your air fryer to protect your countertops?

You can put basic heat pads made of bamboo, silicone, cork, or ceramic under your air fryer to protect your countertop from heat damage. Any object put under an air fryer should be heat-resistant, water-resistant, and flat. Your best option is a silicone mat as they are very durable, easy to clean, and take up little space.

Air fryers are heat-intensive appliances. When operating, they are capable of producing high heat up to 450°F. Our kitchen countertop may undergo undesirable damages from this heat, such as cracks.

Below are some materials that can shield your countertop from heat damage:

1. Silicone Heat-Resistant Countertop Shields 

Silicone heat-resistant mats are great for wood and laminate kitchen counters. They have a temperature resistance range of 446-40°F degrees Fahrenheit, making silicone mats viable for the refrigerator and a guard for countertops.

The nonslip exteriors of the silicone guards help keep your hot pans from rolling around. 

We’ve been using these extra-thick silicone mats from Gasare over the years, and they’ve protected our countertop from daily exposure to rather high temperatures. They are also waterproof and one of the finest silicone counter mats you can use If you ask me.

The mat is 25 x 17 inches. This makes it simple to utilize any medium- or large-sized air fryer or appliance over the mat.

2. Wooden Countertop Protectors

Another excellent heat-proof material is a wooden cutting board. While not as heat-proof as silicone, wooden boards can readily withstand heat up to 500°F and guard against thermal shock damage to your countertop. 

They are simple to wash in a solution of soap and warm water. Many have rubber feet for added stability and protection while the air fryer operates.

Wooden trivets for heated pans and pots that are both beautiful and practical as they give off a pleasant, natural wood aroma and give your space a cozy, inviting feel. Even after extended use, they don’t get hot like silicone hot pads. 

They work best for hot items that have just come out of the fryer. Compared to silicone or bamboo trivets, they look and smell better. The ECOSALL Natural Wood Trivets come in a set of two 7-inch non-toxic organic wooden trivets and are highly recommended for their durability.

3. Ceramic Countertop Shields

Countertop protectors made of ceramic have high heat resistance and can withstand 350 degrees Fahrenheit. They are available in numerous patterns and designs. You can utilize ceramic tiles if you have some leftovers from your home’s construction.

However, they will become almost as hot as the cookware on top of them. The Arly Ceramic Tile has back protection with a 5mm non-slip cork pad that can efficiently isolate heat and moisture while protecting your countertop from scratches.

4. Bamboo Countertop Protectors

Bamboo chopping boards are as good as wooden cuttings when shielding your countertops. They may be used to cut veggies and serve as a surface guard for your air fryer. Bamboo boards are easy to keep and wash since they do not stain. 

Bamboo trivets have a pleasant natural scent, making them naturally eco-friendly. Placing a 5-8″ bamboo square under your air fryer is going to protect your countertop from the heat. This option seems large enough to hold an air fryer.

Your kitchen space is given a vivid new life by its beautiful colors.

5. Glass Cutting Board

Glass cutting boards have also been recommended because they look so stunning. On the dining room table, you can use it as a decorative protective mat besides being a heat protector to the countertop.

While glass cutting boards aren’t particularly heat-proof, they’re still capable of withstanding quite high temperatures. However, I wouldn’t recommend this as your first choice.

Nearly all air fryer models can be placed inside the space of a glass cutting board. They are easy to clean, and their color never fades. Additionally, they are very effective at getting food and oil stains off. 

The Farberware Glass Utility Cutting Board is an excellent choice as it can withstand temperatures up to 356°F (180°C).

Will an Air Fryer Damage Countertops?

Countertops are among the frequently used spaces in the kitchen prone to damage by high heat-inducing appliances such as fryers.

Air fryers can produce a lot of heat which damages your countertops. With repeated exposure to extreme heat over time, countertops start to crack, buckle, or even catch fires, while others begin to stain and discolorize. 

Although some air fryers have insulation underneath them to protect your countertop, they also have vents to release the heat. 

When those vents are located underneath the air fryer, and if you’re using it too often or too long, it may damage your countertop and cause it to break. 

In addition, moisture from the air fryer can damage your heat-resistant counter (countertops made up of copper, granite, and stainless steel). Without a protective covering, excessive heat may partially destroy your countertop, leaving scratch lines for cracks or stains.

Read more: Do Air Fryers Damage Countertops?

Where Should an Air Fryer Be Placed In a Kitchen?

The kitchen is often a high-traffic area. Therefore, choosing a safe location for your air fryer is paramount. You must ensure that your air fryer is set up on a level surface and that there is adequate room for the heat to escape, and for security against burns.

In the kitchen, countertops are the preferred surface for putting things and are where we typically keep our large appliances. 

The same is valid for air fryers, even though extra caution is warranted. Depending on the item you’re cooking, air fryer cooking temperatures range from 350° to 400°F and could harm your countertop if it is not already heat resistant.

However, you can install a heat-resistant mat to prevent damage to your countertop. To avoid such damages, wood also serves as an excellent insulator and a poor heat conductor; thus, it can be used on a countertop. 

A wooden cutting board placed underneath the air fryer will protect the countertop from the equipment. But remember that using a rough cutting board increases the likelihood of scratches.

Additionally, an air fryer should be placed remotely to ensure it doesn’t come in contact with other appliances, cables, or objects while cooking. This is because even the outside of the air fryer becomes quite hot when it’s operating.

Having other objects in proximity could potentially become a fire hazard. Therefore, it’s best to keep some space around the air fryer. This will also ensure that the air fryer is capable to vent heated air without limitations.

Read more: Should You Unplug An Air Fryer When Not In Use?

Can You Put an Air Fryer On the Stove?

Air fryers are small and relatively portable. This gives the user the option to move them around freely with ease. It also makes the air fryer fit almost anywhere – one of those spaces being on the stovetop.

While it may seem like a good idea to place the air fryer on the stovetop (I mean, the stovetop already handles extreme temperatures without taking damage – it must be a good spot), that isn’t the case.

In fact, placing an air fryer on the stove is associated with a lot of risks and shouldn’t be done. The primary danger of placing an air fryer on the stove is that you could easily turn on the stove by accident.

This will cause the air fryer to sit on top of a heated stove, and eventually, start a house fire. It doesn’t take long before the air fryer starts to take damage, and for the electrical fire to start.

Stovetops don’t provide anti-skid surfaces either, which makes them an even worse option. You want to put your air fryer on a surface that will prevent it from moving around – even if you accidentally come in contact with it.

No-skid surfaces will keep your air fryer in position and are therefore preferable.

Read more: Can You Leave An Air Fryer Unattended?

How Far Should an Air Fryer Be From the Wall?

The air fryer includes two fans: one for ventilation and the other for hot air circulation inside the air fryer. This fan circulates excess moist air out of your air fryer while maintaining the temperature inside to prevent overheating. 

Nearly all air fryers have a ventilation fan on the back that should not be directed toward the wall. If you block the vent by mounting your air fryer against a wall, the air ventilation process will be impacted.

As a result, the air fryer’s capacity and performance will decrease. Therefore, always set your air fryer where air ventilation can readily flow, and keep it at least 5 inches away from walls.

On occasion, heated air causes wall paint to fade. Additionally, air fryers are to blame for melted sockets when placed near the wall. Thus, a safe distance is vital.

An air fryer is not a toy for children either. These electrically powered devices generate a lot of heat for cooking. Therefore, ensure your air fryer is out of reach for young children at all times, and keep it away from the wall.

Keep in mind to properly route the air fryer’s power cord. Safe distancing from the wall should go hand in hand with proper cabling to avoid dangling loose cables. Remember that one pull or an unintentional bump is all it takes to knock your new air fryer to the ground. 

How Hot Do Air Fryers Get On the Outside?

Air fryers can get pretty hot on the outside just like all other small cooking appliances – it’s the nature of such compact countertop devices. Most air fryers are designed to operate at a maximum temperature of 400 degrees Fahrenheit, but this may vary depending on the model.

But remember; the heating elements are placed inside the air fryer, which means that the air fryer’s exterior doesn’t reach 400 degrees Fahrenheit but it can still reach quite high temperatures and will feel hot to the touch.

An adequately maintained air fryer that’s utilized in line with the manufacturer’s recommendations should be handled with oven mitts or left to cool down minutes after the cooking cycle has finished.

You can look for an air fryer with a cool-touch exterior if this is something that worries you. If you don’t have an air fryer with a cool-touch exterior, it’s even more important to ensure that your air fryer is placed in a well-ventilated area with nothing blocking it.

A functioning air fryer should release as much heat as needed to prevent it from overheating, but a malfunctioning, blocked, or overfilled air fryer can cause the temperature to rise above the recommended levels. This can cause the air fryer’s exterior to reach abnormal temperatures for the device.

Excessive use of oil inside the air fryer can cause oil to splatter onto the heating element, which will start to produce smoke. As your air fryer fills up with smoke and releases it, the air fryer’s exterior may also get hotter.

All of this must be taken into account when using an air fryer. This heat-generating device is very safe when used correctly – but could be a hazard when you don’t put some thought into operating it.

With so many delicious recipes to try, you’ll be relying more and more on this handy little machine.

You should not leave an air fryer unattended while it’s cooking. Air fryers operate at high temperatures and are, therefore, a fire hazard. You should monitor an air fryer when you’re using it but you can leave it unattended when it isn’t running. Most air fryers shut down automatically, but electrical fires and power surges can still happen.

Many users don’t want to read the lengthy instruction manual that comes with any new product or appliance these days, but in this case, it can be helpful to brush up on how to use an air fryer that reaches high heat.

For instance, you should ensure that it’s kept away from the outlets and walls and you always want to use it on an even surface.

Is It Safe To Leave the House With the Air Fryer Running?

Like any kitchen appliance, it’s never recommended that you leave your air fryer completely unattended. While malfunctions may seem rare, there is always a chance of one and it’s important that a human being be there to rectify the situation and prevent any serious damage.

If you’re finished using your air fryer, you should unplug it and allow it to fully cool down. At this point, you can feel free to leave your home and not have to worry about any fire hazards or safety issues in your kitchen.

Many people were raised to never leave the oven on while they were away from home, even if that meant sitting around the house while a pot roast cooked low and slow for hours on end. This same instinctual cautiousness should be used for air fryers as well.

It’s never a smart idea to leave a hot device plugged into the wall. If a fire were to break out, there wouldn’t be a chance to contain it before it became very serious and damaging to your home and property.

Read more: Can You Leave An Air Fryer Unattended?

How Safe Are Air Fryers?

When compared to their counterparts, the deep fryer, air fryers are actually much safer. They do get intensely hot but there is no risk of splattering hot oil on bare skin.

As always, handle hot items with care because there’s always a risk of burning yourself when you use them.

There are external components on the air fryer that get hot. It’s important to always be cautious when touching a hot air fryer and use proper protection, such as oven mitts.

It’s not worth a painful burn to open the basket too quickly without being careful where you’re touching.

Depending on what type of countertop you have, there is a chance that the high heat of the fryer could crack the stone. Placing a silicone mat underneath the fryer to prevent this from happening is an inexpensive addition to your frying setup.

One of the safest ways to use an air fryer if you’re concerned about the heat is to place it near an open window. This allows plenty of air circulation while you’re cooking.

This is not always possible, however, due to inclement weather and a lack of open windows in some kitchen spaces.

Read more: Do Air Fryers Use Radiation To Cook?

Can an Air Fryer Start a Fire?

There is a risk that is inherent with any product that heats up to high temperatures that it will overheat and potentially catch fire.

This is why it’s especially important to never leave your air fryer unattended and to never place it in a confined space without proper ventilation and air circulation.

While there have been occasional reports and recalls due to air fryers starting fires, it isn’t clear how the situation arose or whether proper precautions were taken.

There are a multitude of ways to lower your risk and be responsible when using your unit.

All kitchen appliances have some level of safety precautions that are recommended by the manufacturer, even your blender or your toaster.

Taking the time to familiarize yourself with the machine and to read up on the risks and how to prevent them is key to being a responsible user.

One such key instruction is to not use water on any of the electrical components, as this can potentially start a fire. You should also be clear on what the required voltage is to run your air fryer.

To prevent your fryer from overheating, you want to avoid overcrowding the basket.

If you have your fryer too close to an outlet, this can potentially cause a fire and it’s a mistake that many owners make.

Placing your fryer on an uneven surface can increase the possibility of having it fall over and burn something more flammable, thus causing a fire in your kitchen within moments.

Do Air Fryers Shut Off Automatically?

Most air fryer brands use a dial that allows users to set a time. Once this time runs out, the machine will automatically turn off.

This convenient design feature allows you to cook your food for a predetermined length of time and then the fryer shuts itself off and all you have to do is unplug it.

It’s not recommended to rely on this auto shut-off feature on its own, however. You should always unplug your machine and make sure it’s completely cooled down before storing it again.

There is always a chance of an electrical fire while it’s plugged into the wall.

If you find that your air fryer is automatically turning off unexpectedly, in the middle of cooking, then there may be another issue. This could be traced back to a loose connection or even a faulty machine.

You’ll want to check the power cord for any frayed ends and also your circuit breaker for any issues. If they both seem okay, you can examine the fryer itself for any loose parts that may be causing the connection loss.

If your air fryer is a model with a sensor, these sensors can become faulty after a period of time and may be causing inconvenient and annoying shutdowns.

If your product is under warranty, you should be able to get it replaced without having to purchase a new one.

Should You Unplug an Air Fryer When Going Away?

When you physically unplug the air fryer from the electrical socket, you’re removing the power source as well.

That’s why it’s always considered a good idea to unplug any kitchen appliance when you’re not actively using it. Air fryers are no exception, especially since there’s a heating element involved.

Not only does unplugging the fryer protect you from any potential fire hazards, but it can also save you money on your power bill.

There is usually some level of latent energy usage seeping out when products are plugging into the socket, regardless of whether or not they’re in use.

Another convincing reason to unplug your machine is that it protects against power surges, which could end up destroying the unit anyway.

In the case of a power outage, transformer break, or even a lightning strike, you don’t want an air fryer plugged into the electrical socket.

Read more: Should You Unplug An Air Fryer When Going Away?

Where Should You Put an Air Fryer In a Kitchen?

When considering where to place your air fryer in your kitchen, you’ll want to keep it away from the walls.

You don’t want the heat to blow into electrical outlets, as this can become hazardous very quickly. You may even want to place the fryer beside a window, so you can properly ventilate the area is necessary.

If you place an air fryer on the stovetop and accidentally turn it on, it can melt your air fryer. The fryer can melt and begin to smoke, before eventually catching on fire and causing an emergency situation in your kitchen.

You’ll want to find a flat and heat-resistant surface to place the unit, which is at least 2 inches away from any walls.

Placing a silicone mat underneath the fryer is a great way to protect your countertops. It’s important to ensure that your fryer is on a heat-proof surface at all times while in use!

After you’ve found a suitable location on your countertop to use your air fryer, leave it there while it cools off.

Once it’s completely cooled and cleaned, you can place it into a cabinet for storage. Never place a hot air fryer inside an enclosed space, as this is a fire hazard.

Read more: Can Air Fryers Damage Countertops?

Read more: What Can You Put Under Your Air Fryer To Protect Your Countertop?

Some air fryers, however, have got more to offer users.

Did you know that you can now find a smart air fryer on the market? And, if you are aware of the fact that smart air fryers exist, what’s stopping you from owning one? 

The Cosori Smart Air Fryer comes with Wi-Fi connectivity, a feature that enables you to prepare your meals more conveniently. You can control this gadget remotely, with the help of the VeSync app, which is easy to download from the App Store and Google Play.  

But, everyone is not a techie, which means some people could have problems while operating this smart appliance. Let’s see how you can connect the Cosori Air Fryer to Wi-Fi, and enjoy its smart features. 

Do the following to connect your Cosori air fryer to Wi-Fi:

1. Open Apple App Store or Google Play Store and download the Vesync app. You can either scan the QR code or simply search “VeSynch” to get the application.

2. Create an account by tapping on the Sign-up option. If you already have an account, select the Login option and enter your details. Ensure your smartphone is connected to a safe 2.4GHz network.

3. Turn on your air fryer, and you’ll see the Wi-Fi symbol flashing, as the appliance attempts to detect any Wi-Fi networks around.   

4. Get back to the VeSynch app, and while on the home screen, hit the ‘add’ button (represented by the plus symbol), and select ‘Small Kitchen Appliances’.

5. Next, your air fryer’s name should show up.

6. Click on ‘Next’, and it will bring up your Wi-Fi Network. Select your network as soon as you can spot it. You may also have to enter your password.

7. Lastly, it prompts you to go to Wi-Fi settings, where you’ll connect to Cosori, and within no time, your air fryer will have access to a Wi-Fi network! 

Go ahead and plan your meal, and set the air fryer to cook.

How Can You Tell If Your Cosori Air Fryer Has Wi-Fi?

You should be able to tell if your air fryer has Wi-Fi connectivity by looking at the instruction manuals, or the product on the manufacturer’s website. Alternatively, you could browse the air fryer’s display panel for a Wi-Fi symbol or a text indicating that it can be connected to Wi-Fi.

When you start up your air fryer, the Wi-Fi symbol should light up. Depending on the model and make of your air fryer, the display may or may not indicate whether or not your air fryer is connected or if it’s disconnected.

What Are the Benefits of Having a Wi-Fi Connected Air Fryer?

For the last couple of years, smart gadgets have started to “invade” our homes. They’re the next step to a more comfortable and automated lifestyle, where less and less manual input is needed. So, what does this translate to in practice? What separates a regular air fryer from one with Wi-Fi capabilities?

Because you’re reading this, chances are you already have an air fryer with Wi-Fi features so there’s no point for me to try to sell the concept to you. However, I could point out some of the benefits of having one to inspire you to use the appliance to its full potential.

1. Remote Control

By downloading the VeSync app, you can start, monitor, and stop your air fryer’s cooking cycles remotely from your phone.

The app will tell you what temperature the air fryer is set to, it will tell you how much time there’s left on the cycle, at what time your food will be finished, and tell you when to shake your food to ensure it’s thoroughly cooked from all angles.

This way you can monitor your food through your phone, and get notifications when there’s something that needs your attention.

2. Voice Control

You can connect your Wi-Fi air fryer to Alexa or Google Home Assistant to use voice control. This will allow you to start your air fryer from the comfort of your own couch, or anywhere else in your house where you can communicate with Google or Alexa.

This is actually a function that comes to use more than you would expect, and the commands are very simple.

3. Delay Cooking

Another feature that I consider a nice addition is the ability to delay cooking cycles. You can set the time you want the cycle to start, put food in the air fryer, and then just leave it be. Remember that food shouldn’t be left out for too long, as bacteria will start to multiply at room temperature.

This can be done through Google Assistant or Amazon’s Alexa.

4. Cooking History

Because your meals have been cooked through the VeSync app, you can access your cooking history to see the settings used for that meal. So, when you’ve found the perfect settings for a certain dish, you don’t have to worry about forgetting those settings as they’re stored.

5. Bonus: Recipes (With Cosori)

This doesn’t apply to every Wi-Fi-capable air fryer out there, but it’s true for Cosori’s air fryer. The same app that you use to remote control the air fryer also comes with a bunch of recipes that you can start from the palm of your hand. Nice, isn’t it?

How To Connect Your Cosori Air Fryer To Alexa

Connecting your Cosori air fryer to Alexa is pretty cool because Alexa can do a lot of things for you, such as preheating the air fryer, and much more. 

The process of connecting your Cosori Air Fryer to Alexa is easier than you think:

1. Start by opening the Alexa App.

2. Ensure you plug in your Cosori Air Fryer and connect it to Wi-Fi.

3. Click on the Devices tab on Alexa. 

4. Next, use the search icon to find your device and click Enable.

5. Add your device, and complete the on-screen instructions to finish setting up your appliance.

Once your air fryer is connected to Alexa, go ahead and control your device with a simple voice command!    

Can You Use The Cosori Air Fryer Without Wi-Fi?

Yes, It’s possible to use your Cosori Air Fryer without connecting it to a Wi-Fi network.

In this case, you will have to operate your air fryer from the control panel, with the help of the touch buttons. The buttons have labels that indicate their specific functions, for ease of use.

However, you need to note that you can’t use the VeSync App when Wi-Fi isn’t available. 

Troubleshooting

Cosori Air Fryer Won’t Connect To Wi-Fi

If your Cosori Air Fryer fails to connect to Wi-Fi, there are a few steps you can take to rectify this. 

• Make sure you are on a secure 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network.

• Confirm that you entered the right Wi-Fi password. 

If your Wi-Fi network isn’t set to 2.4GHz, here’s how you can change that:

• Pick the Wi-Fi name whose last characters are not “_5G”. That’s because many dual-band routers usually support 2.4G and 5G networks.

• If your phone still insists on connecting to the 5G network, make sure you temporarily disable the network. 

Sometimes your Cosori Air Fryer can’t also connect to the VeSync app. You can deal with that as follows:

• Close the application and launch it again.

• Reset your air fryer to configuration mode, and set it up. 

Cosori Air Fryer Is Offline

There are two instances in which your air fryer will appear offline. That is, whenever it’s unplugged, and when you plug it in but there isn’t any power. 

If your air fryer is offline, although it’s plugged into an outlet that has power, try refreshing the VeSync app. 

Also, confirm that the internet is available, and ensure your router is working well. 

Lastly, reset your Cosori air fryer by deleting it from the VeSync app and reconfiguring it again. 

That’s all you need to get your air fryer back online. If you follow all these procedures and your air fryer remains offline, you should probably call an expert to identify the problem. 

In most cases, your air fryer will go offline when there is a power and internet outage or in case you change your internet router, so don’t panic.  

Microwaves can also be used to reheat food, however, an air fryer would do a better job than the microwave. But why? While a microwave can leave your food soggy, an air fryer turns your meal crispy, making it as yummy as it was while freshly cooked. 

Read on to find out the various foods you can reheat in your air fryer. But before diving into the kinds of foods you can cook in an air fryer, let’s address an obvious question:

How Does an Air Fryer Work?

An air fryer cooks or heats food by blowing hot air all over the food. Some people would think that the appliance cooks by frying, as suggested by its name, but that’s not the case. 

These are the steps to follow while using an air fryer: 

• Add the food to the basket

The basket holds the food during cooking. Some air fryers may have bigger baskets than others, depending on their size, therefore make sure you add the appropriate amount of food to it. 

• Set the temperature

You need to adjust the air fryer’s temperature before cooking. Most foods will cook well at 350 degrees F however others would need a little bit more heat.  

• Let the air fryer do the job

Lastly, allow the food to cook. Sometimes you may have to turn the food as it cooks, depending on the ingredients, to ensure everything cooks well. 

What Food Should You Reheat In the Air Fryer?

There are plenty of ways to reheat food, and they’re different from one another. The microwave works very well when reheating food quickly, but can destroy anything with a bread base, as it can overheat it in a matter of seconds.

The oven, stovetop, and grill also have their own areas where they excel. But what about the air fryer? What should you reheat in the air fryer to get the best results?

1. Pizza

Reheating pizza in an air fryer is probably easier than you think. And the best thing, it only takes a few minutes to get ready. 

To reheat your pizza in the air fryer, begin by putting the slices of pizza in the appliance. The size of each piece of pizza will determine the amount of pizza you can place in the air fryer per session. If the slices are big, you can only place a few of them in the appliance. 

Next, set the temperature of the air fryer to about 350 degrees, and allow your pizza to heat for around five minutes. Finally, pick your pizza from the air fryer, and enjoy.

If you have other pieces of pizza, repeat this process until all your pizza is warm and ready to eat. Once you’ve seen what the air fryer can do, you are never going back!

2. Fries

The air fryer is the best method to reheat leftover fries. Sometimes a  portion of your fries could be left out while reheating them, however, the fans in the air fryer distribute the heat well, ensuring the food is heated evenly. 

Before placing the fries in your air fryer, dip them lightly in some cooking oil, and then spread them well in the air fryer’s basket. Adjust the temperature to 350 degrees and allow the fries to heat until they’re crispy. The process to heat the fries will take around 5 minutes, and sometimes more. 

3. Steak

Steaks are always delicious when cooked well, and we all would want to reheat them without compromising their taste and texture. This is possible, thanks to the air fryer. 

Begin by preheating your air fryer to around 350 degrees and then place your leftover steak inside. Allow the steak to heat for around 5 minutes before you can remove it. 

Sometimes the steak could be thick and so it may require an additional 2 to 3 minutes to warm thoroughly. 

4. Garlic Bread

To reheat garlic bread, begin by preheating the air fryer to 350 degrees. Next, place your leftover garlic bread in the air fryer and let it cook for around 3 minutes. Lastly, serve and enjoy the bread!

5. Vegetables

You can reheat any veggie in your air fryer, be it tender ones like zucchini, or tougher ones like beets. 

To reheat vegetables in the air fryer, start by preheating the appliance to 375 degrees F. Sprinkle a little amount of oil on the vegetables, for a better end result. Then add the vegetables into the air fryer and allow them 5 minutes. 

It’s advisable to shake the air fryer a few times while reheating vegetables to allow proper distribution of heat.

6. Rice

Reheating rice is always stressful but if you have an air fryer you shouldn’t be worried. To reheat rice, place it on a pizza tray and put it in the air fryer. Set the temperature and wait for your rice to be heated. 

Stir your rice as it heats up to allow an even distribution of heat. 

7. Roasts Potatoes 

Reheating roast potatoes in the air fryer is a quick and easy process. Begin by setting the temperature of the air fryer to 350 degrees F. Place your potatoes in the air fryer and reheat them for 5 minutes, or until they are in your desired state.

Is Reheating Food In the Air Fryer Healthy?

The air fryer has become super popular among kitchen appliances, but how healthy is cooking with it?

The air fryer circulates warm air around the food making the food crispy. During this process, the Maillard reaction occurs, simply as a result of reducing sugars and amino acids getting combined in the presence of heat. 

Air-fried food is considered healthier than deep-fried food, as it has less fat and calories. While deep frying requires that you fully submerge the food in oil, a tablespoon of oil is enough for air frying.  Therefore, if you are looking to cut some weight, stick to air frying. 

Air frying also reduces the chances of formation of dangerous compounds in food, for example, acrylamide.  Although these compounds may also occur in deep frying, the likelihood is lower as compared to deep frying. 

Air Fryer Vs. Microwave Oven: Which is Better?

Both the air fryer and microwave oven help in food preparation however they have their own differences. 

In terms of energy consumption, a microwave requires more power to heat food, as compared to an air fryer. Therefore the air fryer wins when it comes to energy saving. 

It would take either of them an average of 5 minutes to reheat food. So, that’s probably a tie.

The healthier option between the two is the air fryer. In a few instances, the microwave oven requires you to use oil while preparing food, however, in an air fryer you can cook without oil. Microwaves also produce electromagnetic waves which are harmful to your health.  

The final decision, in this case, would be easy, noting that we all want our bodies to remain healthy.  And that narrows down your options to the air fryer. 

As you’ve seen, air fryers never disappoint while you are reheating your food. However, you should be keen on a few things to ensure the process is as efficient as possible. 

First, never put excess food in the air fryer. For example, you could be tempted to put all your fries in the appliance, assuming that this will save you time. If the food is too much, divide it into portions as you heat it, otherwise, you will end up with uncooked fries.

The other thing is that you need to keep an eye on the air fryer as it prepares your food. The air fryer will do most of the work for you, but sometimes the food needs a bit of stirring or turning, and that’s your responsibility.  

You should not leave an air fryer plugged while it is not in use. An air fryer consumes energy while connected to an energy source, even if it is technically “off”. Leaving a unit plugged in increases the potential for fires, damage to the unit, and wastes energy. 

The U.S. Department of Energy refers to these unused appliances as “energy vampires” for a reason. However, no sensible individual would view these appliances as the cause of climate change.

The facts remain that they are unnecessary wastes of energy and a safety hazard. Keep reading to know everything you need about these energy vampires! 

How Do Air Fryers Work? 

Inside an air fryer, there’s a fan and a heating element. Together, they heat and distribute the heated air throughout the air fryer’s cooking space from all angles to cook food evenly. The food sits in a basket with multiples holes that allow the heated air to flow through. The air fryer dries the surface of the food while keeping the inside juicy.

Air Fryers are usually compared with deep fryers in their use, function, and design. While it is true that air fryers have a similar physical design and are typically used in a similar manner as a deep fryer, they are quite different. 

An air fryer utilizes high heat vents to warm the food and crisp the exterior. Deep fryers, however, use high heat oil for cooking and crisping the food. 

In this manner, an air fryer operates very much like a toaster oven. Both circulate air throughout the heating element or heating container and cook the food. But, an air fryer emulates a deep fryer by reaching high heat faster than a toaster oven and spreading the heat evenly.

Read more: How Do Air Fryers Actually Work?

Why You Should Unplug Your Air Fryer When It’s Not Being Used

Unplugging your air fryer is generally just a safer way to store your units. It helps prevent power surges and reduces the threat of fire. 

It also helps preserve the life of your machine and prevent wasted energy. It’s a simple way to save money and the planet while also extending the machine’s life. 

Reduce the Threat of Fire

Believe it or not, leaving your appliances (any appliance, not just air fryers) increases the likelihood of fires in the kitchen. There are several causes for this increased fire risk, but they typically revolve around the possibility of sparks and power surges. 

When you leave your air fryer plugged in, it continues channeling energy from the outlet to the cord. If you have old power outlets or electrical work in your home, it increases the probability of fire.

Reduces Waste and Pollution 

Every good child knows they should turn off the lights after leaving a room. Almost everyone agrees that when we leave lights on it is a careless habit that wastes valuable resources. The current energy crisis in America is hitting everyone hard due to the inevitable domino effect of the process.  

With plugged-in appliances consuming a small yet significant amount of energy, it seems the most earth-friendly thing to unplug them. While many argue the waste is not significant, it adds up when you consider how many people do this constantly. 

This argument would be similar to arguing that you should leave your lights on for no reason other than you do not believe it is significant. Perhaps the individual case is not significant, but it is significant when accumulated over time and over a vast population of people. 

Extend the Life of Your Unit 

An air fryer receives energy from the power outlet when it is plugged in. This, as we’ve discussed, includes when the unit itself is off or not in use. 

These electrical charges wear out and age the unit faster than if the unit were unplugged. It does not simply happen from powerful electrical surges, either. If you have large units such as hot water heaters, AC, or heating units, they create an electrical charge every time they turn off. 

We usually see this as the lights in our homes flicker as the AC kicks on. And this causes a small, but significant charge to all your appliances and causes small wear over time. This shortens the lifespan of your unit. 

Save on Electricity

This is somewhat tied to the conservation of energy, but the good news is it focuses on the money you can save! Energy experts, such as the U.S Department of Energy, state that appliances and electronics which are left plugged contribute significantly to the monthly electrical bill of Americans. 

Accordingly, U.S. citizens experience up to a 10% increase in monthly energy expenses due to these unnecessary items left plugged in. Of course, this will not be attributed to your air fryer alone, it includes cell phones, toasters, and other items.

But, it is an all-or-nothing type of trick. Therefore, it requires you to unplug all unnecessary items to see that 10% monthly savings. 

Read: Do Air Fryers Use a Lot of Electricity?

Prevents Electrical Power Surges 

As we discussed previously, power outlets are always transferring energy. Even if the item is not on or in use, it is getting and consuming electricity. 

But, leaving your units plugged in increases the likelihood of an electrical surge from lightning or other bursts of electricity. This could also occur due to a transformer exploding or an issue at the power plant. 

These types of surges are far more dangerous than the usual energy fluctuation from the AC or other units in your home. In fact, these surges can completely destroy your device by overloading it and burning it from the inside. 

The best way to prevent these issues is to simply unplug the unit when you’re not using it. 

Prevent Accidentally Overheating Your Unit

When you leave your unit plugged in it runs the risk of accidentally overheating or even turning on your unit. Some air fryers do not automatically turn themselves off after use, but enter a sleep mode or power save mode. 

This could result in the unit being left on by accident or even turning on unintentionally. As a result, the unit may be blowing hot air throughout the heating element while nothing is inside of it. 

Anyone who’s left a pot on the stove after the water boiled away will know that high heat over long periods can deeply damage a unit.

So, if you leave your machine plugged in, you run the risk of severely damaging your air fryer. 

Are There Any Benefits To Keeping the Air Fryer Plugged In?

One main perk to leaving your air fryer plugged in is that it prevents it from resetting. Many air fryers permit you to program the unit to your preferences, which can be reset when you unplug it. 

The clock is one notably annoying feature that most certainly gets reset when you unplug your unit or lose power. Many appliances have a digital clock and a timer built into them, which typically reset whenever power is cut off to the unit. 

To a lot of people, however, these clocks are not necessary, and a lot of us never even set them properly. So, this is not a huge loss to many of us who primarily use our cell phones to tell time. 

Some reviews on public forums claim unplugging their air fryers disrupts their air fryer’s performance. However, our research has not revealed any basis or explanation for this complaint, and it seems to be mainly conjecture rather than actual fact. 

What Are the Main Risks of Leaving an Air Fryer Plugged in?

Fires are the greatest risk of leaving your air fryer plugged in. Electrical fires have greatly decreased over the past couple of decades, but this does not mean they do not happen. This is especially true when you are away from your home for extended periods, such as on vacation. 

If you plan on taking an extended trip from your home, it is definitely a wise idea to unplug all of your unnecessary appliances. While away, if there is a power fault, a power surge, or an electrical storm, it could cause sparks or other flames. 

The likelihood of an electrical fire increases the older your electrical wiring is and how many appliances you have in one outlet. Many people believe they can have multiple appliances plugged into one outlet so long as they have a power strip. This is not true. 

You should pay close attention to the power capacity of the power strip. You should also make sure you do not plug in more than a couple of larger appliances into a singular strip. Even if it has more plugs still unused.  

Do Air Fryers Shut Off Automatically?

Most air fryers do not have an automatic shut-off switch. Rather, they have a timer you can set for the cooking time of your food. This means once the timer goes off the heater will shut down and the machine will no longer cook your food. 

This does not mean your machine is necessarily “off”. As we’ve discussed previously, many machines continue to consume energy while plugged in.

They also tend to have a slumber mode, which does not mean they are off by the strict definition of the word. 

If energy is still being transferred from the outlet to the unit, it is still consuming energy. And, it can still potentially malfunction or experience an energy surge.

But, this feature does prevent the possibility of a unit overheating or turning on when you are unaware.

Fish is a great source of protein and other nutrients and it tastes great when breaded and fried to a crisp. Making it in an air fryer and cutting down the grease you would need to deep fry it just makes it an even healthier option for dinner.

The only issue is the effect that the smell of fish can have on your air fryer.

To remove a persistent, lingering fishy smell out of your air fryer you will need to fill an air fryer safe bowl with one part vinegar, one part lemon juice, and two parts water. Place the bowl in the center of the basket then heat your air fryer for 3-5 minutes at 300 degrees Fahrenheit. When it’s done you can wipe down the interior with a wet cloth.

While cooking fish can stink up your air fryer, it really isn’t difficult to remove the smell and the ease of using an air fryer is the ultimate pro.

If you’re not yet convinced that air frying is the best treatment you can give to your fish then keep reading and maybe you’ll change your mind!

Should You Cook Fish In an Air Fryer?

An air fryer can be used to cook a multitude of different things and fish is not an exception. Using an air fryer can help you achieve a perfect fried fish filet without a copious amount of grease.

There are many recipes out there for both breaded and non-breaded air fryer fish. This includes recipes for many different kinds of fish (and even other seafood), but most commonly cod, tilapia, or salmon.

To fry fish in your air fryer, all you need to do is prepare your fresh (or fully thawed) fish filet using any method you would normally use.

You can simply coat it in herbs and spices with a little bit of butter or oil, or prepare a seasoned breading which you can toss your filets in once they’ve been coated with a little bit of oil.

Frying times and temperatures will depend on the recipe you are using and on the thickness of the fish you are using.

A good tip for any of these recipes is to always make sure your fish filets are laid out in one layer and not stacked on top of each other. You will also want to flip your fish halfway through its cooking time to prevent burning or overcooking

Does Cooking Fish In the Air Fryer Make It Smell?

One of the biggest pros about making fish in an air fryer is that it does a good job of containing the smell so that it won’t permeate through your entire house.

If you’re a fan of seafood you’ll know that frying fish directly on the stovetop is a surefire way to make your kitchen really stinky.

Air fryers work without the use of grease and cook the food by releasing hot air all around it. Most of the work happens inside the main chamber, which is kept closed for the entirety of the cooking time. This helps to eliminate some of the smell that comes from traditional deep frying.

However, although air frying might save your home from suffering through a fishy smell, the basket and main chamber of your air fryer could be left with a residual fishy stench.

A general rule for using an air fryer is to take care to clean it after each use, especially when cooking more pungent foods like fish. Simply cleaning your basket with soap and hot water should remove any lingering odors.

If you use your air fryer to cook seafood often, or you simply notice that regular maintenance isn’t enough to keep the fishy smell out of your air fryer, then there are more thorough methods for cleaning your air fryer.

How Do You Remove the Smell of Fish From the Air Fryer?

The simplest way to prevent bad smells from building up in your air fryer is by cleaning it entirely on a regular basis and cleaning at least the basket after each use. Make sure to remove any food drippings that may have gotten past the basket.

To clean your air fryer after making pungent food, there is one common method used to get rid of many different heavy odors (including the smell of fish). This is a simple method for which you will only need vinegar and lemon juice.

The first step to getting rid of the fish smell is to get an air fryer safe bowl. You can then fill the bowl with one part vinegar, one part lemon, and two parts water.

Then place the bowl into the basket of your air fryer and let it run at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 3-5 minutes.

Once you’ve done this, you can let your air fryer cool down before wiping the inside with a wet cloth. If it doesn’t work completely the first time then you can repeat the process to deal with really stubborn smells.

Overall, this is an easy way to eradicate bad smells that uses natural products so you don’t have to worry about any lingering chemicals. You can also do this using just a cup of vinegar if you don’t have any lemon juice available.

Can You Prevent Fish From Smelling When Cooking It?

The easiest way to prevent fish from smelling really terrible when you cook it is to ensure that you are using really fresh fish and cooking it immediately.

The longer you keep your fish around before using it, the worse it will smell. If you can’t use fresh fish then use thawed fish that was frozen fresh.

Citrus is a nifty tool for neutralizing the odors of fish. As I mentioned before, lemon works for getting rid of fishy smells after the fact but it can also be used to prevent those smells from permeating in the first place.

By rubbing fresh lemon wedges on your fish you are cutting some of the smell that could form during cooking (and adding some flavor at the same time).

How Much Smell Escapes the Air Fryer When Cooking?

An air fryer is not fully sealed like a pressure cooker so it is not completely devoid of smells when cooking. Some air fryers will be more effective at reducing odors than others because they may have a better seal on their lid.

However, all air fryers circulate air through vents so some amount of the cooking smell will be released. This is still nothing compared to the smell that would take over your kitchen if you were deep-frying the same foods on your stove-top or using a deep fryer.

Will an Air Fryer Smell Up Your House? 

If your air fryer is working properly then it should not smell up your house. Do air fryers smell? Yes, but not much more or differently to a conventional oven.

Opening a window or leaving your back door propped open while using your air fryer should combat any odors that it releases.

If your eyes are bigger than your stomach and you are left with a pile of leftover fries, have no fear– there are plenty of ways to reheat them to enjoy later.

Transfer leftover Chick-Fil-A fries to an airtight container until ready to reheat to retain freshness. When ready to cook the fries, spray lightly with cooking spray and add to either your oven, air fryer, or microwave following the times listed on the chart below:

Best Ways To Reheat Chick-Fil-A Fries

There are a few universal truths when it comes to reheating french fries no matter what kitchen device you are using.

Whether you are using the oven, microwave, or air fryer, you want to keep the outside crispy and the inside hot and soft.

Here are some tips to help you achieve this (in no particular order):

1. Oven

The oven is the way to go to reheat your Chick-Fil-A waffle fries if you have plenty of time on your hands and really want to ensure a quality second serving. Because of its ability to evenly heat, the oven will give you a consistent product.

Whether using a conventional or toaster oven, you must get your appliance up to temperature before adding your leftover fries. The oven needs to reach 400℉ (205℃). While the oven is preheating you can prepare your tray.

Pull them out of the fridge to take the chill off while your oven preheats. Your fries should be stored in an airtight container when possible to prevent both moisture and air from degrading their crust.

Line a baking tray large enough to fit all fries in a single layer with slightly crinkled aluminum foil and a quick shot of cooking spray. The foil allows both sides of the fries to release steam and become crispy.

Assemble fries on the tray so that they are not touching. If the fries are piled on each other or touching each other, it will prevent them from crisping back up.

Spray or sprinkle a bit of oil on top of the layer of fries, then place in the oven. This method takes about 8-12 minutes of oven time, depending on both your oven and desired crispiness.

Every oven runs at different temperatures and some have areas that are either hotter or cooler than the rest of the oven. Because of that, rotating both your fries and the tray every 4 minutes or so will help the batch to cook evenly.

2. Microwave

The microwave method of reheating fries is for when you are really in a pinch. It is less than ideal because the way microwaves cook generally leaves food with high water content like french fries soggy and limp.

While you should transfer fries into an airtight container for storage no matter the method of reheating, with microwaving it is especially important. It gives the best chance at successfully staying away from becoming a soggy mess.

If you have the time, give the fries a bit of rest outside of the fridge to come as close to room temperature as possible.

Even if it is 5 minutes it will help to re-crisp. Don’t leave them out more than an hour though to prevent bacteria from growing.

Line a plate with a paper towel or parchment paper and place fries in a single layer, not letting any sides touch.

This lets heat evenly distribute and all the cutouts of the waffle shape release steam. When steam gets trapped in between layers of fries it softens the outside and turns it soggy.

Sprinkle with a small amount of oil or a quick shot of cooking spray and place in the microwave.

Another option, if available to you, is to put the fries on a crisper tray. These are designed to give your fries a hot surface to start out on and achieve a soft center and crisp crust.

Preheat the crisping tray in your microwave for a few minutes before adding your fries, again in a single layer and with a small amount of oil.

With or without a crisping tray, cook fries in 20-45 second bursts to your desired temperature and crispness. Rotate the fries between bursts to allow even cooking.

The waffle fry cut is especially prone to releasing steam and becoming soggy, so only use the microwave if other methods aren’t available to you.

3. Air Fryer

The air fryer wins out in both timing and performance. Not quite as quick as a microwave yet much faster than a conventional oven, the air fryer offers a superior end product that takes little effort and only a few minutes from start to end.

Opinions differ on the necessity of preheating your air fryer, chances are if you own one you have your own preference in this case. If you do preheat, just adjust your cooking and tossing times to a shorter length.

Whether preheating or not, set your air fryer to the “Air Fry” function and the temperature to 350℉ (175℃).

Place your Chick-Fil-A fries in the basket of your air fryer, trying to make them spread as evenly as possible. Give them a quick spray of oil if possible.

With waffle fries, it is best to have them side by side and not piled on each other because of their shape and number of cuts. Work in batches if the basket is too crowded.

Cook for 3-6 minutes, shaking the fries every two minutes and checking on the temperature and crispness of the fries each time.

Depending on your model of air fryer and the number of fries you may need to adjust your air fryer’s temperature up or down as well as the cooking time.

Don’t leave the kitchen while they are cooking or they may become an over-crisped mess while you aren’t looking!

Air frying is the most foolproof way to heat your leftover Chick-Fil-A fries and it also works well to reheat other leftover goodies you may have like chicken nuggets and sandwiches.

Can You Make Chick-Fil-A Fries Crispy Again?

In short, yes. While no reheating method is going to beat the fresh-out-of-the fryer waffle fries, you can achieve a satisfying second serving with a nice crisp outside and soft inside.

Beyond the methods mentioned here, there are plenty of ways to cook up your leftovers. Pan-frying and double frying are both great methods to get fries back to their crispy state. 

For more information on all of these methods as well as an in-depth look at reheating fries successfully in the microwave, check out this article.

How Are Chick-Fil-A Fries Made?

Chick-Fil-A’s waffle fries are their most popular menu item by volume, so getting them right is key for this company’s success. That means starting with a quality product.

Starting with potatoes grown only on farms in Washington and Oregon, Chick-Fil-A is picky about not only its spuds but its suppliers as well.

They are dedicated to growing quality potatoes that live up to the highest standards.

Because of the waffle cut and varying sizes of potatoes, each fry is a little different. While most have the signature holes, you may stumble across what they call a “Potato Skin Fry” or “Fry Butt” that come from the end of a potato and don’t contain any holes.

Timing is key when it comes to these fries. Chick-Fil-A wants to deliver a consistent product so you know what you are getting every time you order from their menu.

Going in frozen, the waffle fries are loaded into a fry bucket and then put in the hot oil. The fryer is timed to cook for two minutes and then they are promptly pulled out and seasoned.

Simple is best when it comes to fries- only potatoes, canola oil, and two quick dashes of salt are used to create them.

So the next time you pull up to the drive-through, grab an order yourself and enjoy Chick-Fil-A’s delicious waffle fries!

While an air fryer requires little grease and therefore creates a smaller mess, it is still important to properly clean your air fryer after each use to maintain its full functionality. 

You should never use oven cleaner on your air fryer because it could stain and damage your air fryer and leave a lingering smell of fumes. Oven cleaner tends to contain chemicals that are too strong to use on the small surface of an air fryer so the best way to avoid stripping the non-stick coating is to use a gentler solution. 

There are many household items that can be used to create a cleaning solution for your air fryer. The effectiveness of some of these options of course depends on the state of the mess in your air fryer. Gentle dish soap and water should do the trick of maintaining cleanliness if you routinely clean your air fryer after each use.

For bigger messes, there are a lot of options (using items you most likely already have) that you can turn to before reaching for the heavy-duty cleaners. 

If you’re here because you’re stuck on how to deal with a daunting greasy mess then we have all the information you’ll need to tackle it, you’ll just have to bring some patience. The key to getting rid of the toughest grease messes is letting the cleaning solution sit or soak for several hours so that it may do its job of breaking down the grease.

Sure, you could probably get the job done quicker with a chemical cleaner but if the point is to preserve your air fryer and keep it in its best condition, then damaging it in an attempt to clean it is not your best option!

What Can I Use to Clean My Air Fryer?

Using dish soap and warm water after every use is probably the simplest and safest way to keep your air fryer clean. Soap is a non-abrasive cleaner that won’t hurt the non-stick surface of your air fryer basket and a good soak in some warm, soapy water should get a small amount of oil off very easily. 

Making a paste from baking soda and water is the easiest way to tackle big messes or messes that have been sitting around and hardening for a long time. This is the most common method for more stubborn grease stains and it’s also the most inexpensive and simple as you most likely have some baking soda lying around. 

Vinegar is a multipurpose option. You can mix a little bit of it in water to soak your fryer basket in for 15 minutes to remove grease.

You can also use a mixture of vinegar and lemon juice to remove any lingering odors from your air fryer. Just put equal parts of vinegar and lemon juice in an oven-safe dish and place it on the tray or in the basket and turn your oven on for 2 minutes. 

Lemon juice can also be used to clean the inside of your air fryer. You simply apply some lemon juice to the dirty interior of your air fryer and turn the fryer on for a few minutes. When the oven cools down the grime should be loose from the lemon juice and all you need to do is wipe it off with a cloth. 

The heating coil can be cleared of crumbs and other residues with a dry or very lightly wet cloth. Of course, make sure your oven is off, unplugged, and completely cooled down before doing this. 

A gentle all-purpose cleaner and a soft washcloth can be used to wipe down the outside of your air fryer to keep it looking clean and neat. 

In terms of tools, you will want to use a soft sponge or brush, one that won’t scratch the surface of the basket or tray of your air fryer. Using an old sponge or brush, one that has already been worn down and softened from use is the best way to avoid any scratches.

You can also use a foam brush, straw cleaner, or an old soft-bristled toothbrush to scrub away at smaller, hard-to-reach spots. 

There are also many ready-made cleaners that you can use that aren’t as harsh as oven cleaner and don’t contain any damaging chemicals but I’ve found that they aren’t as effective at removing dry grease stains as baking soda or the other simple ingredients mentioned above.

How Do You Get Sticky Grease Out of an Air Fryer?

The best way to get sticky grease out of an air fryer is to make a baking soda paste, spread it onto the parts of your air fryer that require a deep clean, and leave it on for 12 hours or overnight. 

To make your paste you will simply need 1/4 to 1/2 of a cup of baking soda and 2-4 tablespoons of water (the amount just depends on the size of your air fryer). Spread the paste around using a foam brush or even just your fingers protected by a plastic glove.

Make sure not to lodge the paste into any areas that you won’t be able to clean it out of and be careful not to get it on the heating coil or any other heating components. 

To remove the paste after you’ve let it sit, all you need is a soft sponge and some warm water. Make sure to wring your sponge out to avoid bringing too much water into your air fryer, then just wipe and scrub until you’ve removed all the paste from the interior of your air fryer. Use one of your smaller tools in the hard-to-reach spots.

This process takes some time and work, as I’ve mentioned, and the results depend on how tough of a mess you started out with.

Just using the baking soda will do a good job of removing most of your mess and leaving your air fryer clean enough to use again but if you’re striving for a “fresh out of the box” clean then you may opt to use a steam cleaner to melt off the grease that has already been somewhat broken down from the baking soda. 

How Often Should You Clean an Air Fryer?

The most effective way to keep your air fryer clean and to avoid that pesky grease build-up is to clean it after every use. At the very least, it’s important to clean the basket every use with soap and water.

Most air fryers have components that are dishwasher safe but you should consult your air fryer’s manual before going down that route. The frying baskets and trays and the crumb basket are components you want to tend to after every use. 

The inside of your air fryer, where the gunk can build up, can be deep cleaned every month or so. This is the area for which you will most likely need one of the stronger cleaning solutions (like the vinegar or baking soda paste) and it’s a process that might require more time and effort.

It simply comes down to the fact that the more often you thoroughly clean your air fryer, the smaller and less stubborn the mess you will have.