The versatility and ease of using an air fryer have made the device increasingly popular in the past few years. It has also become known as a safer option when it comes to frying, which it mimics without using any oil. But, as with any heated cooking device, regardless of how praised it is, there are concerns over the safety of your countertop.
Do air fryers damage countertops? If you have a countertop made of a heat-resistant material, then you shouldn’t have anything to worry about with your air fryer. Some of the most trusted heat resistant materials are:
- Granite
- Stainless steel
- Copper
- Aluminum
- Terrazzo
You should not have to use heat-resistant mats on those surfaces.
Anytime you are using a new kitchen appliance, you should make sure you understand any safety concerns and how they may or may not cause any damage to the rest of your kitchen.
Air fryers are a great tool to add to your array of cooking appliances, and we’re going to make sure you keep your countertop damage-free.
How to Ensure Your Countertop Will be Safe
When you first start using an air fryer, you want to make sure you not only have the right surface to put it on but that you have a big enough surface. Air fryers typically go up to about 400°F.
While that is a common temperature for your oven, it is a different story when it is a stand-alone appliance that sits on your countertop.
Make sure you have ample space around the air fryer so that nothing is up against it, or within a few inches of it. It is a safe device that offers a great alternative to the conventional oven or using a microwave, but it is still a device that gets very hot and needs to be set up correctly.
Without appropriate clearances, you could damage other nearby equipment.
Types of Countertops
Whether your countertop will be damaged or not will be based on the type of countertop you have. Granite is widely acknowledged as one of the most common and most durable countertops. Other natural stone countertops will typically rank similarly to granite as well.
Anything heat resistant should allow you to use your air fryer on it without any issue. If you are using it every day with extended periods of use, it may begin to eventually wear down the material in that area where you place it. But frequent use on a heatproof or heat resistant countertop should not cause any damage.
- Granite: Superior to marble, laminate, or synthetic materials–according to Signature Hardware, granite should be able to withstand heat up to 480°F. It is typically a popular option as it is as durable as it is adaptable to many styles and décor.
- Stainless Steel: While not everyone will find stainless steel countertops aesthetically pleasing, they are some of the most durable surfaces and can withstand a lot of heat and abuse.
- Copper: A unique option that adds character to the kitchen and can take on a lot of heat. Pewter and zinc are similar to copper countertops, but won’t be able to withstand quite as much heat.
- Aluminum: Aluminum is an excellent alternative to stainless steel. Similar in durability, but more lightweight and, therefore, a little less expensive. Being a great conductor of heat, it can withstand very high temperatures.
- Terrazzo: A lesser-known option, but its resistance to hot surfaces is strong. They will not burn or darken with the placement of hot pans or trays on top of it, so an appliance like an air fryer will not damage it.
Other common countertops like laminate can be heat resistant, but not as strong as those mentioned above. Generally speaking, temperatures above 280 Fahrenheit can cause damage to a laminate countertop.
Researching the type of countertop you have, or are thinking of getting, will help you understand the amount of heat it can take.
Even if you have the most heat-resistant type of material, you should still always be sure it has enough space on the counter and adhere to all safety guidelines and instructions.
Accessories That Can Help
If you have a countertop that isn’t recommended to take on much heat, there are still options to allow you to use your air fryer and not have to worry about damage.
One option is to use heat-resistant mats that you can place on your countertop before putting the air fryer down. We are partial to those that have a no-slip feature, such as this one.
Always be sure to read the descriptions of accessories like these to make sure they can withstand the temperatures you are planning on using.
If you are interested in some other fun accessories to bulk up your air fryer game, here is an excellent list from Better Homes & Gardens on some of the best air fryer accessories.
Common Air Fryer Mistakes
When you get a new appliance, it is easy just to dive right in and begin trying every recipe you’ve dreamed of but couldn’t do without it. But for the best results, not only for the quality of your food but also for the integrity of the equipment, you should make sure to avoid some common errors.
They will all help keep your food tasty, and your kitchen safe, and in pristine condition.
Here is a top 5 list of common mistakes you’ll want to avoid:
Overcrowding the basket:
Make sure you read the instructions and adhere to guidelines regarding how much food to try and cook at once
- Jumping the gun on the purchase: A lot of people see a few air fryer recipes that make their mouth water, and they pull the trigger too soon. Make sure you have the space, the right types of surfaces for it, and the space to store it. It may be on the smaller side, but it is still a kitchen appliance that should be considered an investment like any other appliance.
- Not Using Oil: You may need to use less oil, which is a benefit, but many think you don’t have to use any at all. It helps to crisp the coating of breaded items and will ensure proper cooking.
- Forgetting to Preheat: Because of its unique way of cooking and the ease of an air fryer, many times, we forget we still need to preheat like a conventional oven. This will help keep cooking even and consistent.
- Not Using Water with Fatty Foods: Putting a little water underneath the frying basket will help reduce the amount of smoke produced when you cook fattier foods. Anything like bacon will produce grease drips. That water will help absorb some of it, limiting the amount of smoke it would create.
Types of Air Fryers
Making sure your countertop can withstand the amount of heat you will be exhausting from your air fryer is essential to its safety and condition. But you should also consider the type of air fryer you will be using as well.
When you start to plan your purchase, make sure to look at the top temperatures it can reach and safety precautions from the manufacturer. This will help you ensure whatever countertop you have will stay safe and in good condition.
Keeping Your Kitchen Safe and Unharmed
You want to plan accordingly for the types of recipes you plan to try, along with the kitchen space and surfaces you have. Once you learn the type of countertop you have and look into the different models you are thinking of getting, you will be able to pick the perfect air fryer.
One that hat will help you cook up some delicious dishes without compromising the aesthetic or safeness of your kitchen and countertop.