Having spiked in popularity over the last decade, air fryers have become a household staple, allowing people to cook food with less oil than a traditional deep-fat fryer and more quickly than a conventional oven, making them an appealing option for busy households.
But with more homes using them daily, questions are starting to be asked about how safe air fryers really are.
Did you know that 68% of UK adults own an air fryer?1 Yet concerningly, one in five of these adults have experienced either a potential or actual fire hazard due to owning one2.
In a recent investigation by Aviva, the insurer noted that they have seen a “significant number of home insurance claims related to air fryer fires over the last four years3" with an average claim amount of £29,555 in 2024. These figures highlight just how serious the consequences can be when things go wrong.
Experts say that when they’re used correctly, air fryers are safer than their deep fat frying counterparts however, if mistakes are made – the consequences can be devastating. A recent ITV investigation suggested this is largely due to gaps in our knowledge of this relatively new appliance, alongside improper or misleading advice shared on social media.
As part of its investigation, ITV contacted 46 UK Fire and Rescue Services in 2025. Of those that responded, figures showed that the number of air fryer-related fire incidents rose sharply from 144 in 2022 to 542 in 20244.
One of the most common issues identified across these incidents was something many people may not think twice about.
Even when they’re not in use, air fryers can still pose a fire risk. In one case, a Hertfordshire family lost their kitchen to a fire that started while they were out of the house. Their air fryer was plugged in but not switched on at the time. They are now urging others to unplug their air fryers when they’re not in use.
Giuseppe Capanna, Product Safety Engineer at Electrical Safety First, compared leaving an air fryer switched on at the wall to leaving a TV on standby. While the appliance may appear to be off, it hasn’t been fully disconnected from the power supply. In many cases, manufacturers do advise unplugging air fryers when they’re not in use – guidance that is often buried in instruction manuals that many consumers admit they don’t read5.
Another common user error is avoiding regular cleaning. It’s strongly recommended that you clean your air fryer after every use, as built-up fat and grease can quickly become a significant fire hazard.
Another seemingly harmless hazard was the use of loose baking paper or liners that aren’t designed for air fryers. These can move around during cooking and potentially come into contact with the heating element, creating a significant risk of them catching fire inside your machine.
Some incidents have come down to simple but easily overlooked mistakes. Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, for example, attended four incidents where the air fryer had been left on a hob which was then accidentally switched on. There have also been cases where original packaging hadn’t been removed before first use. While avoidable, these situations show how easily things can go wrong without proper setup and awareness6.
If your air fryer does catch fire, it’s important to act quickly and safely. You should never attempt to extinguish an electrical fire with water, as this can make the situation much worse. If safe, switch the appliance off the appliance at the plug but if the fire begins to spread or you’re unsure how to handle it, leave the property immediately and call the fire service. It’s always better to prioritise your safety rather than trying to tackle a fire yourself.
The evidence suggests that, as long as you buy a reputable model (look for a UK safety mark or European kitemark – CE – and always buy from reputable sellers) and you use the appliance safely in line with the manufacturer’s instructions, your air fryer should be as safe as any other appliance in your kitchen.
Like most regulated household equipment, the risk doesn’t usually come from the appliance itself, but from how it’s used day to day. A few simple precautions and good habits can go a long way in keeping your home safe.
Your home insurance is designed to protect you against unexpected events, including fire damage caused by household appliances like air fryers. In many cases, if an air fryer fire damages your home or belongings, you should be covered under your buildings and/or contents insurance policy7.
However, as with any claim, cover will depend on the circumstances. Insurers will expect that reasonable care has been taken when using appliances and that any safety guidance has been followed. For example, not maintaining the appliance properly, using it incorrectly, or ignoring manufacturer instructions could affect the outcome of a claim.
It’s also important to ensure your level of cover reflects the true value of your home and belongings, especially given the rising cost of repairs and replacements.
If you’re unsure what your policy includes, it’s always worth checking your documents or speaking to your insurer to understand exactly where you stand.
Want to know more about how Everywhen can help you get the right home insurance? Visit our home insurance page here.
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While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer as the cost of cover can vary greatly depending on a range of factors we have pulled together this helpful guide, to take a look at the typical price range of the different types of plumbers insurance so you know what to expect.
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