Air fryers have become a fixture in British kitchens, but fire chiefs have warned that some users could be putting their homes at risk through simple mistakes.
With more than two-thirds of UK households now owning one, Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service have said “user error” was the leading cause of air fryer-related fires, with nine incidents recorded over a 10-month period.
Almost half involved an air fryer being placed on top of a cooker before a hob was switched on.
Station Manager Richard Booth told the BBC: “Four of those incidents that we've attended - the air fryer has actually been sat on a hob in the kitchen and that hob has either been turned on deliberately, by someone not knowing that's not what they're meant to do, or accidentally.”
Other fires have been linked to incorrect use, including leaving packaging inside a new appliance and using baking paper.
A blaze at student accommodation in Lenton, Nottingham, in February was brought under control by a sprinkler system after an air fryer caught fire.
One person needed treatment for smoke inhalation, while firefighters warned the incident “could have been a much worse” without the safety measures.
Despite the incidents, there is no evidence that any particular brand is more likely to catch fire.
Mr Booth added: “It doesn't matter which brand it is. Just as long as you check that it's in good working order, making sure that you keep on top of maintenance.
"And if you find that your air fryer is damaged in any way or it's not operating correctly, then stop using it and make sure you replace it.”
The service says air fryers are “very safe” when used correctly, thanks to built-in temperature controls and timers.
However, users are advised to buy from reputable suppliers, check for a UK safety mark or CE mark, stay in the kitchen while cooking and never use baking paper.
They should also clean the appliance after every use and keep it away from overhead cupboards.
Mr Booth added: “Just make sure when you're using your air fryer, it's not underneath any cupboards so if it does set on fire, it minimises the fire spreading up into the cupboards.”
If an air fryer catches fire, switch it off only if safe, leave the property and call the fire service.
You should never pour water onto the appliance or attempt to tackle the fire yourself.
Mr Booth said: “There's nothing to be worried about using an air fryer. Just follow those safety tips, make sure it's clean, try to stay in the room when you're using it, just in case something does happen.
"But they are very safe and they're much cheaper to use than your oven.”