How Do You Use an Air Fryer Safely?
A-MAX Editorial Team
Reviewed by Jayson Cheves, Licensed Insurance Agent
Short answer
To use an air fryer safely, make sure the food you're cooking actually belongs in it, clean out grease after every use and unplug it when you're done. Grease buildup can catch fire, and unplugging keeps it from heating up by accident. Renters or home insurance can help if a kitchen fire happens.
A lot of us love our air fryers. They cut down on cooking time and make life easier for people who aren't exactly experts in the kitchen. You know who you are, passing off a store-bought rotisserie chicken as homemade. No judgment. Well, maybe a little. At least put it on a nice plate.
Air fryers are in kitchens everywhere, but did you know they can cause home fires? Especially around the holidays, when kitchens are busy, these tips can help keep your home safe.
What can you put in an air fryer?
Before you follow the newest trend online, double-check that what you're about to cook actually belongs in your air fryer. Read your air fryer's manual for what's safe to use and how much food fits. Someone out there has already tried to squeeze a whole holiday ham in there. Learn from their mistakes so you don't have to make your own.
How often should you clean your air fryer?
Clean it after every use. Grease builds up over time and can catch fire. The few minutes you save by skipping cleanup are nothing compared to cleaning up a kitchen after a fire.
- Let it cool down completely first.
- Empty the basket and tray and wash them.
- Wipe out any grease or crumbs inside.
Should you unplug your air fryer when you're done?
Yes. After you cook and clean, unplug it. Leaving small appliances plugged in when you're not using them adds risk you don't need. Unplugging is an easy habit that keeps your air fryer from heating up by accident.
What if a kitchen fire happens anyway?
Some of us will still think, "That will never happen to me." Accidents happen, even to careful cooks. Renters and home insurance can help cover damage to your home and belongings after a covered loss like a kitchen fire. A-MAX offers both, and getting a quote is easy.
How A-MAX can help
Walk into one of our 240+ offices in Texas, California and Arizona, or call 1-800-921-AMAX to get a renters or home insurance quote. Stay safe and happy holidays!
About this page
Written by the A-MAX Editorial Team. Reviewed by Jayson Cheves, Licensed Insurance Agent. We review and update it as state rules and carrier availability change.
Last updated October 29, 2026
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Yes. Grease buildup, overfilling the basket or cooking something that doesn't belong in it can lead to a fire. Cleaning it after every use, following the manual and unplugging it when you're done all lower the risk.
It's safer to unplug it when you're not using it. Unplugging small kitchen appliances is a simple habit that keeps them from heating up by accident and adds an extra layer of protection for your home.
Renters insurance usually helps cover your belongings and liability after a covered fire, depending on your policy. Home insurance can also help with damage to the house itself. An A-MAX agent can explain what your policy covers.
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