Do Air Fryers Get Hot On The Outside?

Are you considering purchasing an air fryer and wondering if those appliances get hot on the outside? Or is it fire-safe to put the air fryer directly on your kitchen countertops? We've researched these questions and found helpful research results to share with you today!

Generally, air fryers will heat up to 400° Fahrenheit/200° Celcius, which will cause the appliance to get hot on the outside. This is why it is vital to place your air fryer in a safe, sturdy location while it is air frying. 

Are you wondering which areas in your kitchen are the best places to put your air fryer? Or if you should clean your air fryer after each use?

We've researched these questions and have found informative results to share with you. Continue reading to learn more about where to keep your air fryer when it is in use.

Do air fryers get hot on the outside?

Yes. Air fryers will get hot on the outside from the extreme heat the small appliance will generate internally to air fry, bake, roast, or re-heat, depending on which model you own or decide to purchase.

Be mindful of how powerful these small appliances are to enjoy the speedy benefits the air fryer offers without personal injury or property damage.

flat lay image of an air fryer oven on kitchen countertop

Do air fryers get hot underneath?

Yes. Air fryers will get very hot on the bottom as well as the entire exterior. Please continue reading to learn more about protecting your countertops and tabletops from air fryer-related heat damage.

Can I put my air fryer on the countertop?

Whether or not it is safe to place your air fryer on the kitchen countertop depends on the type of countertop you have in your kitchen.

If you have a heat-resistant countertop, that is safe for the appliance. However, if your countertop is granite, wood, or vinyl, use a heat-resistant trivet to protect the countertop.

Air fryers have easily cracked granite and wooden countertops, which are expensive to repair. Always use a heat-resistant mat to prevent these issues.

Please note that the air fryer should be cool before you pick it up because the entirety of the appliance will be hot and could cause burns.

Click here to view the Gasare heat-resistant mat at Amazon. 

Suppose you have a granite countertop to protect from heat damage, consider purchasing a non-slip heat protector.

Click here to view the insolated heat protector for granite countertops at Amazon. 

Are you having issues getting your air fryer to work correctly and wonder how to remedy these pesky issues? Click here to read "Cuisinart Air Fryer Not Working – Common Issues And How To Solve Them."

The air fryer will always require at least five inches of space around the perimeter of the appliances for proper airflow. The air fryer will not function correctly without ample airflow, and your foods will not be thoroughly air-fried.

When in doubt, reference your owner's manual for direct steps for operating or troubleshooting the appliance.

Please do not place your air fryer while it is running under the kitchen cabinets or close to walls because the heat from the appliance will get the surrounding areas hot.

Always use your air fryer in a well-ventilated area without anything above it for the best airflow possible.

Have you wondered if you could use wax paper in your air fryer? Click here to read "Can You Put Wax/Parchment Paper In An Air Fryer? [And Should You?]"

Where should I put my air fryer in my kitchen?

The best locations for your air fryer are near a window or vent. It is advisable to store your air fryer in a cabinet or pantry for storage purposes and when you are ready to air fry your favorite recipe.

Place your air fryer on a heat-resistant mat near a vent or open window. Once the air fryer is cooled, clean it and put it back in its storage area.

Air fryer machine cooking potato fried in kitchen. Lifestyle of new normal cooking

Can you use oven cleaner on an air fryer?

Oven cleaner products are not recommended for cleaning air fryers because the cleaner was formulated for cleaning ovens and must be removed with a baking soda rinse, as most oven cleaner manufacturers directed.

Most oven cleaners state on the label, not for use on non-stick surfaces, and most air fryers are manufactured with non-stick materials.

Also, oven cleaner has a powerful smell that will permeate the inside of your air fryer, causing the fumes to affect the taste and smell of future batches of food.

DO NOT USE oven cleaner inside your air fryer. It will damage the interior and dramatically change the flavors of your foods!

Are you interested in learning about cleaning air fryer baskets correctly? Click here to read "How to Clean Your Air Fryer Basket [Inc. in a Ninja]."

Do you clean your air fryer after every use?

Women’s hand wipe the air fryer basket with kitchen towel

Yes. Cleaning your air fryer after every use is essential for ensuring your air fryer is clean and functional. Bits of fried foods and greasy gunk will collect inside the air fryer with each use.

Moreover, cleaning after each use prevents greasy food debris from building up.

Suppose you didn't clean the air fryer after each use, the greasy build-up will affect the flavor of the foods by giving them a rancid flavor, or you will notice flavors of foods from past batches as well.

Also, the air fryer will run slower if there is considerable debris clinging to the inside of the basket that will inhibit airflow, which will cause the air fryer to cook unevenly and take more time per batch.

Tips and suggestions for cleaning air fryers

a black air fryer or oil free fryer appliance is on grey table in the dining room with deep fried banana chips in small black dish, Do Air Fryers Get Hot On The Outside?

  • Never use abrasive cleaners; those will scratch the appliance.
  • Only wipe with a soft cleaning cloth or sponge.
  • The basket and drip pan should be hand-washed only.
  • Never use harsh detergents or corrosive cleaners.
  • Never clean the air fryer while it is still hot.
  • Wear gloves to protect your hands while cleaning the appliance.

Safety precautions for using air fryers

Women’s hand holding the handle air fryer’s basket for washing

Enjoying the benefits of owning an air fryer does come with several safety precautions to keep in mind.

  1. Read the owner's manual carefully for brand-specific operational information and maintenance.
  2. Always unplug the air fryer when it is not in use.
  3. Do not allow the cord to hang off of the counter or table. A child or pet could easily tug the hanging cord, injuring themselves and damaging the equipment.
  4. If you are using the air fryer with children nearby, never leave the children unattended with the appliance.
  5. Never place anything on top of the air fryer.
  6. Do not overfill the basket.
  7.  Always ensure there are at least five inches of space around the perimeter of the appliance when in use.
  8. Never leave the air fryer unattended while it is operating.
  9. Clean your air fryer regularly to prevent rancid build-up inside the fryer.
  10. Allow your air fryer to cool completely before cleaning it; allow at least 30 minutes or more to cool after use.

We are wrapping up!

a black air fryer or oil free fryer appliance is on grey table in the dining room with deep fried banana chips in small black dish

Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to read our article!

Today we discussed where to keep your air fryer in the kitchen and why it is essential to be mindful of its location for safety purposes. Also, we covered how often to clean the appliance and how to clean it without damaging any of its components.

Please click the links below to read these informative articles about using air fryers in your home kitchen!

Air Fryer Light Not Working – What's Wrong?

Can You Put A Bag Of Popcorn In An Air Fryer?

Air Fryer Making Rattling Noise — What Could It Be?

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