Food in an air fryer is stress-free and a much easier approach to cooking. It’s a healthy alternative to deep-frying and is super fun to work with. However, when you’re cooking something in an air fryer, you get tempted to open it from time to time to see what’s going on inside.
We will be discussing whether or not it is safe to open an air fryer while it’s on. This article is all about the dos and don’ts of working with an air fryer. We’ve also included several safety tips that can come in handy while using an air fryer, so make sure you read this article to the very bottom!
Yes, it is totally safe to open your air fryer while it’s on. As long as the air fryer slides open from the side or front, you can open it to shake the contents in the basket or check the food.
You can pull out the basket while the air fryer is on to check how your food is doing or if you want to ensure everything is well-cooked and crispy.
How do you open an air fryer?
It is much easier to operate an air fryer than you might think. You just need to be a little careful and be mindful of any potential hazards.
Follow the steps below to safely open an air fryer:
- To open the machine, just pull very gently on the handle grip.
- Do NOT push on the red release button while removing the easy-load basket.
- Pull the easy-load basket out and put it on a protected surface.
- Then, press the red release button, which will separate the fry basket from the easy-load basket. And you’re done!
Note: Always remember to put the easy-load basket on a secure surface before removing the frying basket.
Can you stop an air fryer halfway?
Yes, you can stop an air fryer halfway. Some air fryers come with a pause button that can be used for this purpose. Other air fryers pause automatically when you pull the air fryer basket out and resume cooking when you put the basket back in.
Can you remove the basket while the air fryer is cooking?
Yes, you can safely remove the basket while the air fryer is cooking. Just pull the basket out while the air fryer is running to check on the food or give the basket a shake to spread the food out. Then, just pop the basket back in to resume cooking.
Related FAQs to opening an air fryer when it’s on!
Why did my air fryer explode?
If you don’t follow the specifications of your air fryer, it might explode. For example, if you fill it with water or food at the very bottom. Or, if you overfill it such that there’s barely any room left for air circulation, your air fryer will overheat and thus explode.
You always need to be extra careful with electrical appliances. An air fryer doesn’t explode under normal circumstances, but you should always read the instruction manual before using it.
Do you need to burn off a new air fryer?
Yes, you need to burn off some new air fryers. Some air fryer brands suggest we run it at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes before using it for cooking for the first time. This is done so that the plastic in the air fryer burns off. It might give off an unpleasant smell, but it isn’t a cause for concern.
There can be a number of reasons behind this smell, but the major one is that the air fryers are covered with a protective coating. This coating gets exposed to high temperatures in the air fryer when you start using it, and it starts to burn, which causes the smell.
The coating burns away completely after a few uses, and the smell will eventually go away after that.
Should air fryers be unplugged when not in use?
It would be a much smarter move to unplug your air fryer when not in use. As it is an electronic appliance, you don’t want any unfortunate incidents to happen if you leave it plugged in.
Where should I place my air fryer?
Make sure to keep your air fryer on a level, heat-resistant countertop, with at least five inches of space behind the air fryer where the exhaust vent is located.
Can you put dishes in the air fryer?
You can make use of an ovenproof dish or mold in the air fryer. Whether it’s made of silicone, glass, metal, or ceramic, it can be placed safely inside an air fryer as long as it is ovenproof.
Can air fryers catch fire?
Like any other electrical appliance, an air fryer can catch fire. However, the chances for it to happen are very low.
Not using an air fryer properly can make it catch fire. For example, using it near water or overstuffing it with food may turn out to be hazardous.
Can you put plastic in an air fryer?
Plastic is not suitable for use in an air fryer. The high temperature may cause it to melt, making a big mess in your air fryer, or it might even cause significant damage to your machine.
How do you get the taste out of a new air fryer?
To get the taste out of a new air fryer, take a small ovenproof dish and put 1 tablespoon of lime juice and 1 tablespoon of distilled vinegar in it. Mix these two up and place the small dish inside the air fryer. Set the temperature to 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit and let the air fryer run for 3 minutes.
After that, let the air fryer cool down with the dish inside for 15 minutes. This will help the vinegar and lime to get coated on the insides of the air fryer and absorb all the unpleasant fumes.
Alternate method
Clean the air fryer, then turn it on with no food inside. Let it run at 350-400 degrees for 40 minutes. After you are done with that, let it cool down for 10-15 minutes. You can repeat this process 2-3 times until you have completely ridden the appliance of the smell.
Final thoughts on opening an air fryer while it’s on!
It is super easy to open an air fryer while it’s on, but you need to be mindful of several things before doing so. Considering that it is an electrical appliance, there can be potential dangers while using an air fryer that you need to know. We’ve made sure to include all the safety tips that will help you make the most of this appliance while also staying safe. Happy air frying!
Here is a helpful article on preheating an air fryer!