This common air fryer mistake could be a fire hazard, manufacturers warn

A sheet of baking paper can save you from scrubbing your air fryer basket after dinner. But there's a small detail many people overlook when using this kitchen shortcut, and it could turn a simple meal into a safety concern.

Consumer experts and appliance manufacturers have warned about a common mistake people make when using their air fryers. The good news is that avoiding it takes only a few seconds.

Why baking paper can be risky

The problem is putting baking paper into the basket before preheating the appliance. An air fryer uses a powerful fan to circulate hot air, and without food holding it down, a lightweight sheet can lift towards the heating element. If it touches the hot element, it could scorch or catch fire.

Dutch consumer programme Kassa warns about this risk. Its advice is to make sure baking paper is weighed down by food, stays below the basket's rim and doesn't block the airflow.

In July 2024, Dutch supermarket chain Vomar also issued a safety notice for air fryer paper liners that had been sold without safety instructions. Those instructions included not using the liners without food inside, keeping the temperature at or below 220°C and not reusing them. The notice concerned missing instructions, not a confirmed defect in the paper itself.

How to use baking paper more safely

The simplest rule is to never put a loose sheet of baking paper into an empty air fryer while it preheats.

If your appliance's manual allows baking paper, place it in the basket with the food on top so it stays in place. Keep the paper inside the basket's edges, and avoid covering the entire base if that blocks airflow. Don't overfill the basket either, as hot air needs room to circulate.

Always check your air fryer's instructions before using paper liners. Some manufacturers, including Philips, advise against using baking paper in their air fryers because it can interfere with airflow and may be drawn towards the heating element.

You may not need a liner at all. Many air fryer baskets and trays can be cleaned after use, and accessories designed for your particular model may be another option.

One last thing to remember

After cooking, clean away grease and crumbs before they build up. Kassa warns that leftover residue can burn the next time you use the appliance.

There's no need to be afraid of using an air fryer. Just keep loose materials away from the heating element, follow your model's instructions and let the hot air circulate as intended. A few seconds of care can help you avoid a much bigger problem.