Doing This Is Just Asking For An Air Fryer Fire

As far as revolutionary kitchen appliances go, the air fryer has to be at the top of the list. The remarkable machine not only cooks your favorite tater tots to the ideal amount of crispy deliciousness, it also saves you time and cuts down on calories. Those that haven't jumped on the bandwagon, might believe that a microwave can do similar things, but they would be wrong. While your chicken nuggets will become a soggy mess after being nuked, the air fryer cooks them to perfection by making them crunchy on the outside and juicy on the inside.

And the secret appears to be out, as the market research firm NPD Group reports that nearly 40% of American homes already have one, per Taste of Home. If you're one of the lucky owners of this incredibly versatile gadget, you already know about its variety of benefits. However, there are some things that you should look out for if you have an air fryer in your kitchen — like accidentally causing a fire.

Don't put your air fryer too close to the wall

While this dynamic tool can take your chicken wings to the next level, it can also cause some issues if not used properly. An air fryer works by releasing heat around your food, which creates a mist-like water vapor, according to Eating Well. A fan on top of the machine then makes sure the hot air is able to continue to circulate, which ensures the heat is able to warm your meal from the outside. But to keep from avoiding any flames from starting, you're going to want to make sure your air fryer vents have plenty of room to release this intense heat.

Gear Patrol advises that your cooking device should be at least five inches away from the wall, so it won't become a fire hazard. The outlet also suggests regularly washing your airy fryer, since food particles from your egg rolls have likely left flammable remnants behind. Most of these appliances are dishwasher safe, so just make sure you read the instruction label before putting it in. If you follow these recommendations, you'll be ready to enjoy your next batch of French fries worry-free!