Air fryers have been all the rage in recent years. They are a great way to cook food without using a lot of oil, and they are perfect for people trying to eat healthier.
Air fryers are easy to use and are affordable, so it is no wonder that they are so popular. Whether you’re purchasing yours from Amazon or your local vendor, air fryers are a must-have for individuals who want to live healthier.
But do air fryers get hot on the outside? And is it safe to touch them when they are cooking? In this blog post, we will answer these questions and more.
Do All Air Fryers Get Hot On The Outside?
No, not all air fryers get hot on the outside. Some air fryers have a design that keeps the heat contained within the unit. However, air fryers that don’t have this design may get hot on the outside. You can look for an air fryer with a cool-touch exterior if you’re concerned about this.
When it comes to cooking, the air fryer works by circulating hot air around the food. This means that there is potential for the heat to escape and cause the exterior of the air fryer to get hot.
If you’re using an air fryer with a cool-touch exterior, you don’t have to worry about this. However, if your air fryer doesn’t have a cool-touch exterior, you may want to use it in a well-ventilated area.
6 Common Reasons Why Air Fryers Overheat
Some reasons may cause your air fryer to overheat. If you notice that your air fryer is getting hot on the outside, it might be due to one of the following reasons:
1. Excess use of oil
One of the reasons your air fryer might be getting hot on the outside is excess oil. If you notice that there is a lot of oil building up on the outside of your air fryer, it’s essential to clean it off. Otherwise, the excess oil can cause your air fryer to overheat.
2. Cooking bulk food simultaneously
Another reason why your air fryer might be getting hot on the outside is that you’re cooking too much food at once. If you’re trying to cook a large batch of food, it’s essential to cook it in smaller batches. Otherwise, the air fryer will have to work harder to cook all the food, and this can cause it to overheat.
3. It has a blocked vent
If your air fryer has a vent on the top or side, ensure it’s not blocked. A blocked vent can cause your air fryer to overheat because it can’t release the heat properly. For example, if you have a lot of food in the air fryer, it might block the vent. If the vent is blocked, make sure to clean it out so that the air fryer can function properly.
4. You’ve cooked past time
If you notice that your air fryer is getting hot on the outside, it might be because you’re cooking for too long. Air fryers are designed to cook food quickly, so if you’re cooking for a long time, it can cause the air fryer to overheat. If you’re unsure how long to cook your food, consult the air fryer’s manual or look up recipes online.
5. Shoddy settings
If you have the air fryer set to a higher temperature than necessary, it can cause the air fryer to overheat. Check the air fryer’s manual to see the recommended settings. Otherwise, you can look up recipes online to see the recommended settings.
6. You’re putting your air fryer too close to the wall
If the air fryer is located close to the wall, it might be getting hot because it’s not getting enough ventilation. Ensure to keep the air fryer away from the wall to get enough ventilation. Otherwise, the air fryer might overheat and cause a fire.
Does The Air Fryer Heat Up The House?
No, the air fryer doesn’t heat up the house. The air fryer is vented to the outside, so any heat generated stays in the unit. Additionally, most air fryers have an automatic shut-off feature that kicks in when the unit gets too hot. So, you can rest assured knowing your air fryer is safe to use.
In cases where your air fryer heats up the house, it is likely due to user error. If you’re using your air fryer in an enclosed space, open a window or door to let the heat escape. Additionally, make sure your air fryer is on a level surface and does not block any vents in your home.
What Happens If The Air Fryer Overheats?
When your air fryer overheats, the first thing you’ll notice is the smell. Burning plastic or metal can be hazardous, so it’s essential to immediately shut off your air fryer and unplug it from the outlet. If the smell comes from the food, it’s essential to discard it.
If you notice that your air fryer is starting to smoke, it’s time to shut it off. Overheating can cause severe damage to the air fryer and even start a fire. If you see any flames, call 911 immediately.
If you’re not sure whether or not your air fryer is overheating, touch the outside of it. If it feels hot, it’s probably time to shut it off.
If your air fryer overheats, don’t panic. Let it cool down for an hour before attempting to use it again. If you see cracks or holes, it’s time to buy a new one.
How Hot Do Air Fryers Get?
Air fryers can get quite hot on the outside, so be careful when handling them. The temperature will vary depending on the model of the air fryer, but it is typically between 200 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Some air fryers even have a built-in safety feature that automatically turns off the machine if it gets too hot. So, if you’re ever unsure, check the manual for your specific model.
If you do happen to touch the outside of an air fryer while in use, it’s not the end. Just be sure to wash your hands thoroughly afterward. And, as always, use caution when cooking with any appliance.
How To Stop An Air Fryer From Overheating?
So what do you do when your air fryer overheats? Below are a few solutions you may employ to stop the overheating:
1. Don’t overstock the air fryer
Overloading the air fryer is one of the main reasons why it overheats. When you overcrowd the basket, there’s not enough room for air to circulate properly, causing the food to cook unevenly and increasing the risk of fires. So, when using your air fryer, leave space between the food and the sides of the basket.
2. Check for blockages
Another common cause of air fryers overheating is blockages. If something is blocking the air fryer’s vents, it won’t be able to circulate air properly. So, before using your air fryer, check the vents to make sure they’re clear.
3. Clean the air fryer regularly
If you don’t clean your air fryer regularly, it can start to overheat. This is because grease and food particles build-up can block the air fryer’s vents. So, to keep your air fryer running smoothly, make sure to clean it after each use.
4. Use the correct size air fryer
If you’re using an air fryer that’s too small for your needs, it’s likely to overheat. This is because it won’t be able to circulate air properly. So, when choosing an air fryer, select one that’s the right size for your needs.
5. Use oil moderately
If you use too much oil in your air fryer, it can cause the appliance to overheat. This is because the oil can clog the air fryer’s vents. So, when using oil in your air fryer, make sure to use it sparingly.
As you can see, there are a few things you can do to stop your air fryer from overheating. By following the tips above, you can help ensure that your air fryer runs smoothly and safely.
Do Air Fryers Get Hot Underneath?
Yes, air fryers can get hot on the outside. This is because they use hot air for cooking food. The heat from the air fryer can cause the outside of the appliance to become hot.
The best way to prevent this is to use an air fryer liner. This will help to protect your air fryer from getting too hot. Additionally, you can use a cooling rack to help keep the air fryer cool on the outside.
A Few Additional Tips
If you are concerned about the exterior of your air fryer getting too hot, there are a few things you can do to help prevent this.
First, make sure the air fryer is placed on a heat-resistant surface.
Second, do not leave the air fryer unattended while in use.
And third, if the exterior does get too hot, unplug the air fryer and allow it to cool down before handling.
Conclusion: So, do air fryers get hot on the outside?
The answer is yes; they can. However, it depends on the model and how well it is insulated.
Some air fryers have a fan on the back that helps to circulate the hot air and prevent the exterior from getting too hot.
Others have a double layer of insulation that helps to keep the heat in. Either way, it is always a good idea to use caution when handling an air fryer, primarily if it has been used for a while.
