Finding the Perfect Spot: Where To Put Air Fryer in Kitchens

Air fryers are rapidly earning a spot as a kitchen essential, and everyday chefs are discovering just how many kitchen appliances they can replace. Yet, even though most of these gadgets don’t take up too much room, it’s only natural to wonder where to put air fryer in kitchens.

Let’s look at the best places to park your air fryer and why these choices are worth your while. Some of these suggestions may surprise you, but they will ultimately make using your air fryer easier and safer.

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Jump to:

• Factors To Consider
• Where To Put Air Fryer in Kitchen
• Dedicated Air Fryer Station
• Tools and Organization
• Air Fryer Safety Concerns
• Common Mistakes To Avoid
• Finding the Sweet Spot for Your Air Fryer

Factors To Consider

There are several things to consider when getting an air fryer, and figuring out its perfect spot is at the top of that list, especially if it’s going to claim a permanent slice of your countertop.

The decision is not just about convenience; it’s also a safety concern.

Kitchen Layout and Design

A well-functioning kitchen is one where you have easy access to everything you need. If you’re working with a smaller kitchen, choose a more compact air fryer that won’t hog your precious counter space.

I prefer one that fits comfortably in my counter space. This way, I won’t have to put it away after each use.

If you have a bit more room to maneuver, consider getting a rolling cart. This will allow you to glide your air fryer in and out of the kitchen as needed, plugging it in wherever you have a suitable outlet.

But what if your countertop real estate resembles that of a prime Manhattan property, as in limited and in high demand? You’ve got two options.

You can stow it away when not in use or reorganize and swap out some of your other kitchen gadgets to make room for your air fryer.

Related: What Size Air Fryer Do I Need?

Electrical Outlet Availability

Since they are electrical appliances, it makes sense to set up your air fryer near an outlet. But if your desired spot doesn’t have a friendly outlet nearby, don’t sweat it. An extension cord can come to the rescue, as long as you’re being safe about it.

If you have to use an extension cord, make sure to run it along the backside of your counter or along the base of your cabinets. You don’t want a trip hazard anywhere in the kitchen, nor do you want an electrical hazard by running the extension cord over the sink.

Most air fryer cords are just under three feet long. This means you don’t have to worry about setting the air fryer directly in front of an electrical outlet. Just double-check that the air fryer isn’t in a humid area and tidy up the excess cord so it’s not hanging over the countertop.

Ventilation and Heat Dissipation

Air fryers blast out hot air as they cook. This means you need to place them on a heat-resistant surface and ensure they get plenty of ventilation.

Vinyl and linoleum surfaces are not ideal. Over time, your air fryer’s sizzling hot air could leave burn marks on these surfaces. That said, you can just pop one of those heat-resistant mats under your air fryer, and you’re good to go.

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Here’s another hot tip: Give your air fryer some space, about 10 to 12 inches away from those kitchen walls. Also, keep paper towels or any flammable stuff at a safe distance during the cooking process. While they don’t shoot out flames, they do release hot air that can ignite anything paper if left exposed for too long.

Proper ventilation will also prolong the life of your air fryer. Inside your air fryer, there’s a fan doing its thing, blowing hot air around created by the heating element. This hot air needs room to vent so your air fryer can “breathe” and work its magic.

Related: Should I Buy a New Air Fryer or Used?

Where To Put Air Fryer in Kitchen

One of the great things about air fryers is that they are portable and relatively lightweight, which makes moving them around easy. They’re not space hogs either, although in some cozy kitchens, finding a safe and handy spot for them can be a bit of a puzzle.

Whatever space you decide to use, make sure that the power cord is safely tucked behind the air fryer. You don’t want any tripping mishaps or someone accidentally yanking the air fryer off the countertop.

Countertop

Chances are, your air fryer will set up shop on your countertop, at least while it’s hard at work. Convenience is the name of the game here. You want it in a clear, clutter-free spot where you can swing open the door and whisk out your delicious creations without any fuss.

The trade-off? Choosing the countertop over a kitchen island means your new favorite kitchen appliance will snag some valuable counter real estate.

Pantry and Cabinet Placement

A unique idea is to place your air fryer in a pantry or cabinet. This keeps curious kids and pets safe from bumping into it and frees up valuable counter space.

If you have a walk-in pantry, you should consider placing your air fryer on a portable organizer. A metal rack organizer is ideal because it is slotted, which means your air fryer will have enough air flow. Plus, since it is on wheels, you can move the air fryer wherever you want with ease.

If this option appeals to you, make sure there is plenty of air flow, enough room to open the air fryer doors, and absolutely no flammable items in the vicinity while it’s in action. But if you’re leaning toward the pantry route, consider hooking up a small fan to dispel some of the heat generated by the air fryer.

Dedicated Air Fryer Station

If you’re fortunate enough to have ample counter space, creating a dedicated air fryer station is the ultimate solution. Outfitting this station with the right tools can significantly enhance your cooking experience, especially if you’re a frequent air fryer user.

The countertop you set the air fryer on needs to be heat-resistant. Without the right protection, the surface will start peeling after prolonged use of your air fryer. This is especially true with vinyl or laminate countertops.

Although granite and marble are the best options, you can also find an affordable silicone mat or other heat-resistant materials like trivets to place under the air fryer. Your countertop will thank you for it!

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Tools and Organization

As with any cooking setup, maintaining an organized space is the secret sauce to ensuring top-notch and timely meals. If your cooking space has a cupboard or drawer within arms reach, consider it prime real estate to store your air fryer tools.

After you use your air fryer a couple of times, you will discover the tools you use the most. These are the ones that deserve a spot right by your air fryer’s side. At the very least, you should have two hot pads, must-have air fryer accessories, and a handy meat probe within easy grasp.

What’s more, a good pair of metal tongs is a game-changer, not just for flipping food while it cooks but also for safely extracting those sizzling hot air fryer racks.

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Air Fryer Safety Concerns

Air fryers are generally safe, so long as a couple of safety protocols are followed. It’s crucial to be aware of the common safety concerns to ensure your cooking experience is both enjoyable and risk-free.

Here are some key safety considerations to keep in mind:

• Always read the manufacturer’s instructions before operating the air fryer. Although all air fryers operate the same, each one has unique features and functions, and you should familiarize yourself with them before air frying.
• Where you put your air fryer is the most important decision you must make regarding safety. Experiment with different areas in your kitchen to find the safest and most convenient spot. Not only is this safe, but it also helps you see how convenient the area is for cooking.
• All air fryers need enough space to dispel hot air, which also makes the outside of the air fryer hot. If you touch the air fryer during its cooking process, use a hot pad or oven mitt. You should do this even when removing the air fryer basket, as the handle will be hot to the touch.
• The power cord is also an important safety concern. After setting up your air fryer, it’s a good idea to tie off and secure the excess portion of the power cord. This will protect the cord from falling off of the counter and from possibly falling into the sink.
• If space allows, don’t set the air fryer next to a humid area like a sink or dishwasher that is running. The moisture can short out the air fryer’s power cord. Also, don’t set the air fryer near the stove if you’re going to use it at the same time. The extreme heat can overheat the air fryer and may cause a fire.
• If your space is small, you can always remove the basket and set it on a heat-resistant surface, like a cutting board, while removing the food.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

There are a few common mistakes that you should avoid when deciding where to place your air fryer in your kitchen.

Inadequate Door Clearance

Once you’ve settled on a spot, always double-check that you can easily swing open the air fryer’s door. It’s not just a matter of convenience; improper door clearance can lead to nasty burns when removing hot food.

Not Using Heat Resistant Countertop

Using a non heat resistant material under the air fryer is one of the most common mistakes people make. While you might get away with it for a couple of uses, over time, the vented hot air from the air fryer can wreak havoc on non-heat-resistant surfaces, causing them to peel, warp, or even break.

Insufficient Space and Air Flow

Ensure you’ve allocated enough space for your air fryer. It needs room to vent hot air properly, so don’t cramp its style. Again, adequate ventilation is a must. Make sure there’s enough airflow around your air fryer for it to function properly.

Flammable Materials Nearby

Keep flammable or combustible materials far away from your air fryer. Safety first!

Uneven Surface

Place your air fryer on a level surface so that the food can cook evenly. This not only ensures proper cooking but also prevents any accidental tip-overs.

Finding the Sweet Spot for Your Air Fryer

Air frying is not only enjoyable but also a healthier way to prepare food. That said, where you put your air fryer isn’t just a matter of convenience; it’s a crucial aspect of safety and functionality.

Before setting up your air fryer, find out what the safety considerations are and how to avoid them. For most air fryers, the most important issues are proper ventilation, enough counter space, and avoiding electrical shock.

Remember that your kitchen layout and design are important to the size of the air fryer you buy. You don’t want an undersized or oversized air fryer, but you also don’t want to take up valuable kitchen counter space.

If your kitchen has adequate space, the best place to put your air fryer is in a ventilated pantry or cabinet. This keeps it neatly tucked away, minimizing tripping hazards and maintaining a clutter-free cooking area. A kitchen island is another option, providing easy access while preserving precious countertop real estate.

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Source: https://gardencourte.com
Categories: Kitchens